Introducing the Bombay

The Bombay is a medium-sized cat with a refined, elegant appearance. On average, they stand around 9-12 inches tall, weighing between 8-13 pounds for females and up to 13-17 pounds for males. Bombays reach adult size at around two years of age, with a muscular, athletic build and a tail of proportionate length.

Coat length

The Bombay's coat is short and smooth, with a satiny softness and a dense, even texture.

It is not considered to be a hypoallergenic breed; people with sensitivities or allergies may have reactions to its hair.

Coat colour

The Bombay's coat is uniformly black, with a glossy sheen that accentuates its resemblance to a small panther.

Coat care

Although the Bombay is not hypoallergenic, its short coat is low-maintenance. A weekly brushing is all it takes to keep its coat shiny and prevent the build-up of dead hairs.

Other physical characteristics

Beyond its deep black coat, the Bombay is athletic and elegant. Moderately sized, but well muscled, Bombays are robust and agile. The Bombay's ears are medium-sized, broad at the base and rounded at the top, standing elegantly on its head. Their body structure is harmonious, with strong but not heavy bones and well defined muscles.

The Bombay's muzzle is full and rounded, harmonising with the rest of its fine features. Their eyes, one of their most distinctive features, are large, round and expressive, with colours ranging from golden yellow to intense copper.

Grooming

Grooming the Bombay is relatively simple because of its short coat. A weekly brushing is all it takes to keep its coat shiny and healthy. Although the Bombay does not moult as much as long-haired breeds, more frequent brushing can be beneficial during moulting periods to remove dead hairs and keep the coat clean.

Baths are not necessary on a regular basis, but can be given occasionally using a mild shampoo suitable for cats. Although Bombay cats groom themselves effectively, a bath from time to time can help keep their coats in tip-top condition, especially in urban environments where cats may be exposed to more dirt and pollution.

An affectionate and sociable companion

The Bombay is recognized for its exceptional sociability and friendly behavior. It forms a strong bond with humans, showing deep affection and loyalty to its owner. It enjoys companionship and tends to follow its owner from room to room, constantly seeking interaction and attention.

This cat is also playful and energetic, but values cuddling and tender moments just as much. It communicates its emotions and desires through various vocalizations, ranging from soft purring to expressive meowing. The Bombay needs an attentive and available owner, capable of offering the affection and commitment it deserves.

An ideal family member

The Bombay has a calm and balanced temperament, making it an ideal companion for families, including those with children, dogs, and other cats. It is patient and accommodating, rarely showing aggression, even when pushed to the limit.

In uncomfortable or stressful situations, the Bombay tends to discreetly withdraw to find a quiet place to rest, rather than react defensively. Its peaceful nature and ease of cohabitation with other pets make it a harmonious addition to almost any household.

A cat adaptable to all environments

The Bombay is an extremely adaptable cat, capable of thriving in various environments, whether it be an urban apartment or a house with a garden. However, the presence and attention of the owner are essential to its well-being.

Although it can live comfortably in smaller spaces, the Bombay appreciates a certain degree of freedom and space to explore and play. If you are worried about losing your pet, you can equip him with a GPS collar that will allow you to follow his activities and find him quickly.

An active and sociable companion

The Bombay is an active cat that loves to play and interact with its surroundings. It is important to provide interactive toys, cat trees, and space for exercise. Playing with its owner strengthens the bond and contributes to the emotional well-being of the cat.

Without adequate stimulation, the Bombay can become bored and develop destructive behaviors. It is also crucial to offer quiet spaces for rest, to maintain a balance between activity and relaxation.

Training of the Bombay should begin at an early age to ensure harmonious development. This breed responds well to training based on kindness, listening, rewards, and a certain firmness. Consistency in training is essential for the Bombay to assimilate and maintain good behaviors.

They respond well to play-based instruction, which can effectively aid in mental stimulation and the prevention of undesired habits. Engaging them in enjoyable learning activities promotes good behavior and deepens the human-cat bond.

Health concerns

The Bombay enjoys excellent overall health and is less prone to diseases common in some other cat breeds. However, like many cats, it may be predisposed to hereditary diseases, such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition, or polycystic kidney disease, which involves the formation of cysts in the kidneys.

We would advised you to conduct DNA tests to detect these diseases and prevent their transmission. Regular veterinary visits are essential to ensure vaccination against common diseases like feline panleukopenia and rabies and to maintain a general health check-up of the cat. Vigilance and proper care can help ensure a long and healthy life for the Bombay.

Quality nutrition for an elegant cat

The Bombay, with its medium size and well-defined musculature, requires quality nutrition to maintain its elegant silhouette and optimal health. It is recommended to choose high-nutritional-quality kibble as the basis of its diet. To diversify its diet and support renal health, the addition of water-rich green vegetables can be beneficial. These dietary supplements contribute to hydration and variety in its diet.

A balanced diet for growth

The Bombay reaches its adult size and body weight around the age of 2 years, having a relatively rapid growth. During this growth period, and even afterward, its diet must be adapted and controlled to meet its specific nutritional needs.

It is advised to maintain the same brand of kibble to keep continuity in its diet. Moreover, it is important to provide food at fixed times to prevent disturbances in the digestive system and ensure a balanced diet.

Finding the right breeder

Pedigree cats such as Bombay are often bred by professional breeders or in catteries. Prior to adoption, it's crucial to visit the breeding facility to assess the living conditions and ascertain their quality.

Lastly, from June 10, 2024 you must have your cat microchipped by the age of 20 weeks old and register its details in a relevant database such as Petlog or The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of

.

It's also important to ensure that health check-ups and DNA tests have been conducted on the kitten and its parents to identify potential hereditary health issues.

The price of a Bombay

The acquisition cost of a Bombay cat can vary depending on several factors, such as lineage, pedigree, age, and the reputation of the breeder. Generally, the price of a Bombay kitten in the UK can range between

and

. Adopting an adult Bombay can be more cost-effective, with prices typically ranging between

and

In addition to the initial cost, ongoing expenses such as veterinary care, food, and necessary accessories should be taken into account to ensure a comfortable and healthy life for the cat.

The annual maintenance cost of a Bombay cat averages between

and

Adopting a Bombay is a long-term commitment that requires careful consideration to ensure the well-being of the animal throughout its life.