Introducing the Bombay
Find out everything you need to know about the Bombay: its characteristics, its behaviour, its training and how much one costs.
The Bombay
The Bombay, a little panther in your living room
The Bombay is a unique cat with an elegant, mysterious allure. Born in the United States, it is the result of a carefully crafted cross between the Burmese cat and the black American Shorthair cat. The result is a cat with a shiny, satin-like black coat and captivating golden or copper eyes.
This cat is renowned for its affectionate, playful temperament, combining the playfulness of a kitten with the dignity of a miniature panther. Despite its wild appearance, the Bombay is an extremely gentle and endearing companion. It loves to be the center of attention and blends perfectly into family life, getting on well with children and other pets.
BOMBAY FOLD FACT FILE
This selection outlines the unique features of the Bombay breed of cat.
Size
The Bombay is a medium-sized cat, measuring around 9,8 to 11,8 inches in height and weighing between 8 and 13 pounds.
Coat length
They are distinguished by their short, dense, satiny coat that shines with a unique brilliance.
Allergies
Although not hypoallergenic, the Bombay, with its short coat, may be a suitable choice for some people with mild allergies.
Coat Colour
The Bombay's coat is exclusively black, with a deep, even sheen, reminiscent of a panther.
Living Environment
They adapts well to apartment living, but also appreciates a secure outdoor space in which to explore.
Sociability
The Bombay is a sociable and affectionate breed and are generally getting on well with children and other animals.
Health
The Bombay is generally in good health, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain specific hereditary conditions.
Training
This even-tempered cat is relatively easy to train, responding well to a gentle, patient approach.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Bombay, a burst of night
The Bombay is distinguished by its intense, shiny black coat, reminiscent of the depth and mystique of a moonless night.
Size and weight of the Bombay
The Bombay is a medium-sized cat with a refined, elegant appearance. On average, they stand around 9-12 inches tall, weighing between 8-13 pounds for females and up to 13-17 pounds for males. Bombays reach adult size at around two years of age, with a muscular, athletic build and a tail of proportionate length.
The Bombay coat
Coat length
The Bombay's coat is short and smooth, with a satiny softness and a dense, even texture.
It is not considered to be a hypoallergenic breed; people with sensitivities or allergies may have reactions to its hair.
Coat colour
The Bombay's coat is uniformly black, with a glossy sheen that accentuates its resemblance to a small panther.
Coat care
Although the Bombay is not hypoallergenic, its short coat is low-maintenance. A weekly brushing is all it takes to keep its coat shiny and prevent the build-up of dead hairs.
Other characteristics of the Bombay
Other physical characteristics
Beyond its deep black coat, the Bombay is athletic and elegant. Moderately sized, but well muscled, Bombays are robust and agile. The Bombay's ears are medium-sized, broad at the base and rounded at the top, standing elegantly on its head. Their body structure is harmonious, with strong but not heavy bones and well defined muscles.
The Bombay's muzzle is full and rounded, harmonising with the rest of its fine features. Their eyes, one of their most distinctive features, are large, round and expressive, with colours ranging from golden yellow to intense copper.
Grooming
Grooming the Bombay is relatively simple because of its short coat. A weekly brushing is all it takes to keep its coat shiny and healthy. Although the Bombay does not moult as much as long-haired breeds, more frequent brushing can be beneficial during moulting periods to remove dead hairs and keep the coat clean.
Baths are not necessary on a regular basis, but can be given occasionally using a mild shampoo suitable for cats. Although Bombay cats groom themselves effectively, a bath from time to time can help keep their coats in tip-top condition, especially in urban environments where cats may be exposed to more dirt and pollution.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
What is the temperament of the Bombay ?
The Bombay is a cat with an affectionate and sociable character, known for its gentle temperament and attachment to its owners.
Bombay sociability
An affectionate and sociable companion
The Bombay is recognized for its exceptional sociability and friendly behavior. It forms a strong bond with humans, showing deep affection and loyalty to its owner. It enjoys companionship and tends to follow its owner from room to room, constantly seeking interaction and attention.
This cat is also playful and energetic, but values cuddling and tender moments just as much. It communicates its emotions and desires through various vocalizations, ranging from soft purring to expressive meowing. The Bombay needs an attentive and available owner, capable of offering the affection and commitment it deserves.
An ideal family member
The Bombay has a calm and balanced temperament, making it an ideal companion for families, including those with children, dogs, and other cats. It is patient and accommodating, rarely showing aggression, even when pushed to the limit.
In uncomfortable or stressful situations, the Bombay tends to discreetly withdraw to find a quiet place to rest, rather than react defensively. Its peaceful nature and ease of cohabitation with other pets make it a harmonious addition to almost any household.
Living environment of the Bombay
A cat adaptable to all environments
The Bombay is an extremely adaptable cat, capable of thriving in various environments, whether it be an urban apartment or a house with a garden. However, the presence and attention of the owner are essential to its well-being.
Although it can live comfortably in smaller spaces, the Bombay appreciates a certain degree of freedom and space to explore and play. If you are worried about losing your pet, you can equip him with a GPS collar that will allow you to follow his activities and find him quickly.
An active and sociable companion
The Bombay is an active cat that loves to play and interact with its surroundings. It is important to provide interactive toys, cat trees, and space for exercise. Playing with its owner strengthens the bond and contributes to the emotional well-being of the cat.
Without adequate stimulation, the Bombay can become bored and develop destructive behaviors. It is also crucial to offer quiet spaces for rest, to maintain a balance between activity and relaxation.
Training the Bombay
Training of the Bombay should begin at an early age to ensure harmonious development. This breed responds well to training based on kindness, listening, rewards, and a certain firmness. Consistency in training is essential for the Bombay to assimilate and maintain good behaviors.
They respond well to play-based instruction, which can effectively aid in mental stimulation and the prevention of undesired habits. Engaging them in enjoyable learning activities promotes good behavior and deepens the human-cat bond.
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HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to take care of the Bombay ?
The Bombay is a cat with a peaceful and benevolent temperament, known for its good health and resilience. This breed does not have specific health problems and is generally robust.
Health of the Bombay
Health concerns
The Bombay enjoys excellent overall health and is less prone to diseases common in some other cat breeds. However, like many cats, it may be predisposed to hereditary diseases, such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, or polycystic kidney disease, which involves the formation of cysts in the kidneys.
We would advised you to conduct DNA tests to detect these diseases and prevent their transmission. Regular veterinary visits are essential to ensure vaccination against common diseases like feline panleukopenia and rabies and to maintain a general health check-up of the cat. Vigilance and proper care can help ensure a long and healthy life for the Bombay.
Feeding the Bombay
Quality nutrition for an elegant cat
The Bombay, with its medium size and well-defined musculature, requires quality nutrition to maintain its elegant silhouette and optimal health. It is recommended to choose high-nutritional-quality kibble as the basis of its diet. To diversify its diet and support renal health, the addition of water-rich green vegetables can be beneficial. These dietary supplements contribute to hydration and variety in its diet.
A balanced diet for growth
The Bombay reaches its adult size and body weight around the age of 2 years, having a relatively rapid growth. During this growth period, and even afterward, its diet must be adapted and controlled to meet its specific nutritional needs.
It is advised to maintain the same brand of kibble to keep continuity in its diet. Moreover, it is important to provide food at fixed times to prevent disturbances in the digestive system and ensure a balanced diet.
BREEDING OR ADOPTION & COST
How much does a Bombay cost ?
Although less common than other breeds, there are specialized breeders in France. Before adopting a Bombay, it is important to consider several factors.
Choosing the right Bombay
Finding the right breeder
Pedigree cats such as Bombay are often bred by professional breeders or in catteries. Prior to adoption, it's crucial to visit the breeding facility to assess the living conditions and ascertain their quality.
It's crucial to remember that mandated electronic identification, like microchipping, for dogs and cats isn't a legislative obligation that is consistently enforced in the US. Even in the absence of national regulations, microchipping is generally acknowledged as a reliable method of permanently identifying pets, greatly increasing the likelihood of lost pets being reunited with their owners.
It's also important to ensure that health check-ups and DNA tests have been conducted on the kitten and its parents to identify potential hereditary health issues.
The price of a Bombay
The acquisition cost of a Bombay cat can vary depending on several factors, such as lineage, pedigree, age, and the reputation of the breeder. Generally, the price of a Bombay kitten in the US can range between
and
. Adopting an adult Bombay can be more cost-effective, with prices typically ranging between
and
In addition to the initial cost, ongoing expenses such as veterinary care, food, and necessary accessories should be taken into account to ensure a comfortable and healthy life for the cat.
The annual maintenance cost of a Bombay cat averages between
and
Adopting a Bombay is a long-term commitment that requires careful consideration to ensure the well-being of the animal throughout its life.
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