The Bombay is a medium-size cat, well-balanced, friendly, alert, and outgoing; muscular and having a surprising weight for his or her size. Their body and tail is usually of medium length, their head rounded with medium-sized, wide-set ears, a moderate nose stop, which is usually visible, large rounded wide-set eyes.
Personality
If an aloof, independent cat is what you’re searching for, this breed isn’t for you. The Bombay is an endearing breed: playful, loving, lighthearted, and agreeable to just about any suggestion from their family, particularly if that includes an invigorating game of fetch or a cuddle on the couch.
Due to their hybrid heritage, Bombays strike a pleasing balance between the moderate American Shorthair and the frisky, vocal Burmese. However, since the American Shorthair is less prominent today, Bombays tend to be more like the Burmese than like the American Shorthair.
They are very clever and people-oriented (thanks to the Burmese background), but won’t talk your ear off every second of the day (thanks to the American Shorthair). However, Bombays will get their thoughts across if they have something vital to impart, and you can count on them to stare you down with those hypnotizing copper eyes and repeat the message until you give them your full attention. They want quite a bit of attention, and they are clever in their attempts to gain your notice. When you sit down, don’t be surprised to see your Bombay sitting becomeside you moments later.
Bombays are very attached to their families and tend to love the entire family rather than bond with one person. Some say they are particularly good with well-behaved children. Known for their curiosity and high intelligence, Bombays love to follow their human companions all over the house. They love to keep an eye on every move and help with every chore. This doesn’t get the chores done faster, but it’s certainly entertaining.
History
The Bombay began in the 1950s by Nikki Horner. She wanted to develop a cat that possessed the look of the Burmese but with a sleek black coat and copper eyes instead of brown fur and yellow eyes-sort of a pint-sized panther. She named the breed after Bombay, India, land of the black leopard.
She found a black American Shorthair male that had the rich eye color she wanted and crossed him with one of her best Burmese. After much trial and error, Horner finally produced the results she was looking for: a cat with the body type and short polished coat of the Burmese, and the American Shorthair’s copper-colored eyes and black color. However, Horner soon found that creating a breed, even one as striking as the Bombay, doesn’t mean recognition or acceptance. It wasn’t until 1970 that the breed was accepted for registration by the CFA.
The Bombay is considered an Asian self-colored shorthair. While still uncommon in both the United Kingdom and in North America, the breed has a dedicated following.
Physical Attributes
BODY
Medium in size, muscular in development, neither compact nor rangy.
HEAD
Pleasingly rounded with no sharp angles. Face full with considerable breadth between the eyes, blending gently into a broad well-developed moderately rounded muzzle that maintains rounded contours of the head. In profile there is a moderate visible stop. Moderate end not considered a break, but a slight indentation at bridge of nose between your eyes providing change of direction from rounded head to medium, rounded muzzle. End of nose is slightly rounded down completing roundness of head.
EARS
Medium in size and set well apart on a rounded skull, alert, tilting slightly forward, broad at the base, and with slightly rounded tips.
EYES
Set far apart with rounded aperture. Color ranging from gold to copper, the greater the depth and brilliance the better.
LEGS & PAWS
Legs in proportion to the body and tail. Paws round, toes five in front, four in back.
TAIL
Straight, medium in length; neither short nor whippy.
COAT
Fine, short, satin-like texture; close-lying with a shimmering patent leather sheen.
COLOR
Black to the roots in adult cats. Kitten coats should darken and become more sleek with age.
Disclaimer
Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, cats are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Wondering about Burmese? Check it out on our next post!