The Bombay Cat

Nope, the Bombay cat does not originate from Bombay. This mini black panther is the cutest thing ever. Here’s the first in our series of cat breeds. Stay tuned

Imagine a jungle-like cat roaming in your apartment, free and outgoing, with those golden eyes following you everywhere you go. It’s like having a little leopard in your home, jet black, sleek but oh so friendly and affectionate. The Bombay cat is a mysterious one for sure but a common pet in both the US and the UK.

First and foremost, nope, the Bombay does not have its origins in Bombay or what is known today as Mumbai. It is a result of the vision of a breeder from Louisville, KY, Nikki Horner, who wanted to create a cat breed reminiscent of the Indian Black Leopard. She wanted something tame to cuddle but something fierce like the leopard of the Indian jungles. Bagheera comes to mind obviously, and who isn’t a Jungle Book fan? She wanted something that would not tear off both her arms. And it worked. The cross between the Burmese and the Black American Shorthair led to the emergence of the Bombay in 1965 in the US, of black-haired, golden-green-eyed kittens. It was also bred in the UK, FYI, as a result of a cross between the Burmese and Black Domestic Shorthairs. They might appear similar to a Burmese but they are slightly larger in size.

You might think every other black cat that crosses your path – we see n number in Bombay itself – is that “superstitious” black one but it’s not the Bombay. To tell a Bombay apart, check the coat, it must be black all the way to the roots. Even their whiskers, nose, eyelashes and foot pads are dark black. Technically, their eyes must be green though you have some with golden/copper hues. Striking, either way. Everything about them is compact and appears round like the head, the paws, the ears and the eyes. And they look so cute, like little leopards, especially when they’re playing with their catnip or that ball of yarn they just love.

The Bombay loves playtime and just about any time spent with their humans. They are very intelligent beings. The cat wants to “talk” to whoever will listen and will crave your attention as much as he can. They will ensure they get it, too. They do have a mind of their own, certainly curious as a cat. Theirs is a very outgoing personality, and the need to keep themselves occupied is high. So, make sure their toys are all made available, at their disposal. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The more you look at it, the Bombay cat is much like a dog!

It is a good thing to introduce your kids to a Bombay as they get along well, but bear in mind they have a ring-leader attitude – don’t most cats! A great benefit with them is that they are a low-maintenance breed as they shed less. Grooming would require you to brush them at least once a week. They do have a shiny, sleek appearance to maintain! Keep their ears and nails in check regularly and look out for health issues like respiratory difficulties, stomach upsets, pneumonia and bronchitis. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is another common heart disease which can occur in middle-aged Bombays, which involves the thickening of the heart wall. Also, the Bombay is a good eater and can get greedy, so food must be monitored to avoid obesity.

Bombay parents, be prepared to pet your cat daily, without fail. Other than that, you have a strong, sturdy, lovable and intelligent breed in your midst. There’s a lot to the Bombay that will keep you enthralled and entertained. Did you know that a kitten of this litter could be born pure white or sable, but worry not, for the black colour will come about on its own within a year. A Bombay cannot change its colour just like a leopard its spots.

So the next time you see a black cat cross your path, instead of cancelling out the evil, think instead, ‘could it be a Bombay?’

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: America
WEIGHT: 3.6-6.8 kgs.
HEIGHT: 13-20 ins.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12-18 years
COAT COLOUR: Black