Bombay
A common Bombay cat
OriginUnited States
Breed standards
CFAstandard
TICAstandard
ACFstandard
ACFA/CAAstandard
CCA-AFCstandard
Domestic cat (Felis catus)

The Bombay cat is a short-haired breed of domestic cat. Bombays are glossy solid black cats with a muscular build, and have characteristic large bright copper-golden eyes.[1][2][3] The breed is named after the Indian city of Bombay (Mumbai),[4] referring to the habitat of the Indian black leopard.[5]

There exist two different variants of Bombay breed; the American Bombay and the British Bombay, which are both referred to as just Bombay. American-type Bombays were developed by crossbreeding sable American Burmese and black American Shorthair cats,[1][5] to produce a cat of mostly Burmese type, but with a sleek, panther-like black coat with copper-golden eyes. British-type Bombays are solid black-coloured Asian Self cats under the Asian group, a group of European Burmese and chinchilla Persian crosses.[1][6] The British-type Bombay originated from three mismatings of European Burmese with black domestic short-haired cats.[7]

This article covers the American-type Bombay, see Asian cat for the British-type Bombay.

History

The breed was developed by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville, Kentucky, who, starting in 1958, attempted to create a breed of cat that resembled a miniature black panther.[4][5][8] The first attempt was a failure, but the second, in 1965, was successful. The breed was officially recognised and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970 and The International Cat Association in 1979.[4][8]

Appearance

Six-month old kitten

The Bombay is described as the “patent leather kid with the new penny eyes.”[2][5] The Bombay is a short-haired breed of domestic cat, closely related to the Burmese. Bombay cats are characterised as having an all-black coat, including the whiskers, and black skin, including the soles, nose leather and mouth. The close-lying, sleek and glossy black coat is of mature cats is coloured to the roots with no paling (exceptions are allowed in juvenile cats less than 2 years old).[4] The eyes are always copper-golden coloured,[1][2] and green eyes are not allowed.[2][3]

Two adults

The Bombay has a medium-sized, Oriental-type body build that is muscular.[1][4] Their weight ranges between 2.5–5 kg (5.5–11.0 lb),[1] with males typically being heavier than females.[3][9]

Breed standard

Body: Medium size, graceful and elongated Oriental-type body.[1] Elegant tail of medium length.[3]

Side profile of the head

Head: Rounded heads with no sharp angles, and short.[3] The shape is smooth. The muzzle is short, with a moderate nose “stop” which is visible (not a break).[2][3] The medium-sized ears are wide-set, straight, and rounded at the tips. The large, round eyes are set far apart[3] and are always copper-coloured,[2] but can range from bright orange to warm golden.[3] Green eyes are not allowed.[2][3]

Coat: Short, dense and shiny, tight to the body, with a lacquered sheen.[10] Only completely solid black coloured coats are allowed.[2][3]

Weight: For females, the average is 6 to 8 pounds. For males, the average is 8 to 10 pounds.[6]

Health

A healthy Bombay can live approximately 15 to 20 years.[9] They can have some nasal and sinus problems, and gingivitis.[11] Their food intake should be controlled to avoid overfeeding.[11]

Temperament

The personality of the Bombay tends to be highly social, is marked by strong attachment to families, and is typified by craving attention. As a breed, they are therefore highly suitable for children.[12]

Bombay cats are happy and comfortable being strictly indoor cats, and can comfortably live in a single room apartment, so long as all of their needs are met.[13] They prefer quiet surroundings.[13]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Van Zyl, Miezan (2015). The cat encyclopedia - the definitive visual guide. London: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 9780241234884. OCLC 1322361804.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Bombay TICA breed standard" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Bombay CFA breed standard" (PDF). CFA.org. Cat Fanciers' Association. 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Bombay". TICA.org. The International Cat Association (TICA). 13 August 2018. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Bombay". CFA.org. Cat Fanciers' Association. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  6. 1 2 Fogle, B.: The Encyclopedia of the Cat. Dorling Kindersley Limited: 2008
  7. ↑ "Bombay and Asian Cats Breed Club". www.bombayandasiancatsbreedclub.org. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  8. 1 2 "History". Rokstarr Bombay. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Bombay Cat Breed Profile". pet-adoption-guide.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2013.
  10. ↑ "How does Bombay look like?". bombaykittens.com. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  11. 1 2 "Cat Breeds – The Bombay Cat – Cats, Chaos and Confusion". cats-chaos-and-confusion.com. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  12. ↑ "Bombay Cat". Petfinder. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  13. 1 2 Adams, Charlene Tuttle (1995). Beauty of Cats. World Publications, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1-57215-086-7. Retrieved 5 April 2023.

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