Bombay cat

Bombay
American Bombay Cat
Origin	United States
Breed standards
CFA	standard
TICA	standard
AACE	standard
ACF	standard
ACFA/CAA	standard
CCA-AFC	standard
Domestic cat (Felis catus)

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.

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. The first attempt was a failure, but the second in 1965, was successful. The breed was officially recognized and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970 and The International Cat Association in 1979. Nikki had the idea of crossing a Burmese with a Black American Shorthair:

"The Shawnee Cattery was established in 1945 and I have worked with a number of breeds including both Burmese and black American Shorthairs. As I looked at these two breeds, I had a vision of what the combination could look like: a black Burmese with copper eyes. I envisioned a cat with the Burmese musculature and the black coat and gold to copper eyes of the American."

Nikki chose the best Burmese she had. Later, many Bombay breeders worked with Grand Champion, Breed Winner and National Winner Kashmirian's Lord Lovatt (known as 'Lovatt' by his loving owner). The Bombay's splendid good looks and winning personality led to a small but persistent following that grew as the years passed.

General information

Bombay is the name given to black cats of the Asian group. It is a cat of Burmese type with a black coat, toes, nose, and copper eyes. The close-lying, sleek and glossy black coat should be coloured to the roots, with little or no paling. The Bombay is a shorthair breed of domestic cat, closely related to the Burmese.

The Bombay cat has a medium body build that is muscular. Their weight should be six to ten pounds (~2.5–4.5 kg) with males typically being heavier than females. If healthy, the Bombay can live approximately 15 to 20 years. Bombay cats are known to be vocal and they do crying and meowing more than other cats.

Personality characteristics

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.