Have you ever wanted a mini-panther with the personality of a playful best friend? Look no further than the lovingly fun and stunning Bombay! If you’re curious whether this friendly feline is a perfect match for your home and lifestyle, read about its care requirements and what makes this beautiful black cat breed an excellent companion.
Basic Characteristics of Bombays
Originating in the 1950s as a breeder’s attempt to create a miniature panther-like domesticated breed by combining American Shorthair and Burmese cats, the Bombay became a unique new addition to the wide range of cat breeds that so many know and love. In 1976, the breed became formally accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association and became recognized by the International Cat Association in 1979.
Weighing in at about 15 pounds as grown adults and growing to about 20 inches in length, this average-size cat breed is an excellent option for those looking for a pet that doesn’t fall too far out of the standard sizing range for felines. Male Bombays will usually be on the larger size weight-wise, while female Bombays may only weigh up to 10 pounds at the very maximum. Bombays will typically live between 10 and 16 years, providing pet parents with plenty of years to spend with a playful, loving companion—and they certainly have the temperament to spend plenty of time with their favorite people and enjoy endless attention and playtime.
The most characteristic aspect of this breed is its shiny jet-black coat, which is short. This gives it a sleek appearance that contrasts greatly with its bright and often golden or copper eyes. Occasionally, some Bombay litters may produce kittens with sable coloring due to their Burmese heritage, too.
Temperament of Bombays
The Bombay makes a fantastic companion for those who live alone and are home frequently, as well as those with families and children. The breed is known for being very vocal, affectionate, and playful, and they do not do well with isolation. Bombays are incredibly social and love interacting with their families, complete strangers, and even other pets, such as dogs. Their outgoing and friendly attitude makes them great candidates for those who like taking their cat out on a leash or in a personal carrier to tag along for errands, social events, and more.
Due to their friendly and energetic nature, however, socialization, frequent interaction, and daily playtime are necessary to keep members of this cat breed mentally and emotionally thriving and living their best lives. These cats love to be right where the people are and will always try their best to get your attention.
Exercise for Bombays
This cat breed loves to play and find any excuse to interact with those around the home or anywhere else they may be. Spending adequate time playing with various cat toys to keep your Bombay running and pouncing and burning off its playful energy is necessary to prevent stress and anxiety that could lead to destructive or undesirable behaviors. It’s also necessary to ensure you have adequate climbing space (i.e., cat trees, safe perching areas, etc.) to let them move as they please and easily adventure around the home.
Additionally, it’s important to consider providing plenty of mental exercise for these cats. Bombays are highly intelligent, so bringing some puzzle-based toys into the home to keep them busy and keep their minds sharp is a great way to manage their potential for mischief. Their sharp minds also make them a breed capable of being trained and learning various tricks and games. However, a lack of training and proper stimulation will undoubtedly lead to a Bombay instead using their smarts to cause a stir around the home.
Grooming Your Bombay
Bombays tend to be low maintenance due to their short, sleek coats, but it’s still a good idea to regularly groom your cat to provide ample time to check their physical health for any changes and bond closer to them. Simply brushing your Bombay once weekly should be sufficient for keeping their fur clean and in great shape, as they’ll handle most of the grooming themselves. Additionally, helping your cat become accustomed to grooming and handling as early as possible will make checkups and tasks like nail trimming much easier compared to those who may be uncomfortable with such types of physical contact.
Although you may certainly provide scratching posts and other items to wear your cat’s nails down without having to clip them yourself, still taking the time to help your Bombay become comfortable with hands-on grooming and handling is highly beneficial if your feline companion ever needs any healthcare that requires them to be touched on sensitive areas like their paws.
Vet/Medical Care for Bombays
Bombays tend to be a very healthy cat breed, but they do have a few health concerns that pet parents should be aware of. One of the top concerns for this breed is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a condition that results in thickening of the heart muscles and is a frequent issue in many cat breeds since it’s genetic. Additionally, it’s noted that Bombays appear to be more susceptible to respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and other conditions.
As with any feline, Bombays are still at risk of developing other common issues such as various dental diseases, diabetes, and cancers. In many cases, ensuring your Bombay receives adequate nutrition and regular checkups can help prevent these conditions or catch them early enough to provide sufficient treatment. Staying on top of your cat’s recommended vaccinations is also a great way to avoid many feline health concerns, and you should always be sure to reach out to your veterinarian if you have any worries about changes in your cat’s health, eating habits, or activity levels.
Bringing a Bombay Kitty Home
Bombays are a wonderful and loving breed to add to your family. Still, they need to be members of homes that can provide the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive and stay content.
For those wanting to adopt a Bombay from a reputable breeder, the price range is $500 up to $2,000, with the heavier price tag attached to those with show backgrounds in their bloodline. It’s also important to note that you should always select a breed with a good reputation for confirming the health of your potential Bombay kitten, its littermates, and those that came before it.
There are also many rescues looking to rehome Bombay cats of all ages that need loving families, and these can be found in your area via the Adopt a Pet and Petfinder directories. Often, these rescues will provide more affordable adoption fees and may also be able to provide you with information from fosters or previous families of the cats to let you know how compatible a Bombay you may be interested in based on their temperament, preferences, and whether they’ve previously been around children, dogs, or other pets.
Once you’ve found your perfect new feline friend, we here at Space Coast Pet Services would love to help make the adjustment period for you and your new furry family member as simple as possible with our range of home drop-in services and much more. Please feel free to contact us today!
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