Bombay Cat
Origin
The Asian group of cats was brought about by breeders attempting to create cats of Burmese type, in colours not recognised in the Burmese - the Bombay is the Self Black version of the Asian.
Description
There are two cats named 'Bombay', but the one recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy is a Black Self Asian. (The other version, which appears almost identical) was created in America in the 1950's, by crossing a Sable Burmese with Black American Shorthairs. The Bombay is a medium built cat, with a glossy, jet black coat. The head has good width between the ears and a gently rounded dome. The jaw is wide at the hinge tapering to a broad blunt muzzle. In profile the head forms a short wedge with a firm chin and short nose. The chin and the tip of the nose are in the same vertical plane. The ears are of medium size with a rounded tip. They are set so as to continue the angle of the face and are slightly tilted forward. The beautiful copper/gold eyes are set well apart and are full and expressive. The body is firm and muscular with a strong straight back. The legs are of medium length and the hind legs are a little longer than the front. The paws are oval and the tail is medium to long, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.
| Colour | Asian Self: The Bombay's coat is jet black and shimmers like patent leather. The nose leather and eye rims are black and the paw pads are black or dark brown. The eyes are brilliant copper |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Age Expectancy | Bombays are generally long lived and can live well into their late teens. |
| Weight/Height Range | Bombays weigh between 4 - 7kgs. |
| Ailments | The Bombay has no specific health care problems and, like the Burmese, lives well into its teens. As with all cats it is a good idea to have an annual health check from about the age of eight. |
Personality
The Bombay is a friendly, intelligent and affectionate cat. Like the other members of the Asian group, the curiosity and friendliness of the Bombay can often lead it to stray into visitor's cars or delivery vans and they may be best confined to the house or a secure garden. They usually settle quite happily to this arrangement, as above all they do love their home comforts. They love to play and toys and scratching post should be provided for amusement as well as quality time set aside for play with their humans. They can be very sensitive to their owner's feelings and this makes them excellent companions. They are generally good with children and when fed up with the rough and tumble of play with human children will stalk off until peace resumes.
| Energy | High |
| Noise | Medium |
| Compatibility with Cat | High |
| Other Animal Compatibility | Medium |
Feeding & Grooming
| Feeding | The Bombay is an active cat and requires 80 Kcals per kg of bodyweight per day of food. These cats are not generally prone to obesity and regulate their own diets very well. |
| Shedding | Little |
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