Bombay Burmila

The Bombay looks like a black panther that never grew up. Everything about it is black: body, head, paws and nose. Everything, that is, except its fascinating golden eyes. The only Indian thing about it though is its name. It first saw the light of day in the home of a well known American cat breeder, Mrs Nikki Horner, who crossed sable Burmese with American Shorthairs. It first began to be recognised as a breed in 1976.

Although it has the physical attributes of a black panther the Bombay is, in fact, as well behaved as it is beautiful. Easy to look after, it is affectionate, intelligent and very close to its owner. A little too much so sometimes. It can be a character! Its fine, silky coat should be brushed every second day. A wool rag or soft glove, slightly damped, may be used to give a shine to its coat.

The Bombay gets on with other family pets -as long as they are not cats! The Burmilla is a breed which is not presently recognised but soon will be. It is English and is the result of an accidental mating between a lilac Burmese and a Chinchilla, in 1981. Four kittens were born with short hair which, as they grew to maturity, turned to a wondelful silver colour: the start of a new breed of cat.

A gentle, affectionate, calm animal, the Burmilla fits happily into the family. From the Chinchilla it gets it habit of "chatting" to its owner. A fun cat, it loves to play with children but is nervous of strangers. It needs company and should never be left alone for any length of time. Brushing twice a week and a weighed diet will keep it healthy. It likes lots of space without being a wanderer.

13 BOMBAY

General:
Medium sized, muscular and well proportioned body. Straight, medium length tail. The male is larger than the female.

Head:
Round and wide with a short muzzle. Ears setwell apart. Round, wide apart eyes, their colour being shades of yellow to amber.

Coat:
Fine, short, satiny hair which is black all over with no mark,stripe or spot of any other colour. Black nose and paws.

BURMILLA

General
Medium sized with a straight back. Fairly heavy bone structure. Medium sized feet with oval paws. Medium long tail with a rounded end.

Head
Slightly rounded with a square muzzle. Big, wide based ears which are rounded. Eyes may be any shade of green.

Coat
Silver or golden with pronounced markings. Softtexlured. Basic coiours of the Burmese .