Before you make the decision to get a Bombay cat, you will need to learn everything you can about them.
This includes how big they get. The size of the cat you choose is important for a number of reasons, so it pays to educate yourself.
Average Size of the Bombay Cat
The Bombay cat can weigh anywhere from 6 to 11 pounds once it is fully matured. These cats measure from 13 to 20 inches. Males tend to weigh a bit more than females. While the Bombay is classified as a medium size breed, it can get fairly large.
The average weight of the domestic housecat is 7.9 to 9.9 pounds, making the Bombay a definite outlier. These cats reach full sexual maturity by the time they are five months old. It is important to remember that they can continue growing until they are two years old.
Personality
Anyone who buys or adopts one of these cats will quickly discover that they are extremely energetic and active. Bombay cats love jumping around and playing. They do require a good amount of attention, so you will need to keep that in mind before deciding to get one.
One of the best things about these cats is that they are incredibly adaptable. This means that they typically don’t require a long adjustment period when introduced to a new environment.
As these cats age, they start becoming more lethargic. Senior Bombay cats are often content lazily lying around or sitting on a windowsill watching whatever is happening outside.
Diet
Bombay cats do not require a special diet, but it’s still important that you provide yours with a healthy, well-balanced diet. It is best to give them a combination of wet and dry food. Make sure that you choose foods with lots of protein and healthy fats to maintain their coat’s beautiful sheen.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Bombay Cat
There are a number of things that you should consider before deciding to get a Bombay cat. It is a big commitment, so you don’t want to take this decision lightly.
1. The Size of Your Home
Since Bombay cats are fairly large and active creatures, you will need a good amount of space at home to accommodate one. This probably isn’t a good choice for those who live in a small studio apartment. The larger your home is, the happier and healthier your cat is going to be.
2. Your Schedule
As we mentioned above, these cats require a lot of attention. You will need to have a good amount of free time to devote to your cat. If you are always gone and don’t have a lot of time or energy for playing with a cat, this breed is not a good fit. This is simply not the type of cat that you can leave alone all the time.
3. Your Experience Level
If you are getting a Bombay cat for the very first time, you’ll want to look for one that is on the small side. It will be a lot easier to manage and care for a smaller version of this cat if you have no previous experience.
Grooming
The relatively short coat of the Bombay cat means that it doesn’t shed very much. This also means that you won’t have to deal with regular grooming. It is a good idea to run a brush over their coat once a week or so.
These cats also need to get their nails trimmed fairly regularly. You don’t want their nails to grow out too long, as this can cause all sorts of issues. There is no need to clean out their ears unless they look dirty. When you brush your cat’s teeth, you’ll want to use a toothpaste that is recommended by your veterinarian.
Common Health Problems
Bombay cats are generally pretty healthy and aren’t prone to a lot of serious medical conditions. It is, however, still important that you take them to the vet for regular checkups. This will reduce the chances of any major health issues with your cat.
This particular breed is known for sometimes having heart issues, specifically hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM. This is a heart disease that can be fatal if it is not properly treated. Your veterinarian can perform an echocardiogram to find out if your cat does indeed have this condition.
When you are looking for a breeder to buy from, it is important that you choose one that screens for heart problems. This will help you avoid a lot of heartache and expense in the future.
FAQs
Which Colors do Bombay Cats come in?
Bombay cats are only dark black, though they do sometimes have a few white hairs, especially as they older.
Why is my Bombay cat so Skinny?
If your Bombay cat is underweight, it’s probably because you aren’t feeding them enough on a daily basis. It could also be due to a nutritional deficiency. This is why it’s so important that you give your cat high quality food every single day.
Is it difficult to toilet train Bombay cats?
The adaptable nature of these cats means that you shouldn’t have any issues with getting them to use the litter box.
Conclusion
- Bombay cats have an average weight of 6 to 11 pounds, and a total length of 13 to 20 inches.
- These cats are significantly larger than the average domestic house cat, in terms of both length and weight.
- The active nature of Bombay cats demands a decent size living environment.
- If you live in a very small apartment, you’ll want to think twice about getting this type of cat.
- It’s also important that you give your Bombay cat lots of attention on a regular basis.
- The short coat of these cats means minimal shedding, but you should brush yours once every week.
- This breed is somewhat prone to heart problems, so make sure you choose a breeder that screens for HCM.
- If your Bombay cat is underweight, it’s most likely because you aren’t feeding it enough, or you need to choose a more nutritious food.
