Bombay cats are the parlor sized panthers of the cat world, created by Nikki Horner, they are a very people oriented breed that crave human attention.

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     At Mustang, only a few litters are bred each year, this ensures that each kitten receives lots of love and attention before leaving for their new homes.  The goal is to breed to a written standard as described by the Cat Fanciers Association, but of primary importance is a kittens health, temperament and sociability, it’s putting it all in the same package that’s the hard part.  Every kitten is handled several times each day from the time they are just a few minutes old, and barely done being cleaned by their mother.  Although Bombays are a people oriented breed, this early handling is essential for a kitten to grow up to be a happy, healthy and social cat that will enjoy the company of humans, other cats, and cat friendly dogs

        Kittens are raised underfoot in a home environment without cages, though they do spend the first few weeks of their lives in a large kittening cage with their mother until they are old enough to walk, this keeps them warm, safe and close to momma.   Around 5 weeks, they are literally climbing the walls and are ready to be turned loose to explore their new world, by 7 or 8 weeks, they can walk  and run well enough to terrorize the other cats.  Once mobile, until they are ready  to leave, kittens are refining important motor skills and learning proper social habits.  Things like how to get along with other cats, what to scratch on, fingers and toes are not toys, how to eat without wearing your food, climbing drapes and blinds is a no-no, and  generally learning how to be cats.

14 Week Old Bombay Kittens

     Kittens receive a series of two shots, one at 8 weeks, and another at 12 weeks. They are spayed or neutered prior to leaving for their new homes, usually at around 12 weeks, and are then ready to leave at 14 weeks for boys and 16 weeks for girls, the girls taking a little longer due to the more invasive nature of the surgery.

      Each kitten comes with CFA registration, pedigree, written health guarantee, all shots they will need prior to a 1 year booster - with the exception of rabies, (unless required for them to fly) a Eukanuba starter pack and some canned food they are used to.

     Shipping is done with one of the major airlines, using what is generically referred to as “counter to counter” service; though  each airline has their own name for it.  Shipping your new kitten is generally not a problem, on any given day there are approximately 500 pets being flown among the various airlines.  While I’m sure they are not thrilled with the idea, they do handle it just fine.  Tranquilizers are not recommended, in fact, they are often the cause or problems that would not have otherwise occurred  and should be avoided.  Most areas of the United States (including Alaska) and Canada can be reached within 8 or 9 hours so the trip is not excessively long.

     A few things are required before a kitten can be shipped, first they must have a health certificate from a veterinarian and depending on the state they are going to, they may need a rabies shot.  An airline approved carrier is required, generally the best is a 100 size Vari-Kennel, it is durable, well ventilated, has a positive locking mechanism, and should last the lifetime of your kitten.

     If you live in an area not served by the major airlines, it  may be necessary for you to drive to an airport that is.  Smaller airport markets are often not equipped for, or not serviced by the Heavy Jets  used by major airlines and are instead serviced with the smaller Regional Jets and Turbo-Prop aircraft to feed to and from larger airports.  For the most part, the cargo holds on these aircraft are not pressurized or climate controlled and are therefore not equipped to handle animals.   However some airlines are equipped for and allow animals to be shipped on their smaller aircraft, so when in doubt, check with the appropriate airline.

     During the summer and winter months, there may me temperature restrictions in place at certain airports, if temperatures are between 45° and 85°F there should be no problems.  If above or below at any point along the route, some airlines place animal embargos on those airports.  However there are several airlines that still allow animals to be shipped if their counter to counter service is used.

      Arrangements for your kitten’s flight will be made at the point of origin 1 to 7 days prior to the flight. Direct, non-stop flights are preferred, or one with no more than one stop.  Once tendered to the airline, an air waybill is generated, this number or the flight number can then be used to track the progress online.   Once the aircraft arrives, your kitten should  be ready to pick up in approximately 30 to 60 minutes; this time varies from one airport to the next, depending on the facilities.  You should check with the airline at your local airport to find out whether to pick up your kitten at the cargo facility or the baggage claim area, usually it is at the baggage claim but this can vary depending on the flights arrival time and local facilities.

     As an alternative to shipping, if you would like to pick up your kitten in person, most airlines will allow you to carry a cat with you in the cabin.  There is usually a small fee and you will need an approved carrier that will fit under your seat.  An excellent choice for this is the Sturdi-Bag by Sturdi Products.  These are lightweight soft carriers with a foam-core bottom and support rods to prevent it collapsing on your cat, I have a couple of these and they work great.   As with shipping, a health certificate from a veterinarian is required within 10 days of your planned flight.