If you’re considering adopting a Bombay cat, you may wonder, “How big are Bombay cats? Bombay cats typically weigh between 6-12 pounds (3-5 kg) and reach a maximum height of about 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) at the shoulder. They have a solid, muscular build with a compact and influential body, known for their sleek and shiny coat, which is typically black, and their large, expressive eyes.
Bombay Cat Breed Standard
Eyes
Bombay cats have large, expressive eyes, one of their most distinctive features. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance says they are typically round and wide-set and can come in various colors, including copper, gold, and green. The color of the iris of a Bombay cat’s eye will match the color of its coat, typically black; as such, their eyes are usually copper or gold.
The eyes of a Bombay cat are known for their striking contrast against their dark coat, which gives them a striking, exotic appearance. The eyes of a Bombay cat are also one of the first things people notice about them and are often described as mesmerizing and captivating.
Legs and Paws
Bombay cats have short, sturdy legs and paws proportionate to their body size. Their legs are muscular and well-defined, with tiny, round paws with thick pads.
Their paws are typically black, which contrasts nicely with their shiny coat, and their claws are retractable, a characteristic of all cats. This allows them to use their claws for hunting or climbing when needed and then retract them when not used to protect them from wear and tear.
The Bombay cat’s back legs are slightly longer than the front legs, which gives them a slightly more athletic appearance. This feature also gives them good balance and agility, making them great climbers and jumpers.
Tail
Bombay cats tend to carry their tails high, giving them a confident and alert appearance. Their tails are also relatively flexible, which allows them to express a wide range of emotions through their body language. For example, when a Bombay cat is relaxed and content, their tail may be held low and curled around its body. Their tail may be held high and puffed out when they’re excited or playful.
The Bombay cat’s tail is an essential aspect of their body language, which can give insight into their emotions and intentions. It is also an essential tool for balance and communication.
Body
The body of a Bombay cat is compact, muscular, and well-proportioned, with a broad chest, a well-defined waist, and a slightly arched back, which gives them a sleek and athletic appearance.
Their coat is short, shiny, and close-lying, which gives them a smooth, satiny texture, usually black, although some Bombay cats may have a slight rust or mahogany hue.
The Bombay cat’s robust and sturdy build suits its agile and active nature. They are known for their strength and endurance, making them great climbers and jumpers. Their short, smooth coat also makes them low maintenance.
Ears
The ears of a Bombay cat are typically medium in size, set wide apart, and slightly rounded at the tips. They are well-furred, and their ear tufts add to their unique and distinct look and have a slight forward tilt, which gives them an alert and attentive appearance.
The ears of a Bombay cat are also relatively mobile, which allows them to express a wide range of emotions through their body language. For example, when Bombay cats are relaxed and content, their ears may be held upright and alert. Their ears may be held forward and perked up when they’re excited or playful. Feeling threatened or defensive, their ears may be held back and flattened against their head.
The ears of a Bombay cat are also an important tool for hearing, which is essential for their survival in the wild. They can detect and locate prey and potential predators by using their sharp sense of hearing.
Coat
The coat of a Bombay cat is short, shiny, and close-lying, giving them a smooth, satiny texture. It is usually black, although some Bombay cats may have a slight rust or mahogany hue, and the coat is low maintenance, with minimal shedding and grooming requirements.
The Bombay cat’s coat is also relatively thick, which helps to keep them warm and insulated in colder temperatures. Their short hair also makes them an ideal pet for people who are sensitive to pet hair and dander.
The Bombay cat’s coat color is also essential to their breed standard, as it should be a rich, glossy black with minimal white markings.
Grooming
Grooming a Bombay cat is relatively easy and low maintenance. Due to their short, shiny, and close-lying coat, they do not require frequent grooming, but weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or a grooming mitt is usually sufficient to keep their coat shiny, smooth, and free of tangles.
Keeping their ears clean and free of wax buildup is also essential, as this can lead to infections. You can do this by gently wiping the inside of their ears with a cotton ball or a soft cloth dampened with a mild ear cleaner.
It’s also essential to keep their nails trimmed to prevent them from overgrowing and causing pain or discomfort. For example, you can use a pair of cat-specific nail clippers or take them to a professional groomer. It’s also essential to keep their teeth clean by providing them with dental chews or toys and brushing them with a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for cats.
Bathing them occasionally is also a good idea, but this is optional as they clean themselves quite well. However, if they get into something smelly or dirty, it’s okay to bathe them.
