Description / History
For the late Ms. Horner, the road to the Bombay was a long one. She started in 1953 by breeding a black American Shorthair to a sable Burmese. The results failed to fulfill her fantasy. The kittens grew up to look like black American Shorthairs, with thick American Shorthair coats, rather than parlor-sized panthers. They were neutered or spayed and sold as pets. But the dream persisted. Years of searching, buying, breeding and showing went into creating the perfect sable Burmese and black American Shorthair upon which to build her basic stock, so she could start again. Finally, she chose a Grand Champion sable Burmese and a black American Shorthair. This time, the experiment was a success: mini-panthers were born.
Ms. Horner began getting answers. The Bombay did breed true. She consistently got totally black cats, with huge copper eyes, short shiny black coats, with their own distinctive head and body types. They were decidedly different from any other black cat. Acceptance from people who had Bombays as pets was enthusiastic – but, it takes a long time to win over other breeders and the governing cat associations. However, in 1976, eighteen years after the first Bombay breeding experiment, the Bombay was recognized for championship status in The Cat Fanciers’ Association. The Bombay is the only cat that is judged 50% on color and coat. The coat is jet black to the roots: the coat texture is fine, short to medium in length, close-lying and satiny, with such a high sheen that it looks like patent leather. Of course, the nose leather and paw pads are also black. The eye color may range from golden to deep copper; however, copper eyes are considered superior. In the judging ring, between Bombays of equal merit in other respects, the depth of eye color would be a deciding factor.
Bombays are for people who have always wanted a panther, a dog, or a monkey. They are extremely smart and agile. They are easily leash-trained, fetch naturally, and love to guard the house. Their tight coats make them desirable as totally indoor cats.
Personality
Bombays tend to be attached to their families and crave attention, and for this reason this breed is highly suitable for children. Bombay cats are not independent. They seek attention from their owners and people around them often and dislike being left alone for extended periods of time. Although they like attention, Bombay Cats also tend to have a special person which they pay close attention to in their lives. Overall, the Bombay breed is intelligent, playful, and attention seeking. They tend to get along well with other cats.
Weight
8-11 lbs.
Eyes
The Bombays eyes are round and set far apart. The eye color is gold to copper.
Coat
Fine, short, satinlike texture; close-lying.
Associations
The Bombay are accepted in AACE, ACA, CFA, ACFA, TICA, and CFF.
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