Bombay cat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bombay |
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![]() Close-up of a Bombay cat, with distinctive black whiskers, lips, and nose.
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Origin | United States |
Breed standards | |
CFA | standard |
TICA | standard |
ACF | standard |
ACFA/CAA | standard |
CCA-AFC | standard |
Domestic cat (Felis catus) |
The Bombay cat is a special type of short-haired cat. It was created by mixing two other cat breeds: the sable Burmese cat and the black American Shorthair. The goal was to make a cat that looked mostly like a Burmese, but with a super shiny, black coat, almost like a tiny panther. The name "Bombay" is also used for black cats that belong to the Asian group of cat breeds.
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History of the Bombay Cat
The Bombay cat breed was created by a breeder named Nikki Horner. She lived in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. In 1958, she started trying to create a cat breed. She wanted a cat that looked like a miniature black panther. Her first try did not work out. But her second attempt, in 1965, was successful.
The breed later became officially recognized. The Cat Fanciers' Association registered it in 1970. The International Cat Association also recognized it in 1979. Nikki Horner, the creator of the breed, passed away in 1995.
What Bombay Cats Look Like
The Bombay is a short-haired type of domestic cat. It is very similar to the Burmese cat. Bombay cats are known for their completely black coat. They also have black paw pads, a black nose, and a black mouth. Their eyes are usually a beautiful copper or green color.
Their fur lies close to their body. It is sleek and very glossy. The black color goes all the way to the roots of the fur. This means there is little to no lighter color underneath.
Bombay cats have a medium-sized body. They are also very muscular. Their weight is usually between 8 and 15 pounds (about 3.6 to 6.8 kg). Male Bombay cats are typically heavier than females.
Bombay Cat Health
A healthy Bombay cat can live for a long time. They often live for about 15 to 20 years. Like some other cats, they can sometimes have sinus problems. This might cause them to have snuffly noses. They can also sometimes get gingivitis, which is a gum problem. It is important to watch how much they eat. This helps to prevent them from becoming overweight.
Bombay Cat Personality
Bombay cats are very social and brave. They often get very attached to their families. They love to get attention from people. Because of this, Bombay cats are great pets for children.
Most Bombay cats are not very independent. However, older Bombay cats can be more independent than younger ones. They often seek attention from their owners and other people around them. They do not like to be left alone for a long time. Even though they like being around people in general, Bombay cats often choose one special person. They will pay extra attention to that person.
Overall, Bombay cats are smart, playful, and love attention. Their muscular, medium-sized bodies can be a bit surprising. They often weigh a little more than they look like they would. They do not shed as much as some other cat breeds. This means they need very little grooming. They usually get along well with other cats. They tend to have a clear pecking order in the home. They also have a loud and unique purr. Bombay cats are known to be quite vocal. They tend to cry and meow more than many other cat breeds.
See also
In Spanish: Bombay (gato) para niños