This article is about the American-type breed. For the British-type, see Asian cat §Bombay.
The Bombay cat is a short-haired breed of domestic cat. Bombays are glossy solid black cats with a muscular build, and have characteristic large bright copper-golden eyes.[1][2][3] The breed is named after the Indian city of Bombay (Mumbai),[4] referring to the habitat of the Indianblack leopard.[5]
The breed was developed by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Louisville, Kentucky, who, starting in 1958, attempted to create a breed of cat that resembled a miniature black panther.[4][5][10] The first attempt was a failure, but the second, in 1965, was successful. The breed was officially recognised and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970 and The International Cat Association in 1979.[4][10]
Appearance
The Bombay is described as the “patent leather kid with the new penny eyes.”[2][5] The Bombay is a short-haired breed of domestic cat, closely related to the Burmese. Bombay cats are characterised as having an all-black coat, including the whiskers, and black skin, including the soles, nose leather and mouth. The close-lying, sleek and glossy black coat is of mature cats is coloured to the roots with no paling (exceptions are allowed in juvenile cats less than 2 years old).[4] The eyes are always copper-golden coloured,[1][2] and green eyes are not allowed.[2][3]
The Bombay has a medium-sized, Oriental-type body build that is muscular.[1][4] Their weight ranges between 2.5–5kg (5.5–11.0lb),[1] with males typically being heavier than females.[3][11]
Breed standard
Body: Medium size, graceful and elongated Oriental-type body.[1] Elegant tail of medium length.[3]
Head: Rounded heads with no sharp angles, and short.[3] The shape is smooth. The muzzle is short, with a moderate nose “stop” which is visible (not a break).[2][3] The short-nosed head shape is similar to the American-type Burmese. The medium-sized ears are wide-set, straight, and rounded at the tips.
Eyes: The large, round eyes are set far apart[3] and are always copper-coloured,[2] but can range from bright orange to warm golden.[3] Green eyes are not allowed.[2][3]
Coat: Short, dense and shiny, tight to the body, with a lacquered sheen.[12] Only completely solid black coloured coats are allowed.[2][3]
Weight: For females, the average is 2.5–3.5kg (6–8lb). For males, the average is 3.5–5kg (8–11lb).[1][6]
Health
A healthy Bombay has an average lifespan of 15 years, and some have been known to live up to 20.[11] They can have some nasal and sinus problems, and gingivitis.[13] Their food intake should be controlled to avoid overfeeding.[13]
Temperament
The personality of the Bombay tends to be highly social, is marked by strong attachment to families, and is typified by craving attention. As a breed, they are therefore highly suitable for children.[14]
Bombay cats are happy and comfortable being strictly indoor cats, and can comfortably live in a single room apartment, so long as all of their needs are met.[15] They prefer quiet surroundings.[15]
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Bombay_(cat), and is written by contributors.
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