The Bombay - The Elegant "Parlor Panther" Cat

Bombay cat

Bombay are a type of short-haired cats developed by breeding sable Burmese and black American Shorthair cats to produce a cat of mostly Burmese type, but with a sleek, tight black coat.

Bombay cats are relatively small cats.

They're muscular yet very nimble and quick, just like other cats. The signature of Bombay cats is their sleek, black coat. Odds are if a black cat ever crossed your path, it was a Bombay.

Bombay cats have very round heads and a stout muzzle.

Their eyes are wide and rounded. The eyes of British Bombay cats are typically gold or green in color, while the eyes of American Bombay's have a very distinct orange hue to them. Their ears are similar to most cats; medium-sized and rounded at the top.

Black to the roots

the Bombay's coat invites caressing with its fine, satinlike texture and shimmering 'patent leather' sheen. Bombays develop slowly, gaining their eye color and gleaming coat well after they are four months old. Some prospective buyers tend to think the kittens look rather ordinary. Bombays, like fine wine, seem to improve with age.

The Bombay was first developed in the 1950s

by a Louisiana breeder named Nikki Horner. She aimed to create a breed that resembled a small panther, and used certain American Shorthairs and Burmese to obtain an all-black, copper-eyed cat.

In 1976, The Cat Fanciers Association granted Championship status to the Bombay. The International Cat Association considers the Bombay part of the Burmese group. The breed is also recognized by the American Cat Fanciers Association. All three registries allow the crossbreeding of Burmese and Bombay.

The Bombay is calm, gentle and affectionate.

The Bombay is an easygoing and tolerant cat who takes life as it comes. He enjoys greeting visitors and gets along well with children, dogs and other cats, although he will expect to be the one in charge. It's not unusual for him to learn to walk on a leash or to play active games such as fetch, but he also has a reputation as a lap cat. The Bombay loves attention, so do not get one if you don't have the time or desire to interact with him frequently. He will want to be involved in everything you do.

It has been said that if you want a dog, a cat, kangaroo, or a monkey, you want a Bombay.

Bombays can often be leash trained, most enjoy playing "fetch," and all are fond of inventing new ways to entertain themselves and the folks that live with them. Bombays are congenial and outgoing, and make intelligent, affectionate companions. They do well with children and will often act as a "greeter" with visitors. They live compatibly with dogs and other pets as well. The Bombay generally combines the easy-going temperament and robust nature of the American Shorthair and the social, inquisitive, lap-loving character of the Burmese. They are a snuggler

The Bombay is a highly social breed that loves to be in the company of others.

Bombays tend to be attached to their families and crave attention, and for this reason this breed is highly suitable for children. Most Bombay cats are not independent. Older Bombays are somewhat more independent than younger ones. They seek attention from their owners and people around them often and dislike being left alone for extended periods of time. Although they like to be around people generally, Bombay Cats also tend to have a certain person whom they pay special attention to in their lives. Overall, the Bombay breed is intelligent, playful, and attention-seeking. They tend to get along well with other cats, as they have an established pecking order in the household. They have a very distinctive purr and love to snuggle.

Bombay’s are “heat-seekers”, they simply love to be warm.

You'll often find your Bombay sleeping in sunlight or next to heaters when its cold. Bombay's often tend to sleep on their owners when lying down for the warmth

Bombay’s love attention.

The enjoy being held and being pet. Some Bombay's even take on dog-like characteristics like playing fetch, for example. They enjoy being around people, but tend to select a certain someone to pay special close attention to. Bombay's are also great with young children.

Overall, the Bombay is a sensitive and intelligent cat that is perfect for a first-time cat owner.