Bombay
Country / place of origin: United States
History: The Bombay breed is the creation of Nikki Horner of Louisville, Kentucky who, in 1958, bred an American Shorthair male with a Burmese female for the purpose of producing a “domesticated panther”. The offspring did resemble an Indian panther, “patent leather kid with the new penny eyes” in her words. The breed took its name from the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai) and it was accepted by CFA in 1976.A distinction is made in some circles between Bombays bred in Australia and New Zealand, which are referred to as "Australian Bombays", and Bombays bred in the USA or from lines imported from USA, which are referred to simply as "Bombays".
Appearance
Details: Though the Bombay breed closely resembles the Burmese, it is somewhat larger and does not have quite the same compact appearance. Bombay cats have heads which are rounded and wide with a short and tapered muzzle. The round eyes are golden or copper colored and set wide apart. The ears are medium sized and also widely set. The coat of a Bombay is short, satiny and lies close to the body and only requires minimal grooming.
Color / coat: The Bombay's short coat is black down to the root and is extremely shiny. It has copper penny eyes that make a striking combination with its pitch black shiny coat.
Behavioral aspects: The Bombay craves attention and loves and to be carried around. It clings to its owner and will follow close behind wherever the owner goes from room to room. It loves to be involved in everything the owner does, and can easily be leash-trained. They are wonderful with children and dogs and are never shy of meeting strangers or other animals. The breed is quite active and loves to play. It is not as vocal as the Burmese, but the Bombay are highly opinionated and want to have their say in everything around the house.
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