Skip to content 
Bombay Cat Breed Introduction
Bombay Cat is a solid black domesticated cat named after the Indian city of Bombay. They have the nickname Parlor Panther and are social with children. These cats are comfortable being strictly indoor cats and crave attention. Parlor Panthers are available in two variations that include the American Bombay and the British Bombay. Moreover, they feature a short-haired glossy coat with a muscular build.
Parlor Panthers portray a curious, active, and highly affectionate trait. They have rounded heads with rounded ears and large bright copper-golden eyes. Additionally, the difference between the British Bombay and American Bombay is that the British ones have bright orange eyes while the American Bombay have copper eyes.
Origin
Parlor Panthers were first bred in 1958 by a breeder Nikki Horner from Louisville, Kentucky, USA. She first wished to breed a cat that resembled a miniature black panther as India had black leopards. The first trial was not successful but in 1965, she had a second trial that was successful after a long process of selective breeding and outcrossing and strict control over the line. Parlor Panthers have now recognized by The International Cat Association since 1979 and the Cat Fanciers’ Association since 1970.
Bombay Cat Life Expectancy
Parlor Panthers have an average lifespan of 15 years but some of them can live up to 20 years.
Care
Bombay Cats have a solid black glossy coat that requires brushing once a week. These cats can groom themselves but they enjoy the attention during brushing. Brushing is done using a rubber curry brush which removes the dead hair on the coat allowing new hair growth. Moreover, these cats do not like water as they prefer to stay dry and warm.
However, bathing is done to remove excess oils on their coat only when necessary. Teeth brushing is done twice a week using a soft-bristle brush or finger brush and toothpaste designed for cats. The owners can also get the cat’s dental chews to minimize tartar buildup. Wipe the gunk on Parlor Panthers’ eyes using a cotton ball damped in sterilized water.
The ears of the cats should be cleaned using an ear cleanser and cotton ball once a week to avoid wax and debris buildup. Depending on how fast the cat claws grow, their nails should be clipped once or twice a month.
Shedding
Parlor Panthers shed minimal hair throughout the year. However, during spring and fall, the cats tend to shed more.
Coat
The Parlor Panthers have a solid black short, dense, and glossy coat with a lacquered sheen that is tight to the body.
Long Hair
They are originally known to have short-haired black coats, thus, there are no long-haired Parlor Panthers.
Bombay Cat Hypoallergenic
Parlor Panthers shed minimal hair and heavily during spring and fall. As they shed, they drop the Fel-D1 protein in their hair and dander which causes inflammation and asthma in allergic people. Their urine and saliva also contain the protein allergen thus, the Parlor Panthers are not a good choice for allergic people.
Training
Parlor Panthers are clever and inventive hence the owners should train them when they are kitten. Ensure to use a positive reinforcement approach on the cat to motivate them. This also strengthens the bond between the owner and the cats. Furthermore, it is important to socialize the kittens to avoid shyness, which can be achieved by exposing them to parks, new places, new people, and new animals.
The training sessions should be short and start with easy things to avoid distractions or boredom. Ensure to praise and reward the cat after a correct behavior and do not punish the cat for bad behavior. Also, include obedience skills and command words like “high five”, “sit”, “come” or “no”.
A clicker and target stick can also be used in training. Additionally, provide effective housebreaking rules, such as early crate training, litter training, and feeding schedules. Parlor Panthers can also be trained to walk on leashes.
Bombay Cat Personality
- Affectionate.
- Athletic.
- Playful.
- Intelligent.
- Friendly.
- Cuddly.
- Social.
- Curious.
- Active.
- Energetic.
- Gentle.
- Persuasive.
Female Cat Personality
Female Parlor Panthers are known to be slightly independent but still friendly. They are known to be more climbers and jumpers. Also, they are more gentle and alert.
Male Cat Personality
The male Parlor Panthers are known to be friendly, more attention-seeking, and playful. The males are muscular and strong with a large frame and round body.
British Bombay Cat Personality
They are;
- Very affectionate.
- Persuasive.
- Agreeable.
- Extroverts
- Highly social.
- Intelligent.
Intelligence
Parlor Panthers are known to be intelligent cats as they can learn and follow commands from their owners and trainers. They are also able to learn human and other animals communication. Parlor Panthers can differentiate between a familiar voice and that of a stranger. In addition, they are persistent when they want something.
Exercise
Parlor Panthers require a lot of exercise for about 30 to 60 minutes a day especially when they are young. The owners can provide them with toys like puzzles and engaging toys, play with the cats, provide warm places to snuggle up, and a scratching pad.
Meow
Parlor Panthers do now meow often as they will only do so when they are hungry or thirsty. They are vocal when expressing their feelings and emotions.
Bombay Cat Size
Parlor Panthers stand at a height of 9 to 13 inches ( approx. 23 to 33 cm ) and weigh between 5.5 to 11 pounds ( approx. 2.5 to 5 kg ).
Height
Parlor Panthers stand at a height of 9 to 13 inches ( approx. 23 to 33cm ).
Bombay Cat Weight
A healthy Parlor Panther weighs between 5.5 to 11 pounds ( approx. 2.5 to 5kg ).
Apart from Bombay Cats, other cat breeds include:
Male
Male Parlor Panthers have an average weight of 8 to 11 pounds (approx. 3.5 kg to 5 kg). They stand at a height of 10 inches to 14 inches ( approx. 25 to 36 cm ).
Female
Female Parlor Panthers have an average weight of 6 to 8 pounds ( approx. 2.5 to 3.5 kg). They also have an average height of 9 to 13 inches ( approx. 23 to 36 cm ).
Full Grown
Parlor Panthers are said to be fully grown when they are two years old as they have a slow physical development. However, they reach sexual maturity as early as five months.
Aggressive
Parlor Panthers are not known to be aggressive as they tend to be affectionate and get along with children and family. However, they may be prone to some degree of aggression where they will growl or hiss when anxious. If they feel threatened, they will scratch or bite.
Bombay Cat Health Issues
Parlor Panthers are healthy cats. However, they are prone to suffering from conditions including:
- Hypokalemia – is a disease caused by low potassium levels in blood plasma. The cat may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, muscle cramps, and loss of appetite.
- Craniofacial abnormalities – a condition caused by a genetic mutation.
- Breathing difficulties – Some of the Parlor Panthers can have nasal and sinus problems.
- Obesity – These cats have low body fat and a slight weight gain can lead them to look unshapely. Thus, their food intake should be controlled to avoid overfeeding.
Allergies
Parlor Panthers are generally healthy cats, but like any other pet, they can be affected by various environmental factors and substances present in their food. They may suffer from Airborne Allergies, which can manifest as severe itching, redness, and swelling of the skin. Additionally, Food Allergies can also be a cause for concern, with affected cats exhibiting small crusty bumps or hair loss on both sides of their body. This type of allergy can affect Parlor Panthers of any age, ranging from three months to 11 years.
However, identifying the specific allergen can be challenging, and the food elimination process requires a visit to a vet. Parlor Panther owners should keep a close eye on their pets’ symptoms and seek veterinary advice promptly if they suspect an allergy.
Bombay Cat Names
Parlor Panther owners typically give their cats names either before or after adopting them. These names often draw inspiration from a variety of sources, such as the cat’s place of origin, songs, books, movies, or the cat’s unique coat. Additionally, owners may choose to name their cats based on their personalities or physical features. It is important, however, to ensure that the chosen name is distinct from any commands the cat may be taught during training. Some examples of names that are commonly given to Parlor Panthers include:
- Harlow.
- Cleo.
- Maui.
- Midnight.
- Panther.
- Lola.
- Leo.
- Milo.
- Shadow.
- Luna.
Bombay Cat Food
Parlor Panthers require a healthy and balanced diet to stay fit and healthy. Depending on their age, lifestyle, and overall health, they can eat both dry and wet food. For instance, a kitten will require a different balance of nutrients in the diet compared to a less active senior cat as they are more energetic. There are grain-free wet food options that contain proteins like chicken, tuna, turkey, and salmon, which can be beneficial for the cat’s health. However, when feeding the cats, the owner should be mindful of the right quantity of food to maintain their body and avoid overfeeding which can lead to obesity.
Bombay Cat Colors
The Parlor Panthers are known to have a solid black color.
Grey
These cats are only available in black color. If they contain grey color, they are not pure bred.
Black
Parlor Panthers are only available in black color. This also includes the whiskers, and black skin, including the soles, nose leather, and mouth. Their glossy black coat is colored to the roots with no Palin with an exemption of a less than two-year-old cat. They have copper-golden-colored eyes.
Black And White
Parlor Panthers are only available in black color thus, there are no black and white colored coats.
British Bombay Cats
Parlor Panthers are available in two variants which include the British Bombay. The British Parlor Panthers first originated from three mismatings of European Burmese with black domestic short-haired cats. Moreover, they are solid black-colored Asian Self-cats under the Asian group.
English Bombay Cat
English Bombay Cats, also known as American Bombay Cats, are a type of Parlor Panther. These cats were created by breeding sable American Burmese and black American Shorthair cats. As a result of this breeding, they have a glossy black coat that resembles that of a panther, and copper-golden eyes that are mostly of Burmese type.
Bombay Cat Eyes
Parlor Panthers have set apart eyes that are large and round. They are available from copper-colored but can range from bright orange to warm golden. Parlor Panthers with green eyes are not allowed.
Blue Eyes
They have gold or copper color eyes and are not available in blue color.
Paws
They have black paws that are rounder with black paw pads.
Ears
The Parlor Panthers possess medium-sized ears that are set apart, straight, and have rounded tips.
Tail
Parlor Panthers have a back tail that is medium in length with a slight taper.
Bombay Cat Identification
Parlor Panthers have a solid black, dense, and glossy coat. They have rounded gold or copper eyes, black whiskers, soles, nose leather, and mouth.
Bombay Cat Mixed With Maine Coon
Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed that originated from the USA. The mix of Bombay and Maine Coon can be a medium or a large size cat weighing 10 to 25 pounds.
Kittens
Parlor Panthers welcome kittens that have solid black coats with rounded heads. They also have copper-colored eyes but can range from bright orange to warm golden. Kittens require minimal grooming, but they need lots of exercise and a balanced diet.
Fangs
Parlor Panthers have 30 permanent teeth while a kitten has 26 teeth. The kittens lose their primary teeth when they are 12 weeks old and grow permanent teeth by six months. However, some can take up to 9 months to get a full set of adult teeth.
Bombay Cat Price
Parlor Panthers have a price ranging from $700 to $1500 depending on the age and location of the breeder.
Bombay Cat vs Black Cat
Parlor Panthers is one of the popular black cat breeds. However, it does not necessarily mean every other black cat is a Bombay breed. There are several Black Cat breeds including British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Exotic cats, and Cornish Rex.
Bombay Cat Vs Black Domestic Shorthair
Parlor Panthers are a breed of black cats that have a short, solid black coat. It’s important to note that not every black cat is a Bombay breed. Other breeds of black domestic shorthaired cats may have markings on their coat. These breeds include the British Shorthair and American Shorthair among others.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Bombay Cats Rare
Parlor Panthers are rare cats to find which makes them expensive. These individuals are adored by numerous people due to their intelligence and cleverness.
How Big Do Bombay Cats Get
A healthy Parlor Panther weighs between 5.5 to 11 pounds ( approx. 2.5 to 5 kg ).
How Long Do Bombay Cats Live
The Parlor Panther have a lifespan of 15 years but some of them can live up to 20 years.
Are All Black Cats Bombay Cats
Not all black cats Parlor Panthers as their color alone doesn’t determine a cat’s breed of origin. However, there are other black cats like British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Exotic cats, and Cornish Rex.
Are Bombay Cats Hypoallergenic
No. Bombay Cats are not hypoallergenic as they shed their hair leaving dander which contains the Fel-D1 protein that causes inflammation and asthma in allergic people. Their urine and saliva contain the protein.
Do Bombay Cats Shed
Yes. Parlor Panthers will shed moderately during the seasons and high in spring or fall as they get rid of their dense coat.
Are Bombay Cats Big
No. Parlor Panthers are medium-sized domesticated cat breeds.
What Is A Bombay Cat
Bombay Cat also Parlor Panther is a solid black domesticated cat that is available in two variations; the American Bombay and the British Bombay. They have a lifespan of 15 years but some of them can live up to 20 years. These cats contain a short, dense, and glossy coat.
How Much Are Bombay Cats
Parlor Panthers have a price ranging from $700 to $1500.
Are Bombay Cats Expensive
Yes. The Parlor Panthers are expensive cats as they are rare and unique.
Are Bombay Cats Smart
Yes. They are highly intelligent and responsive to commands from trainers and owners. They are also able to learn human and other animals communication.
Do Bombay Cats Like To Be Held
Yes. The Parlor Panthers are affectionate and they will relish any opportunity to cuddle on the owner’s lap or snuggle beside them in bed.
Are Bombay Cats Mean
No. The Parlor Panthers are friendly, loving, and loyal pets who enjoy spending quality time with their owners.
Are Bombay Cats Aggressive
No. Parlor Panthers are not aggressive as they tend to be affectionate and get along with children and family. They may be aggressive when they feel threatened.
What do Bombay Cats Eat
Parlor Panthers can eat a mixture of wet and dry food. However, the owners should be cautious about their food amount as they may be prone to obesity.
Are Bombay Cats Friendly
Yes. Parlor Panthers are friendly when trained and socialized early, making them get along well with family, other pets, and friends.
Are Bombay Cats Affectionate
Yes. Parlor Panthers are affectionate as they thrive on human interaction and will often seek out owners’ company.
Bombay Cats Facts
- Parlor Panthers are available in two types the American Bombay and the British Bombay.
- The Parlor Panthers are prone to nasal and sinus problems, and gingivitis.
- Parlor Panthers prefer quiet surroundings and are comfortable being strictly indoor cats.
