Bombay Cat
History
The Bombay
cat was developed as a breed in Louisville, Kentucky
in the 1950s by Nikki Horner of Shawnee Cattery. She began
by crossing a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese.
She continued selective breeding to create an identifiable
and consistent breed with the black color of the American
Shorthair and body type of the Burmese. The new breed was
accepted for championship status by the Cat Fanciers' Association
in 1976. Nikki Horner's aim was to create a 'baby panther'
breed of cat
that would resemble a miniature version of the black leopard,
popularly known as the black panther, which is a native
species of India. This accounts for the breed being named
after the Indian city of Bombay (modern Mumbai). It is still
permitted to add to the gene pool and outcross the breed
by mixing in a pedigree black American Shorthair or sable
Burmese, but most Bombays these days are bred from within
the breed.
Sable kittens still appear in some litters but are not
acceptable for showing. Because of the cross-breeding, even
many of the black cats in a litter will not be acceptable
for showing for one reason or another, but they all make
great pets. There is also a UK breed of cat called the Bombay
but it is not the same.
Appearance
Bombay cats
can look small but they are strong and very agile. Their
muscular body means that they often weigh more than you
expect. The coat is black throughout, right to the roots.
The coat lies tight to the body and has a glossy satin sheen
which is often described as looking like patent leather.
The Bombay is a short-haired cat that does not require grooming.
Eyes are big and golden or copper-colored like a shiny penny.
Copper is more highly prized and creates a unique and very
striking contrast with the jet black coat. The eyes are
round and set wide in a wide face with a short, tapered
muzzle. Ears are medium-sized, wide and slightly rounded.
Nose and paw pads are also black.
Temperament
Bombay cats
are intelligent and affectionate. They are easily trained
to walk on a leash and fetch objects, like a dog. They are
alert and agile and often delight their owners with their
graceful antics. They retain the affectionate disposition
of both of their ancestral breeds and most Bombays love
to be held or carried around, often on their owners' shoulders.
They enjoy being with people, even strangers, and will not
run and hide when company arrives like many other cats.
They also get on well with children and dogs. The stunning
looking Bombay cat is the ideal pet for any owner looking
for a jet black pedigree pet.
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