Although its name makes us think of India, the truth is that this breed of cat was intentionally created in the United States by breeder Nikki Horner, who sought to create a completely black breed with soft fur. To do so, she crossed a Burmese sable cat with a black American cat, obtaining the Bombay catThis new feline was named for its great resemblance to a Bombay black panther.
This domestic cat It stands out for its jet-black fur, its elegant appearance and its affectionate nature. We are going to explore in depth its physical characteristics, origin, behavior, diet, and special care, so that you know absolutely everything about this fascinating breed.
Physical characteristics of the Bombay Cat
El Physical appearance of the Bombay cat It is unmistakable and very similar to that of a miniature panther.. This cat has a average size, with strong and compact muscles. Males are usually larger than females. They have short legs and a straight, thick, medium-length tail.
One of the most striking aspects of this feline is its fur. It is completely black, from root to tip, shiny and very soft to the touch.. In addition, their coat is short and close to the body without curls or fluff. Any white speck is considered a defect in the breed.
Su The head is rounded, with small ears that are rounded at the tips., which gives it a friendly appearance. The Bombay's eyes are large and expressive and are a deep copper or gold colour, although cats bred in the United Kingdom may occasionally have eyes with a slight green tint.
Origin of the Bombay Cat
The history of the Bombay cat dates back to the 50s, when cat breeder Nikki Horner, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, decided to create a breed that looked like a real miniature black panther, but had the temperament of a domestic cat.
To achieve her goal, the breeder crossed cats American Shorthairs black with cats Burmese sableThis crossing was not easy and took several years until in 1965 the Bombay cat was achieved as we know it today, with shiny black fur and copper-colored eyes.
The name Bombay was chosen because of the cats' resemblance to the black panthers found around the port of Bombay (now Mumbai), India.
The Bombay cat was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1976, and has since been gaining popularity, although it is still a rare breed in Europe.
Behavior and personality of the Bombay Cat
El Bombay cat This is a breed known for its affectionate, sociable and intelligent personality. Contrary to what you might expect, this cat is not a solitary cat; in fact, these felines are extremely dependent on human company.
They are known for being lap cats They enjoy affection from their owners. They also exhibit a great capacity for play, especially with children, and can be easily trained to perform simple tricks thanks to their natural intelligence.
The Bombay cat will often meow in soft tones to get its owners' attention, although they are not as vocal or loud as other breeds, such as the Siamese. They are calm cats, but at the same time very playful.
They can adapt to different environments, but it is important that they have enough company. If they spend a lot of time alone, they can suffer from separation anxietyTo avoid this discomfort, it is advisable to offer them toys or even consider having another cat as a companion. However, their temperament attached to humans can make it difficult to live with other cats.
Bombay Cat Care
The Bombay cat requires specific care to maintain its good health and beautiful appearance. Below we explain the most important aspects:
proper nutrition
A good diet is essential to keep the Bombay's coat shiny and its energy at its best. It should be rich in protein and nutrients, avoiding foods with a high grain content, which could interfere with digestion.
El I think of high quality is essential, and vitamin supplements can also be added to ensure good development. It is important that the diet of Bombay cats is controlled, as they have a tendency to gain weight. Excess weight can lead to health problems, such as obesity.
It is advisable to offer them high protein foods, such as food specially designed for cats, and control portions to avoid overfeeding.
Coat and nail care
El Bombay cat furAlthough short, it requires some care to maintain its shine. Occasional brushing with a soft brush and rubbing with a leather cloth will be enough to intensify the natural shine.
It is also important to have a scratching post at home so that your cat can keep its nails in good condition and stretch its muscles. Remember to trim its nails regularly if you find that the scratching post is not enough.
Environment and stimulation
The Bombay cat is an active and curious cat, so it needs a stimulating environment. They love to climb and jump at medium heights., so it would be ideal to have structures such as cat trees or shelves that they can access.
Also, due to their dependent and playful nature, They need to spend time with their ownersThey greatly enjoy interactive games, such as chasing feather toys or balls. It is recommended to spend time playing with them every day to avoid boredom.
Bombay Cat Health
In general, the Bombay cat is a healthy breed and does not present any major health problems. However, due to its Burmese ancestors, may be prone to diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a hereditary disease that affects the heart.
It is essential to carry out regular veterinary check-ups to detect any symptoms in time. If you notice that your Bombay has trouble breathing or loses consciousness, you should take him to the vet immediately.
This breed can also be prone to catching colds due to its tendency to seek out heat sources. Make sure your Bombay cat is not exposed to drafts and always has a warm place to retreat to.
Family life
The Bombays are excellent family catsTheir affectionate and sociable temperament makes them the ideal companion for people of all ages. They get along well with small children, as they enjoy playing and human company.
In addition, They are tolerant of other cats and dogs., as long as they are given adequate time to adapt to changes in the home. Although in some cases they can be jealous of their owners, in general, they adapt well to living with other animals.
Being a breed that makes little noise, You won't have to worry about excessive meowing.Their calm nature and soft meows make them ideal for apartment life.
The Bombay Cat It is characterized by its elegant appearance and affectionate nature.. His shiny black coat and intense eyes make him unmistakable. His docile and sociable personality also makes him an excellent life companion. With proper care, including a protein-rich diet, interactive games, and regular visits to the vet, you will enjoy a healthy and happy cat for many years.
I had one… And it is true that he was very affectionate, so much so that I mourned his death, as if he were a brother of the family. I knew that he loved me. It has lasted 19 years. Greetings
I found a Bombay kitten in the street when she was 2 months pregnant, some neighbors brought her for pest control from their warehouses, she cleaned up but when she finished they did not take care of the cat leaving her on the street without eating ... She crossed paths with a gray neighborhood cat and her kittens came out like her, 3 black and one dark gray, but with her physiognomy, apparently they are all kittens, they are beautiful, I am giving them up for adoption. They already took the gray brindle color this beautiful and they do not shed hair, they are tender, clean and they take care of my children when they are sick, they do not detach until they see them well. They are incredible.
Yes, cats are wonderful. 🙂