Tonkinese vs Bombay - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The Bombay cat was developed by breeding black American Shorthair cats and sable Burmese cats to bring about a sleek panther-like cat.

Cats of the Asian group are given the name Bombay cats. It is also known as the Black Mamba or mini-panther. In fact the Bombay cat was developed by Nikki Horner, a breeder from Kentucky, USA.

In 1976 the Bombay cat was successfully bred and was recognized and registered by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1970 and also the International Cat Association.

It was about in 1960 that a breeding program was established for these cats. The Tonkinese is a cat that hails from Canada and it was a certain Jane Batlett who was responsible for breeding this cat.

She wanted a cat that was in between the Burmese and Siamese.

Also, Margaret Conroy, another breeder, set up her breeding program between a Burmese female with a Siamese. Both Conroy and Bartlett worked together on the breed and the Tonkinese came about. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized this cat breed in 1984.

As a short-haired cat, the Bombay is related to the Burmese cat. It’s a medium-sized cat, muscular, lithe, and agile – like a black panther.

The cat weighs anything between 3 to 7kg. It is a stocky, compact cat with a round head and ears that are fairly rounded at the tips. The coat of the Bombay is short and glossy. In fact, it is the pitch-black short, close-lying shiny coat of the Bombay cat that makes it so distinctive and that with its green or copper-colored eyes. The cat’s nose as well as the pads of their paws, are also black

Temperament:

Bombay cats are very social, getting on well with all their human family members. They’re affectionate and like to demand attention from their humans.

They’re typical cats in many ways and are curious and alert. You wouldn’t describe the Bombay as an independent cat breed, although the older ones do become more independent as they mature but they are cats that dislike being left alone for long periods of time.

They are however adaptable to different lifestyles and can easily learn new tricks. They’re intelligent cats and will need toys that make him think. He always loves to play with the toys close to his human owner and has quite a loud meow and purr to voice his feelings

As a medium-sized cat, with a firm, muscular body, your Tonkinese will weigh between 2.5 – 6kg.The head is slightly rounded with fairly broad ears that are set wide apart.

The eyes are bigger than the classic Oriental shape and can range from green to light blue in color.

The coat of the Tonkinese is short and close-lying and is soft and silky to touch. The mask, the ears, legs and tail are all darker than the body.

The Tonkinese cat breed is recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 4 base colors - medium brown, champagne, blue and and platinum.

Temperament:

The Tonkinese cat, with one of its parents being the Siamese cat, just loves giving and receiving attention.

Active and social, he is an excellent choice for families with children and even other pets. They love just seeking out their human companions and lying down where they are.

They’re intelligent felines these, and you can even teach them some simple commands. Because of them being so very social, they don’t like to be left on their own – certainly not for the whole day while you go off to work.

Ideally, it would be nice to have two of these cats together.

These sleek panther-like cats are a perfect choice if you want a cat that loves its human family.

Every cat has got their peculiarities and these Bombay cats like heat – you’ll always find them curled up close to the fire or heaters. On a sunny day they’ll want to be outside soaking up the warmth.

Provide your Bombay with all the things he loves and he is guaranteed to make you the most awesome feline companion.

Tonkinese cats can be active and highly entertaining with their antics. When you laugh at them, they are encouraged to perform more.

They are affectionate and intelligent cats and you will need to have toys for him. When he isn't playing, he likes nothing more than to be petted and pampered by his human family.

Your Tonkinese will get on well with children and other pets, and he generally makes a splendid pet for those who care well for him.

With good care these amazing cats can live to be between 15 and 20 years of age. Your Bombay, just like with other pets, can have any one of the health problems that cats are known for.

One of these diseases is craniofacial defect where there is a deformity of the head. Kittens with this deformity are always euthanized.

Vomiting is a sign that all is not well with your cat. Vomiting is actually a common problem with cats and is indicative of a number of causes. It could mean your cat has eaten something inedible, it could mean an infection or even a urinary tract problem.

Remember that ongoing vomiting can lead to dehydration so if your cat continues you must get him to the vet as soon as possible.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease for instance can affect both your male or female cat. There are a number of causes of which stress and being overweight are just two.

You’ll notice your cat battling to urinate, blood in the urine, lack of appetite, restless and licking around the urinary area because of pain. Certainly, this is one reason you want to get your beloved cat to the vet.

Tonkinese are generally healthy cats but they can be prone to eye problems such as gingvitis.

Because they are part of the Siamese family, they can succumb to some of the diseases that the Siamese battles with. These are asthma/bronchial disease, heart defects, lymphoma, and crossed eyes.

Lymphoma:

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes - cells involved in the immune system.

Lymphoma is linked with feline leukemia, a viral infection, and thankfully, more cats are being vaccinated for feline leukemia, so fortunately it is becoming less common.

Intestinal lymphoma affects the gastrointestinal tract and is the most common type of lymphoma in cats, being more common in older cats. Affected cats can suffer with weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. Get your cat to the vet as diagnosing this lymphoma will require the vet finding cancerous cells on microscopic examination.

The Bombay isn’t a heavy shedder and requires very little grooming.

Provide your Bombay with the right kind of nutrition so that it has every chance to be strong and healthy. Cats are carnivores and you want to be sure that he gets the best food. Make sure that he gets home-made or commercially manufactured cat food that is high in meat protein. Do research or check with your vet to make sure he is being fed the best food there is for his age and activity levels.

Your Bombay requires a constant source of fresh, cool water night and day.

Check inside his mouth from time to time to ensure there are no rotting teeth causing him pain and discomfort. Also, check inside the ears ad make sure they aren’t red which could indicate an infection.

Always get your pet to the vet immediately you suspect that something is wrong.

Keep your cat’s litter box spotlessly clean.

Neuter or spay your Bombay cat to prevent unwanted kittens.Spaying and neuterings as some very beneficial health advantages for your furry friend as well.

The Tonkinese has a short coat so a brush once a week will be sufficient for this cat as it just helps to brush away dust and loose hairs.

He will need a litter box and this will need to be kept spotlessly clean. Use a small rake, available from your vet or local pet shop, to rake up the cat’s feces.

When you first bring your Tonkinese cat home, you will at least need some of the basics to ensure his wellbeing. These are -

sleeping equipment – baskets or cushions in a nice warm, dry place for your cat.

Food and water bowls.

A cat tree for climbing and a scratching post. Cats are natural scratchers so you can’t get angry with your cat for scratching. Instead, invest in a scratching post so that he doesn’t use your furniture to scratch on.

Food is such an important part of caring for a cat. The best type of cat food can ensure your cat has a strong immune system that allows him to not succumb to every cat sickness there is.

Cats are carnivores so ensure he has food high in meat. Sometimes it can be costly, but try to provide your cat with the best, most high-quality cat foods there are to ensure his good health and happiness.

A cat needs a constant supply of fresh, cool water night and day. The water should be changed regularly.