MEET THE

BOMBAY

by Patricia C. Taylor

Originally published in the May/June 1978 issue of Cat World. ©1978 Cat World Magazine
 

     The snowball is at last beginning the roll.  It was in 1958 that the first Bombay cat made it’s appearance at Nikki Horner’s Shawnee Cattery in Louisville Kentucky.  Yet, for some unknown reason, this fascinating shorthaired cat with the sleek, black coat and huge copper eyes was slow to capture the imagination of the cat fancy.  This writer purchased a pair of Bombays in 1973 and immediately resolved to do her best to introduce more fanciers to this new hybrid cat.  By extensive exhibiting, much talking and the establishment of an international breed club, interest in the Bombay is steadily growing.

     The pair of Bombays I purchased was SHAWNEE BATA HARI AND SHAWNEE MOZAMBIQUE.  At that time, the Bombays were then provisionally accepted with the Cat Fanciers Association, the only association to accept them.  In May 1976, they were accepted for championship showing by CFA.  Judges reactions to the new breed were for the most part good.  Comments  ranged from “simply gorgeous” to “who needs another breed?”.  Exhibitors reactions, depending on their particular breeds, seem to be mixed concerning the Bombay.  Many welcome a new breed, while others feel that a hybrid is a waste of time and effort.  However, the fancy is large enough to include all cats.

     While Shawnee Cattery originated the breed, and set the present Standard, there are now quite a few dedicated breeders across the U.S. and Canada.  A few have started their own lines by an initial Burmese x Black American  Shorthair breeding.  Outcrossing, or the process of breeding Bombay to Burmese or Black ASH, is still allowed by CFA, and several breeders are involved in such programs.  This outcrossing is necessary at this time to produce several lines of Bombays so that severe inbreeding will not necessary to keep the breed going.

  
 
 

 

While many people feel that the Bombay is a black Burmese, although the two breeds are close in type they are not the same!  A comparison of the standards will immediately show likenesses and differences.  Judges especially should note what the Bombay breeders are striving to produce

A breed club has been formed by Bombay fanciers.  The unaffiliated, non-profit International Bombay Society is now involved with the cross-breeding programs by keeping records of kittens born.  In the majority of Burmese x Bombay breedings, a ratio of 2:2 has resulted between black and sable kittens.  A few litters of such breedings have resulted in all black litters, and at least one such mating has resulted in all sable kittens.  The sable kittens are registered as AOV Bombays and are sold as pets, or, if

  
PANTHERRA BLACK MAGIC and PANTHERRA BLACKBERRY, Bombay kittens owned by Joy Smith, Waukegan, IL
 
 

of exceptionally fine and quality, can be used in the breeding programs.  As expected, the breedings from Black ASH x Bombay and from Bombay x Bombay has resulted in only Black kittens.  The Society hopes, by keeping these records, to help each member, as well as new breeders and fanciers of the Bombay.  A bi-monthly Newsletter is sent to each member containing questions, opinions, articles, show reports or members cats, sales list and many other items of interest to Bombay fans.

Temperament

The Bombay temperament seems to fall into a happy medium between the garrulous Burmese and the hearth-loving American Shorthair.  Happy-go-lucky cats, the majority will “talk” to you, but not unless they have something important to say!  Kittens are playful but not a complete house-wrecking crew.  They mature at about the same rate as Burmese: females produce and average of four to five kittens a litter, needing little or no help from the anxious owners.  Grooming consists of brushing once or twice a week; more in summer than winter, please.  A good hand rub and a polish with the chamois will give the high gloss they are noted for.  From my own experience, I have found the Bombays to be hale and hardy cats, able to cope with changes in climate and diet with no problems.  Mine have all been exceptionally good travelers as well. 

For anyone who has seen the glossy black cat with the huge copper eyes, and desires a challenge in his/her cattery, the Bombay could be the answer.  For those who want a gorgeous winner in the show ring, or a fire-side companion and playful friend, the Bombay has what it takes and more. ###

  

Note: The author of this article, Patricia C Taylor worked closely with Nikki Horner in the early pre-championship days and played an important role in advancing the Bombay from Provisional to Championship status.  At the time of publication, the Bombay had been in the Championship Class for only 2 years, making this is a fascinating look back at the breed we love.