Bombay Cat Breed Information

Quick Facts

  • Life span: 12-16 years
  • Weight: 6-11 pounds
  • Fun fact: Bombay’s can be quite good at fetch! Some even learn to walk on a leash like a dog!
  • Maintenance level: low

Famous for a resemblance to black panthers, the Bombay is among the most popular cat breeds today. In fact, according to cattime.com, among all cat breed profiles, the Bombay is the 20th most-clicked on their website. If you would love a black panther look-a-like in your home, here’s what you need to know about Bombays.

A Little History

The Bombay’s origin traces back to 1953 when Nikki Horner, a breeder in Kentucky, aimed to breed a feline that resembled the black leopard of India. To achieve her goal, she crossed American Shorthairs with Burmese. She then chose to name the breed after the city of Bombay in India. While she was not initially successful, her efforts gained traction around 1965,.and by the 1970s, her felines were accepted into championship competitions. Horner bred cats since the age of 16, but retired on top after the Bombay was welcomed with open arms by the cat fancier community.

What are Bombay Cats Like?

Typically, cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, but not the Bombay. This breed’s coat is a solid, deep, high-gloss black. Some have even compared their coat to the appearance of patent leather. Overwhelmingly, many agree that the Bombay looks like a tiny, domiciled version of a black leopard or panther.

While some breeds are known to bond with a single member of the household, Bombays tend to seek affection from the entire family. They get along with children and love to play. In many cases they get along with other animals, but they largely prefer the company of humans.

Caring for Bombays

You won’t need to strip your Bombay’s coat like other breeds. In fact, you can easily remove dead hair by simply petting them. Whether you use your hand or a brush, be sure to try to distribute their natural skin oils evenly to protect and replenish their coat. Bombays rarely require a bath, but you should still brush their teeth routinely. Remember to wipe debris from their eyes, using a separate part of the cloth for each eye, to avoid cross-contamination.

Bombays are quite healthy compared to many other breeds, which is most likely due to their recent introduction as a breed, which occurred from a genetic cross. Such a cross tends to result in an effect known as hybrid vigor. Nevertheless, some of the most common medical conditions that affect cats include vomiting, feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), and eye problems. You should visit your veterinarian regularly to monitor for any possible health concerns and address any symptoms early.

The Cost

Depending on its pedigree, a breeder may charge between $500 and $2,000 for a Bombay kitten. New pet parents should also allocate about $1,200 for first-year expenses, which include food, supplies, and initial veterinary care. After that, expect to spend around $500 annually on routine veterinary care and food.

Sandy Says

This is another one of my favorite breeds. They are very friendly and crave attention their entire life.  If you want to add a cat to your home, this may be your best option-unless you do not like vocal breeds.  They typically live a long life, and are very intelligent creatures.  They have a beautiful black coat with large green or copper eyes.

 

The truth is that we can’t predict when our furry family members will become sick or get hurt. Unfortunately, the cost of medical bills can be just as unpredictable.  However, a pet insurance policy from 4Paws Insurance allows you to worry less about cost and focus more on the care your pet needs.

 

 

Sources
https://www.cfa.org
https://www.petmd.com
https://www.cattime.com
https://www.tica.org
https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_bombay1