Bombay cats are a popular and distinctive breed of domestic feline. These cats are known for their sleek black coats, shiny golden eyes, and friendly personalities. If you’re interested in adopting or owning a Bombay cat, it’s important to know how to identify this breed correctly. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key features of Bombay cats and give you some tips on how to recognize them.
History and Background of the Bombay Cat:
The Bombay cat was first bred in the United States in the 1950s by a breeder named Nikki Horner. Horner wanted to create a breed that resembled a small panther and had the same sleek, muscular appearance. To accomplish this, she crossed a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair. The resulting cats had the black coat of the American Shorthair and the rounded head and muscular body of the Burmese.
In the 1970s, the Bombay cat was recognized as an official breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Today, Bombay cats are recognized by all major cat registries, including the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Physical Characteristics:
The Bombay cat is a medium-sized breed, with a muscular and athletic build. They have a rounded head, wide-set ears, and large, round golden eyes. The most distinctive feature of the Bombay cat is their shiny black coat, which is short, glossy, and lies close to the body. Some Bombay cats may have a slight brownish tint to their black coat, but this is not considered a fault in the breed.
Personality:
Bombay cats are known for their affectionate and playful personalities. They are social and enjoy spending time with their humans, often following them around the house and demanding attention. They are intelligent and curious, and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Despite their energetic nature, Bombay cats are also known for their calm and laid-back demeanor, making them a great choice for families with children.
How to Identify a Bombay Cat:
The most obvious feature of the Bombay cat is their black coat. However, not all black cats are Bombay cats, and there are some other breeds that may have a black coat as well. To identify a Bombay cat, you should look for the following features:
- Shiny and short black coat: The coat should be black and glossy, with no signs of tabby stripes or white markings.
- Golden eyes: The eyes of a Bombay cat are large, round, and golden in color. They should be set wide apart and have a clear, bright appearance.
- Muscular build: Bombay cats have a rounded head and a muscular, athletic body. They are medium-sized and weigh between 6 and 10 pounds.
- Friendly and affectionate: Bombay cats are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are social cats that enjoy human company and love to play.
- Rounded head and wide-set ears: The head of a Bombay cat is rounded, and the ears are set wide apart on the head. The ears should be medium-sized and have rounded tips.
In conclusion, the Bombay cat is a beautiful and unique breed that is easily recognized by its black coat and golden eyes. These cats are known for their friendly personalities, making them a great choice for families with children. If you’re interested in owning a Bombay cat, be sure to look for the features outlined in this article to ensure that you are getting a purebred cat of this breed.
