The origin of the breed

At first glance, it is easy to guess that this breed has an inspiring prototype – Rudyard Kipling's character, the black panther Bagheera. The black "coat" of the Bombay cat gives it a striking resemblance to a miniature panther. The breed is named after the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai), home to wild melanistic leopards.

While the American Bombay was created in 1958 by crossing the Burmese and American Shorthair (black), the Australian story unfolded differently. In 1997, breeder Heather Brown presented a program to the Cat Control Council of Australia to develop an Australian Bombay, using the Burmese and British Shorthair (black). The goal was to create a healthier, sturdier line, free from hereditary diseases sometimes found in American Bombays.

The "Australian Bombay" breed was accepted within the TOPCAT system as a separate branch of the Bombay breed, prized for its more massive bone structure, rounder head, and lacquered, dense coat.

Appearance

Black shimmering coat and copper eyes – that is what strikes you upon first meeting this breed. Australian Bombays are medium to large cats (3 to 6 kg). Due to their strong muscles and British genes, they weigh more than they appear.

Standard – Point Scale (TOPCAT):

• Body (shape, bone, muscle) – 20 points
• Head and ears (shape, roundness) – 20 points
• Color (black, eye color) – 25 points
• Coat texture – 20 points
• Eyes (color and shape) – 10 points
• Condition – 5 points

Head: Round, with no flat surfaces or sharp angles. Full cheeks. Broad, rounded muzzle. Broad nose bridge. A noticeable but not sharp stop. Strong, square chin. Correct bite.

Eyes: Large, wide-set, round (upper and lower lids form a single rounded line, not almond-shaped). Color – from copper to gold. Deep copper is preferred. Lively, expressive gaze.

Ears: Medium-sized, broad at the base, wide-set, with a slightly forward "alert" tilt. Rounded tips. "Ear tufts" inside the pinna are permissible.

Neck: Short, thick, muscular.

Body: Cobby type: compact, dense, stocky, but not coarse. Broad chest, straight and short back. Powerful muscles.

Legs: Short or medium length, sturdy, with broad bone.

Paws: Round, compact, toes tightly clenched.

Tail: Thick at the base, medium length, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.

Coat:: Short, dense, glossy, tightly lying, resembling seal fur or satin. An undercoat is present but very short (British influence), making the coat feel "plush" to the touch, unlike the smooth coat of the American Bombay.

Color: Only solid, rich blue-black without any white spots, hairs, or "lockets." Nose leather, paw pads, and eye rims – black.

Faults: Flat skull, narrow almond-shaped eyes, too thin a tail, oriental body type (slender), too thick or loose coat. White spots or individual white hairs. Greenish tint to the eyes.

Disqualification: Incorrect bite. Pronounced green or yellow eye color (not copper/gold). Brown or light paw pads. White spots.

Disqualification for all breeds: Amputated claws, criptorhism, deafness. Any bone deformations on body, head or limbs.

Personality and Character

The Australian Bombay is a "panther in the living room." In character, it is closer to the calm British than the active Burmese. These cats are balanced, phlegmatic, but not without playfulness. They are deeply attached to their home and one owner, yet not pushy. They dislike loud noises and overfamiliarity from strangers. Their voice is quiet. They get along well with dogs but may dominate other cats. They possess natural cleanliness and dignity.

Maintenance and care

Care is minimal. The short plush coat needs brushing only once a week with a rubber brush or mitt. Bathe 1-2 times a year or before a show using a shampoo for black coats (enhances shine). Clean ears every 2 weeks and wipe eyes as needed. Nails should be trimmed as they grow.hed and their coat feels really nice to the touch, excessive tension may be harmful to them. It is enough to pet them with your hands or a piece of cloth on a weekly basis.

Nutrition

Prone to overeating and weight gain due to British genes and their solid build. Ration portions must be strictly controlled. Preference – super-premium balanced food for shorthair breeds. For natural feeding, the base should be lean meat, organ meats, vegetables, and minimal carbohydrates. To improve coat quality, add biotin supplements or brewer's yeast as advised by a veterinarian.

Selection and Breeding

Permissible outcrosses (in the TOPCAT system):

• Burmese (sable color).
• British Shorthair (black, rarely lilac to lighten lines).
• Bombay (American type) – marked as "cross".

Restrictions: Do not cross with Siamese, Persians, or Exotics.

Breeds Created Using Australian Bombays

None registered.

Other and Obsolete Breed Names

Australian Bombay. Australian Black Bombay.

Unofficial (Slang) Names

Bombay. Austrobomb. Plush Panther..