How to Identify a Bombay Cat?

Identifying a Bombay cat can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with their unique characteristics. However, there are several key features that distinguish this breed from others. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying a Bombay cat and provide you with some helpful tips.

Overview of the Bombay Cat

The Bombay cat is a medium-sized breed that originated in the United States in the 1950s. They are known for their striking black coat and their friendly, affectionate personalities. Despite their name, they do not have any connection to India or the city of Bombay (now known as Mumbai). Instead, they were named after the Indian black panther, which they resemble.

Physical Characteristics

The most obvious characteristic of the Bombay cat is their sleek, black coat. Their fur is short, shiny, and lies close to their body. It has been described as feeling like satin when petted. The fur is also uniformly black, with no markings or variations in color.

The Bombay cat has a muscular, athletic build, with a broad chest and shoulders. They have a round head with large, expressive eyes that are typically gold or copper in color. Their ears are medium-sized and set wide apart on their head, giving them a slightly alert expression.

Personality Traits

In addition to their striking appearance, the Bombay cat is known for their friendly and affectionate personality. They are often described as being dog-like in their behavior, following their owners around and seeking attention and affection. They are also very intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks or respond to commands.

Identifying a Bombay Cat

Now that we’ve covered the physical and behavioral characteristics of the Bombay cat, here are some tips on how to identify them:

1. Look for a solid black coat: As mentioned earlier, the Bombay cat’s coat is uniformly black with no markings or variations in color. This is the most distinctive feature of the breed and is usually a reliable way to identify them.

2. Look for muscular, athletic build: The Bombay cat has a broad chest and shoulders, giving them a muscular, athletic appearance. This sets them apart from other breeds that may have a more slender or delicate build.

3. Check the eyes: The Bombay cat’s eyes are typically gold or copper in color and are large and expressive. They are set wide apart on their head, giving them a slightly alert expression.

4. Observe behavior: One of the most distinctive aspects of the Bombay cat’s personality is their friendliness and affectionate nature. If you encounter a cat that is particularly friendly and seeks out attention and affection, it could be a Bombay cat.

5. Ask the breeder or shelter: If you are adopting or purchasing a cat, ask the breeder or shelter staff if they know the breed. They may be able to provide additional information or help confirm whether the cat you are interested in is a Bombay.

What two cats make a Bombay cat?

The Bombay cat breed is created by breeding a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese. The goal of the breeding program was to create a domestic cat that resembles a miniature panther, with a sleek, black coat and striking gold eyes.