Bombay Cat 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know

Do you love black cats? Well then there is the perfect cat breed for you - the Bombay cat! Bombay cats are the ultimate black cats and have a glossy coat that will make you fall in love with them even more. Their golden saucer eyes add to their appealing looks. These cats are endearing in every way and make wonderful furry companions. Apart from their super good looks, these cats are also very agreeable in nature and get along well with their humans. They have a friendly nature as well. The Bombay Cat is medium in size; however, they feel heavier than they look as they have heavy bones. They are muscular cats with round heads and even feet! Their glossy coat is beautiful to look at and makes you want to pet them even more. With a characteristic ‘sway like’ walk, these cats love to indulge in a good play time. So, if your routine permits you to play and engage with your cat then the Bombay Cat should be your pick! 

The Story  

Cats have always intrigued people - they make great pets and enjoy their own space as well. The origins of the Bombay Cat date back to the 1950’s. It was during this time that American breeders wanted a cat that had the structure and appearance of a Burmese and at the same time had a deep black, glossy coat. They intended to make the cat resemble the Great Black Leopard. Keeping this aim in mind, a breeding program started with the Burmese cat and a Black American Short hair cat with copper eyes. The cat that resulted from this breeding program was called the Bombay Cat which reminded everyone of the Black Leopard as they do resemble them. It was in the 1970’s that the Bombay Cat was recognized by the show bench. This is a not a common cat and is rare to find. They are crowd pleasers and do very well at shows. 

What’s a Bombay Cat Breed Like? 

Temperament 

Here is a fun fact, the Bombay Cat is often called the ‘Velcro cat’ as they tend to stay close to their human companions. They enjoy human company and may even follow their favorite human from one room to another! They are even good and friendly with strangers – in short, they may not shy away when there is a guest in your house.  

Bombay Cats are curious when it comes to their minds and like to stay active. They are also very adaptive and adjust to change very easily. Their favorite place in the world is to be by the window side and look at the world outside. All in all, these cats are extremely affectionate and love engaging in a good playtime with their owners.  

When in a good mood, they may even jump in your lap and sit with you for a long stretch of time. Since these cats are quite high when it comes to socializing, it is a bad idea to leave them alone for long periods of time. Their affectionate personality makes them want your attention. Therefore, make sure you can give your Bombay Cat enough time every day and stay dedicated to them as a parent. 

Features 

The Bombay Cat is very friendly, highly sociable and is a perfect cat for anyone who wants a pet that resembles a panther but is amicable - and smaller in size! These cats were bred specifically to resemble the Indian Black Panther without having a drop of wild blood in them.  

The Bombay Cat is known to be hardy and sturdy. It is both loyal and intelligent. Their solid black coat is beautiful to look at and is soft to touch. They have low grooming needs and need attention from their owners. This breed of cat has a particular style of walking attached to them. When they walk, they seem to be in a ‘sway like’ motion which further heightens their similarity to the black panther. 

Bombay Cats are known to be round all over. They have round heads. The chin, eyes and even feet are round. They don’t do too well if left alone for long periods of time. If you plan on getting a Bombay Cat, then make sure you can give them time and attention daily as they love human company.  

Colours  

Black 

Overall health 

The black and sleek coat can be taken care of by the Bombay Cat by themselves. They also shed very little, but they do tend to do heavy shedding during the shedding seasons. If you do weekly brushing for your Bombay Cat, it should suffice.  

Otherwise, healthy, the Bombay Cat is prone to certain health problems. They tend to get gingivitis. Therefore, you can make sure that you brush their teeth regularly. It also helps in maintaining oral hygiene. You can take them for oral dental exams as well. Make sure that you get their vaccinations done on time. It is advised to keep in touch with your vet when it comes to their health.  

When to Visit the Vet?  

Being a pet parent means taking care of your kitty’s needs. To ensure that your Bombay Cat has a long life, it is important to take them for regular vet checkups. If you notice your cat exhibiting any unusual symptoms, take it to the vet immediately.  

Upon reaching senior age, you will need to take your Bombay Cat to the vet every six months to get them checked for eye problems or any other age-related problem. For further information, book an online vet consultation today.