GP RW Night Sky's Furfilled Destiny
A. Bombays are a hybrid between the sable Burmese and black American Shorthair. Most Bombays are black with gold to copper eyes, however because of the hybrid we do get some sables as well. Their coats are shiny, so they are called "the patented leather kid with copper penny eyes." As a breed they are highly domesticated, very sociable, intelligent, curious, in your face, in your lap, and in the middle of whatever you are doing. They get along with other breeds of cats and most dogs, if the dog is accustomed to cats. Kittens and adults are playful and active without being overly athletic.
Q. I have a cat at home that looks like yours. Do you think it could be a Bombay?
A. If you don't have any papers, there is no way to really know. There are dog breeders who may take a dog of one breed and cross it to another. Ethical cat breeders don't do that unless it's allowed by the registering associations. For example, we can outcross to the sable Burmese and black American Shorthair. The resulting kittens would be called Bombays. We can't breed a Bombay to any another registered breed or alley cat. Secondly, cat breeders don't let their cats run loose to breed whatever cat may be out there, whereas a dog may get away from its owners so accidents happen. Thirdly, only 1% of the cats in shelters are pedigreed cats. So, it's highly unlikely that your cat would be a Bombay or part Bombay. However, remember that a Household Pet can love you just as much as a pedigreed cat. We have done our share of rescuing such kittens over the years.
Q. What are that light areas between their eyes and ears? Is that normal?
A. Yes, it is. The hair is very short and thin in that area. With the Bombay's white skin, it becomes very evident. It is thought that it is a defense mechanism. Back in the days when the cats were on the street, preditors thought their eyes were open when they were asleep and left them alone.
Q. Are Bombays very vocal?
A. It depends on the individual cat and if the owner encourages it. Some are quite forward about "talking" while others rely on other methods of telling you their needs. Even vocal Bombays are not a mouthy as a Siamese or similar breeds.
Q. How much does a Bombay kitten cost?
A. Pet quality Bombays run anywhere from $700 to $1000, depending on the pedigree, what kind of contract the breeder has, whether or not the kitten is already neutered/spayed, and the location. Show quality kittens run from $1000 to $2500, depending on the pedigree and the "look" of the kitten. Most breeders will sell unaltered show quality kittens only to other breeders they know have the same breeding philosophy that they do. However, sometimes a show quality kitten may not be needed for a breeding program, so the breeder may alter it and sell it for a pet price. If you are thinking of showing, getting such a cat is a good way to start.
Q. Can I get a Bombay for less?
A. Yes. Sometimes a breeder will have a retired adult from their breeding program, that needs a loving pet home. We like to have our cats spend most of their lives as pets in someone's lap, so they are spayed or neutered fairly young. Email us about what we have available.
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Webmistress Jo Ann Arnett
1/21/07