The Bombay Cat is also known as mini panther since they have black and glossy fur with a muscular frame and intense golden eyes. Yet, if you pet a Bombay cat, you will find out that it is only their look that seems intimidating. They are one of the friendly and relaxed cats you’ve ever met.
History
This breed was started in the 1950s by Nikki Horner, who had an idea to create a mini panther (read more). This cat has copper eyes and a shiny black coat with the body shape of the Burmese. It brings the name Bombay to refer to the origin of the black leopard in Bombay, India.
To produce the breed, Nikki Horner crosses an American shorthair with a female Burmese. Of course, there was trial and error, but finally, she could create a cat she desired. Bombay was then registered in 1976 by the Cat Fancier’s Association, and it continues to be bred usually with Burmese cats. They are rarely found in North America and the United Kingdom.
Characteristics
The Bombay cats have a fiery look since they look like blank panthers of India. Yet, they typically adjust well and are calm to almost any type of household. You don’t need to worry if you have dogs or kids, and you want to have this pet at the same time.
Yet, this cat wants authority, so if you own other pets at home, they might not get along unless other cats accept its need for superiority. They love people and are very talkative; they enjoy being given attention. They are also very curious, like to do tricks, active, retrieve, and like to walk with a leash if the human teaches them. However, though they are super active, it’s not intense that won’t let you get worn out.
Bombay cats need constant attention that if you leave them alone for a long time, they won’t do so well. But if you give them toys or yarn when you leave them, they could be self-entertained. If not, they may try to get in bed or sit in your lap to get your attention.
This breed is also highly intelligent. You can make them learn tricks or manipulate a toy puzzle to keep them alert. If they succeed in learning one trick, do not forget to give a reward. For a companion, choose felines who are more inferior than a Bombay cat to befriend them.
Grooming Needs
Bombay is a small cat, and since they have silky and short fur, you don’t need big grooming needs. What you have to do is brush their coat once a week to help remove their fallen hair. Too frequent bathing is also not required since they’re known for their tidiness.
Doing regular grooming can help them be affectionate to their owners. Be gentle because if you’re too rough with them, they can get irritated and start to lash out.
Ears and eyes need a regular cleaning within days. And if you have no time, there are pet shop that will do the work. Or, if you’re looking for further information on the breed, you can watch it on holistapet or other reputable cat sites. Be sure to check ratings as well, as you might place your feline’s wellbeing in a groomer that doesn’t know how the job is done.
If the pet’s eyes are tearing, it is common for this type of breed. Just wipe its corners with a swab or damp cloth, and do the same for the ears. Only clean the outer part of the ears. And for nails, trim it every two or three weeks, depending on their activities.
Nutrition And Diet
When talking about the diets, this cat might be the simplest cat to have since they don’t have special requirements regarding nutrition intake. Similar to other felines, fees Bombay cats with high-quality wet and dry food. Discuss with vets if you find a sign of obesity or lack of nutrition to see the feeding schedule. Also, provide them with fresh and clean water.
If you want to pet this type of breed, do research first. Check on their care, maintenance, and temperament. The lists get longer if you already have pets in your home. Since this cat is a rare type, talk with vets or reputable owners about their needed care and vaccinations. Or you may find a breeder’s club if you have questions and doubts about their health.
Find Bombay cats from your area or adopt them from online breeders. But, the best way to find a pet is through a rescue organization. Other breeds that are similar to Bombay are tuxedo cats or Bengal if you want to try other types of cats.
Health Problems
Bombay cats can develop some health issues associated with genes (link: https://www.menstylefashion.com/bombay-cat-breeds-what-to-consider-before-getting-one/). That is why you need to be meticulous when you start to pet them, make sure that you have a health guarantee. Besides genetic disease, this breed is also prone to other health problems like obesity.
Their dark satin coat can hide their weight gain well. You won’t notice that they’re getting obese. The expected longevity of this breed is around 20 years, and obesity might shorten their lifespan. This health problem can lead to other issues, so as the owners, you have to make sure to watch their weight.
Eye’s Tearing is pretty common for this breed, and to cure it use drops. Well, it’s not a big issue. HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is when felines suffer from HCM. Their heart muscle will start to thicken. And this disease is known to plague most breeds.
So, if you have breeders who say that the cat is free from HCM, it’s a red alert because it isn’t certain. To see if a feline lives with HCM, do a regular echocardiogram check. To ensure them living in pristine condition, constant medical check-ups may be required.
