Bombay vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The first thing to know is that a Bicolor cat isn’t in fact a breed. Bicolor is just a term that describes a certain look that a cat has with its coat. It’s a cat with two colors such as red and white or black and white.

A popular name for bi-color cats is also Piebald or Tuxedo, and in fact many cat breeds can produce bicolor kittens, or black and white kittens such as Cornish Rex, Maine Coon, Manx, and others.

There are different coat color combinations when it comes to bicolor cats and the black and white markings may be more common but there are other color combinations too such as orange and white.

Nobody seems to know the origins of the Bicolor cats so we are going to assume they come from the USA.

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.

Regardless of the breed they belong to, information on these cats suggests that they can have many different looks. Look at the amazing Turkish Van cat for instance – each of these cats is recognizable for its long, luxurious fur. You’ll find a few touches of color on the cat's ears and tail, making in a Bicolor. They also have an interesting characteristic – being fond of water!

These Bicolor cats weigh in the region of 3 – 7kg, and can tend towards the smaller or larger size. Some of them can have short or long hair, larger or smaller ears and green or yellow eyes.

Temperament:

Coming from different cat breeds, the bicolor cat can have a mix of wonderful characteristics – they can be vocal or quiet or confident or shy.

They’re always wonderful though and can be curious, intelligent, playful, loving and loyal. They make great companions who just love the interaction they have with their human owners.

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

The Bicolor cat is such a steady, reliable cat-friend to have. When you start looking as these cats as your companion, you're going to get a smart, funny, adoring, playful family member who will be there for you whether you go to work each day or stay at home.

They’re such easygoing cats, with no airs and graces. They’re happy, relaxed, and uncomplicated cats and when you make a Bicolor your pet and friend, your life just becomes that much more meaningful.

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.

By providing your kitty cat with a loving home, you can ensure that he stays as healthy as possible. Unfortunately though, cats can get sick, regardless of how well you take care of them and then as a responsible pet owner, you will be able to take your pet to your local vet.

Some of the common cat problems you get can be kidney disease, ear infections, dental disease, parasites such as heartworm, cancer or something like feline immunodeficiency virus.

Whether your cat has a virus or an infection, remember that getting your cat to the vet can mean nipping the problem in the bud before it gets more serious.

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.

Caring for your Bicolor cat is much the same as with any other cat. Your Bicolor will shed, so brushing him will tickle him pink, especially if you do it lovingly and gently – it’s like a bonding session. The weekly brushing will get rid of loose hairs and dust and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Spay or neuter your pet to avoid unwanted kittens. Stay up to date on veterinary visits and vaccinations.

Provide your cat with stimulating toys as well as all the equipment he needs to be comfortable – food and water bowls, litter box, grooming equipment, bedding, climbing- and scratching equipment.

All cat owners, whether their cats eat homemade food or wet- or dry food should read cat food labels and understand the nutrients content.

Certainly, as a carnivore, cats require certain vitamins, minerals, and proteins that only meat can provide.

Understand how to work out if the cat food is balanced or not and not packed with too many grains and carbohydrates.

How much your Bicolor eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. Be careful not to overfeed your cat as overfeeding is dangerous. When cats put on too much weight, it leads to problems such as diabetes, heart- and joint disease.

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.