Like a panther in miniature, the Bombay is an elegant yet strong, muscular cat of medium build, with a jet-black coat that has the gloss and shine of patent leather. Their head is rounded, with rounded ears and a broad muzzle, and perhaps their most striking feature is their glorious copper/gold eyes, which are round, full and expressive.
Bombay cats can suffer from:
- Polycystic kidney disease which is an inherited condition where cysts form in the kidneys. This affects kidney function and can eventually lead to kidney failure. However, it is worth noting that the risk of developing this disease in this breed is lower than in other cat breeds that are prone to the problem.
- Burmese head defect which is a condition where the face and skull do not form correctly.
Testing available:
- DNA testing for polycystic kidney disease and Burmese head defect which tests whether or not a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions
Like a monkey, cat and dog all rolled into one, the Bombay is a very personable, if mischievous breed, inclined to invent new ways to entertain themselves if given the opportunity. They are outgoing, intelligent and friendly, and will get along well with family, other pets and friends.
Country of Origin: Kentucky, USA
The Bombay was created in Louisville Kentucky by a breeder who wanted to produce a ‘parlour panther’ - in other words a jet-black cat with stunning copper eyes and a lithe, muscular build. There is little doubt that the Bombay very much fits this brief!
Ms Horner began her efforts in 1953 by breeding a black American Shorthair with a particularly strong eye colour, to a sable Burmese female. Through a long process of selective breeding, outcrossing and strict control over the line, she was able to consistently produce a striking black cat unlike any other.
