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| Height: | 6 – 9 inches |
| Weight: | 7 – 11 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
| Colors: | Black |
| Suitable for: | Families with pets or young children, active couples |
| Temperament: | Friendly, affectionate, energetic, intelligent |
Known for his midnight black coat and glossy golden eyes, the Bombay cat breed is a sleek parlor panther that makes an amazing pet for almost any household. An athletic and affectionate feline, the Bombay was developed by breeding a black American shorthair with a sable Burmese. The result is a shiny, satiny kitty that loves to love.
If you’re considering adding a Bombay cat to your household, here is everything you need to know about this beautiful breed.
Bombay Characteristics
Bombay Kittens
When superstitious people see a black cat, they assume they’re doomed to years of bad luck. When Bombay owners set their eyes on a beautifully black Bombay, they revel in how fortunate they are to own one!
Recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1976, today the Bombay cat is an extremely popular breed. Due to this popularity, Bombay kittens often come with a hefty price tag.
That’s not to say that there aren’t Bombay kittens available at cheaper costs. But buyer beware! Purebred kittens that are sold well below the regular price may come from kitten mills. Much like puppy mills, these large-scale cat breeding operations want to make a quick profit, and often completely disregard the welfare of the animals they breed and sell.
During your search for a Bombay cat breeder, keep an eye out for these telltale signs of a kitten mill. They can include:
- Cats and kittens sharing a small, cramped cage
- No access to clean food and water
- A strong smell of ammonia
- No records of veterinary care or vaccinations
- Kittens always being sold
- Expensive purebreds being sold for suspiciously low prices
- No references from past clients
If you notice any of the aforementioned red flags, take your business elsewhere. Despite the appealingly low cost, kittens from kitten mills have numerous health and psychological issues that can haunt them for years to come
What’s the Price of Bombay Kittens?
A Bombay kitten from an honest and high-quality cat breeder will typically cost you between $700 and $1,200. Moreover, you will also have to pay for your new kitty’s vaccines, food, toys, litter, and annual wellness checks. This can cost you around $350 every year your cat is alive.
3 Little-Known Facts About Bombay Cats
1. She Isn’t from Bombay
Despite her exotic name, the Bombay isn’t from India. She gained her namesake from her leopard-like looks.
2. They’re Entirely Black
Your Bombay is an entirely black cat, right down to her nose and the pads of her paws. That might be a surprise thanks to the name, but it’s true!
3. Bombay Cats Love to Borrow
Don’t be surprised if your Bombay gets underneath the covers with you! These cats are snuggle bugs and love cuddling their humans.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bombay Cat
The Bombay cat breed is a social, fun-loving, and extremely smart feline. She loves people and other household pets. It’s not a rare sight for a Bombay to cuddle up and nap with a dog. However, she likes to be the top cat in a multi-cat household and expects all other felines to bow down to her.
You can easily teach your Bombay cat tricks and to learn how to walk on a leash. It’s important to keep this inquisitive kitty mentally stimulated to keep boredom away.
Are These Cats Good for Families?
Yes! The Bombay loves people and will get along with everyone in the household, including young children. Plus, thanks to their cuddly side, they really are the perfect cat to join your little family.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, the Bombay cat breed does get along with other pets. However, she will do best as the only cat in the house. You might need to keep an eye on her when around other cats and pets until they get acquainted with one another.
Things to Know When Owning a Bombay Cat
As you can see, the Bombay is an exceptional breed of cat to own. But, like all pets, she does require specific kinds of care. From her diet requirements to her grooming needs, here is everything you need to know about caring for a Bombay.
Food & Diet Requirements 
While the Bombay doesn’t have any special breed-specific diet requirements, she does need a high-quality, high-protein diet. Her main diet should include cat kibble. However, you can add a scoop of wet food to her meals once a day to keep her properly hydrated. Keep in mind that your Bombay’s dietary needs will change as she ages. Additionally, always provide your cat with access to fresh, clean water.
Exercise
The Bombay purebred cat is an athletic, energetic feline. As such, you should provide her with ample amounts of physical exercise every day. Whether you engage her with interactive cat toys, such as a laser, or take her for walks around the backyard in a cat harness, aim to physically engage your Bombay for at least an hour each day.
In addition to physical exercise, your Bombay needs to be mentally stimulated too. You can do this by grooming her, teaching her fun new tricks, and providing her with fun, thought-provoking toys.
Training
As a highly intelligent feline, the Bombay can learn basic tricks with ease. Positive reinforcement combined with a lot of patience works best for this breed.
Grooming ✂️
Bombay cats are very low maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs. As self-groomers, your cat will keep herself clean and shiny. However, be sure to brush her once a week to keep her coat glistening. Trim her nails as needed and brush her teeth two to three times per week.
Health and Conditions
- Runny nose
- Sinus problems
- Craniofacial defect
- Obesity
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
The Bombay is an overall healthy cat. However, as with any other cat breed, she may develop health issues later on in life. Some issues your Bombay can suffer from include excessive tearing from her eyes and breathing troubles because of her short snout.
This is why it is so important to run, not walk, away from any Bombay breeder who does not have any vet or vaccination records for their cats.
Male vs. Female
Male Bombay cats will be a tad larger than female ones. But the two genders do not have any huge personality differences, so this shouldn’t be a huge determining factor when choosing your cat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a social, lovable, and smart feline to bring home, the Bombay may be ideal for you. This wild-looking black cat is great with kids and dogs and thrives on social interaction.
It’s important to buy a Bombay from a reputable and responsible cat breeder who can provide vet and vaccine records. Never be tempted by the low prices of a kitten mill.
Bombay cats need daily amounts of exercise, mental engagement, and tons of social interaction. Pet yours, cuddle on the couch with her, and never leave her alone for long periods of time.
If you’re thinking about adding a Bombay cat to your family, we highly recommend you do so!
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Featured Image: Viktor Sergeevich, Shutterstock
