One of the distinctions that make the Bombay cats different from others is their black color. They are miniature, and their hairs are black from the roots to the tips, tight, short, and very shiny. Even their noses and paws are black. They also have an attractive trait which is their golden eyes. When you combine their gold eyes with the black coat, their looks are very striking.
These felines are deceptively heavy with a muscular build, and they are small. When you’re going to pick them up, you can be surprised by their weight. They walk similar to the black panther, and they are a sight to behold. Read more about this breed in this link here.
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History of the Cats
This lovely breed has been a dream of the exhibitor and long-time breeder, Nikki Horner. Ms. Horner came from Louisville, Kentucky, and she wanted a patent leather kid with copper penny eyes. They are described as parlor panthers, and the name came from their resemblance to the black panthers usually seen in Bombay, India. They can perform various tricks like heeling when commanded and fetch items for their owners.
The sable kittens are produced in litters, especially if the parents are sable Burmese. Even if they have a “wild” face, they are fully domesticated, and they are a cross between the sable Burmese and the Black American Shorthair. The quintessential black colors are only the ones allowed to be represented in the events of the Cat Fanciers Association.
The breeds with qualities that are excellent for shows have short muzzles and round heads. Their appearance may resemble that of a Burmese, but they are not often relatively compact and are much more significant. Since there’s a blending of two very different species, the show-quality ones are often challenging to produce for many breeders.
The litters of parents are often for owners who want an excellent companion and a domesticated cat. They mature slowly, and the qualities that are unique to their appearance may not fully show until they are one year and a half of age.
Temperaments to Know About
Since Bombay is the result of the union between two excellent and domesticated pet parents, it’s not surprising that they love to be the center of attention. They wanted to be with their caregivers’ shoulders all the time. They are called the “lap fungus” because it’s difficult to remove them once seated on the shoulders. Learn more if these breeds are right for you in this link here: https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-breeds/bombay.
They are more likely to bond with family members, and they will follow you from one room to another to check what you’re doing. They adore a lot of attention but may develop depression and anxieties when they don’t receive it.
Since they are an active breed, they are relatively happy and sociable. One of their influences is the American shorthair that usually influences their activity levels. They are more toned down than the Burmese and less vocal. They have their own assertive opinions about how you should run your entire household. They are trainable and intelligent as well.
Usual Health Problems to Know About
If you notice that something is amiss with them, you can take them to a veterinary check-up to see what’s going on. Read more about how to care for them on Holistapet cat guides to know more information. Regular vaccinations can help them as well as other preventative measures. Overall, their health should not be a concern, especially relatively young because they have robust bodies. However, it’s still helpful if you could watch out for the following problems.
- Runny noses and sinus problems
- Craniofacial defects where the head is deformed in a severe way upon birth. These are the ones that the breeders usually euthanize.
When they are about five to nine months old, it’s best if you can neuter or spay them. They usually reach their peak sexual maturity as early as five months.
Their obesities may shorten their lifespans, and you should be able to take action and monitor your pet’s weight to see if they have any excess pounds. Always be mindful of their dental hygiene and do some tooth brushing regularly to prevent any gingivitis.
It’s also worth noting that Bombay is an indoor cat. You can prevent them from getting into accidents and fight injuries when you keep them inside the house most of the time.
About their Nutrition and Diet
The breed does not explicitly have any special requirements. As with all the other felines, it’s best if you can provide them with high-quality dry food and wet food as well. If your pet shows some signs of obesity, you need to discuss their overall feeding schedule with the vet. The elderly Bombay, kittens, and others with known health conditions may need to eat a specialized diet. Make sure to provide them with clean and fresh water.
You can adopt them through online breeders, or you can find one near your area. It’s best to find one in a rescue organization and assume the ones neglected by their parents.
Before deciding if this will be the perfect breed for you, research their maintenance, care, and temperament. They are generally rare, and you should talk with a reputable owner about their vaccinations and needed care. Contact a breeder’s club if you have doubts and questions about their health. If you’re interested in other breeds, you can try Bengal or tuxedo cats since they share the same mannerisms with Bombay.
