Some cats are well-known because of their color and the way that they look. That certainly is the case with the Bombay, as the black coat and beauty of this animal is going to be clearly seen from the moment that you lay eyes on them. Of course, there is more to the Bombay than just the color of the coat. They are a delightful animal that loves to play and can be quite interactive with the entire family.
Although black cats have been around for millennia, the Bombay is actually a relative newcomer to the scene. One thing that is interesting about this particular breed, however, is the fact that it does not actually have any ties to Bombay, which is an Indian port city. Rather, they come from Kentucky and they didn’t come into existence until the late 1950s. The breeder wanted to come up with a black cat that had a shiny coat and a muscular body but was still very friendly to the family. When it comes to the Bombay, they truly nailed it.
Most families really appreciate this breed of cat because they are able to fit into almost any family situation. They tend to be good-natured about their living arrangements, so it doesn’t matter if you have a large home or a small apartment; it is likely that they are going to be quite satisfied with the accommodations. They do well with every member of the family and also tend to do well with other pets, so it is great for a home that has a serious love of animals. That being said, they do love the warmth so they will likely look for the warmest part of the house and that is where you will find them.
Although most Bombay cats seem to be quite healthy, there are some issues that may occur because of their ties to the Burmese cat. That issue is a craniofacial defect that is typically seen in newborn kittens. Although this can be a problem with this breed, it is not always going to be an issue. In most cases, a kitten that experiences this problem is not going to survive in order to try to eliminate it from the breed.
A gentle brushing every week is all that is typically necessary to keep the Bombay happy and healthy. The coat will benefit because of the distribution of natural skin oils and the removal of loose hair. They do not typically need to be bathed but it is a good idea to check the ears regularly and brush their teeth to avoid problems.
A Bombay cat can be an excellent choice for the home. They are not as needy as many other breeds of cats but they still could be a delight to have around and they tend to love the people that make up their family unit.