Introduction: Understanding the Bombay breed

The Bombay breed is a beautiful, sleek, and elegant cat breed that is known for its affectionate and playful nature. This breed is unique in that it has a deep black coat that is reminiscent of a black panther. It is a medium-sized breed that is well-adapted to indoor living. The Bombay breed is loved by many cat lovers around the world, but its name has raised some questions about its heritage and significance.

Origin and history of the Bombay breed

The Bombay breed was first created in the United States in the 1950s by a breeder named Nikki Horner. She crossed a black American Shorthair with a sable Burmese to create this breed. The goal was to create a cat with a black coat that was as shiny and sleek as a panther’s. The breed was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1976, and it has since become a popular breed among cat lovers.

Significance of Bombay in the breed’s name

The name "Bombay" is significant because it refers to the city of Bombay (now Mumbai) in India. The breed’s creator, Nikki Horner, was inspired by the black leopards that were found in the forests of India. She wanted to create a cat that resembled these majestic animals, and she chose the name "Bombay" to reflect the cat’s exotic and mysterious nature. The name has also been associated with the breed’s sleek and shiny coat, which is similar to the black marble that is found in Bombay.