Bombay cat: Description of the Breed
The Bombay cat is a short-haired cat breed from the USA. It’s characterized by its shiny black coat and resembles a miniature panther.
History of the Bombay cat
The Bombay cat does not originate from India, but from the USA.It’s a cross between the American Shorthair and the Burmese cat.
The aim of the breeder Nikki Horner at that time in 1955 was to breed a black cat with the appearance of a small panther. After initial failures she finally succeeded in 1965 and gave the new cat breed the name Bombay cat.
However, it took until the 1970s before it was recognized by large breeding associations like CFA. FiFé does not recognize the Bombay cat as an independent breed yet.
Look of the Bombay cat
The Bombay cat belongs to the somewhat smaller representatives among the domestic cats. While males can reach a weight of a little more than five kilograms, females weigh about three to five kilos.
Although the Bombay cat is quite slender, it has an athletic build, which is especially effective when running. Her large, round eyes should ideally be copper coloured. Since this eye colour is quite rare, animals with yellow or golden eyes are accepted.
Today one distinguishes three different breeding variants. Besides the original form, which has become rare in the meantime, the Bombay cat is also available in a modern as well as in a European form.
The modern form, which is especially popular in Switzerland, France and the USA, has a strikingly flat and broad snout, which reminds a little bit of the Persian cat. The European Bombay cat is usually a little bit bigger in comparison. It also has a longer muzzle and larger ears.
The coat of the Bombay cat
The close fitting coat of the Bombay cat is short and fine. It should have a silky sheen and according to the breed standard it may only be black. White spots are undesirable in a purebred Bombay cat.
Character of the Bombay cat
The Bombay cat is considered to be extremely sensitive and affectionate. She is very people-oriented and therefore does not like to be left alone for a longer period of time. The Bombay cat prefers to be a full member of the family and therefore always tries to take an active part in what is going on and to be close to her human companions.
Basically the Bombay cat is rather a quiet contemporary. Nevertheless, she is curious and playful, so that corresponding offers of employment, such as a cat fishing, are usually very well received.
The Bombay cat gets along with other cats in the household as well as with dogs or children. Its voice is rather quiet and its need to speak is only moderately pronounced compared to particularly communicative breeds like the Siamese cat.
Keeping and care of the Bombay cat
The Bombay cat is happy about the possibility to make occasional trips to a cat-safe garden. However, a general keeping as an outdoor cat is not necessary. Much more important to her is a close relationship to her human companions, whose attention and caresses she enjoys to the fullest.
Since the Bombay cat does not like to be left alone, especially working people should refrain from keeping her alone and if possible consider the purchase of a second four-legged friend as a playmate.
The short coat of the Bombay cat is easy to care for. In order to keep the great shine of the coat, it is helpful to use a brush and to rub it regularly with a leather cloth.
Bombay cat diseases
Basically, the Bombay cat is not considered to be more susceptible to disease than average. Hereditary diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may indeed occur. However, they are generally rather rare.
Apart from that, inbreeding is at least partly a problem in the Bombay cat. Affected animals suffer, among other things, from a weakened immune system and the resulting consequences for health.
In addition, the Bombay cat, just like all other breeds, can of course suffer from numerous frequently occurring cat diseases. Apart from an infection with feline rhinitis, these include, for example, the chronic kidney insufficiency that is widespread in cats or diabetes.
An appropriate diet, regular check-ups and vaccinations recommended for cats help to avoid unnecessary diseases in your Bombay cat and contribute to a long and happy cat life.
The life expectancy of the Bombay cat
The Bombay cat can reach an age of 12 to 20 years. Its actual life expectancy is, among other things, significantly influenced by the keeping conditions. But inbreeding also plays an important role for the age a Bombay cat will reach.
The right food for the Bombay cat
With a species-appropriate feeding you lay the foundation for a long and vital life of your Bombay cat. Therefore, pay attention to both the right amount of food for your cat and the quality of the cat food.
Especially the latter is often neglected and sooner or later leads to numerous complaints, such as feed allergies or digestive problems. However, you can prevent this with a high-quality cat food, such as you find in the I love my cat range.
Our tasty wet and dry food for cats is characterised among other things by its high content of animal proteins and the general renunciation of cereals. In this way you can be sure of an excellent digestibility and an optimal nutrient supply for your Bombay cat.
In addition, it can be useful to supplement the diet of your Bombay cat with the following food supplements and care products:
- Shiimun Immun can help to support the immune system in a natural way.
- Shimmun Skin provides your Bombay cat with valuable nutrients for a silky shiny coat.
- Dental Powder is a natural and gentle dental care product for cats.
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