If you are in the market for a loving feline companion, you may want to consider the Burmese and Bombay cats. Both breeds are well-known for their affectionate personalities and their desire to be active participants in the day-to-day activities of the household. However, these two breeds also have some distinct differences that may influence your decision when choosing a new feline friend.
Starting with their appearances, the Burmese is a medium-sized cat with a silky coat that comes in various shades, including blue, platinum, sable and tortoiseshell. This feline has expressive eyes that are hard to miss and an overall striking look. On the other hand, the Bombay is also a medium-sized cat, with a somewhat muscular physique and only comes in black with a striking sleek coat. Its pointy ears and large eyes are sure to capture your attention.
Regarding their histories, both breeds can be traced back to careful selective breeding by devoted enthusiasts. The Burmese has its origins in Southeast Asia, specifically Myanmar or Burma, where the initial selective breeding included a Siamese cat in developing the breed. The breed took shape in the United Kingdom around the same time. The Bombay, created by breeding the Burmese and American Shorthair, was a brainchild of enthusiasts in the 1950s in Kentucky. Interestingly, there are similar crosses that produced the European version of Burmese in the United Kingdom.
When it comes to their personalities, both the Bombay and Burmese breeds have sweet dispositions that make them a popular choice for feline enthusiasts. They are intelligent, affectionate, and love attention. However, the Burmese is known to be a lover and a cuddler who is a bit more active than most cats. This feline thrives on activity, attention, and interactive toys to keep it occupied. The Bombay, on the other hand, has an easy-going personality that makes it fit in effortlessly with family members and even other pets. However, it is also an attention-seeker and thrives where there is mental stimulation.
Regarding their health, both breeds tend to be relatively healthy and long-lived. The Burmese can live well past 12 years and is generally a healthy breed. The breed only has one major health concern, hypotrphic cardiomyopathy, which is relatively uncommon. Similarly, the Bombay is a healthy cat but has a shorter snout than the Burmese, which can make respiratory issues problematic in some cats. It is essential to purchase kittens from breeders who raise their cats in a home environment to ensure their proper socialization and care.
Suppose you are considering adding a Burmese or Bombay cat to your family. In that case, you should know that they thrive where they can get a lot of attention and mental stimulation to keep them occupied. These loving feline companions aren’t suitable in homes where they’ll be alone often. They are active and need attention to be happy. They will fit in wonderfully in households with children or other pets, and both breeds are adaptable, making them great choices for apartment dwellers.
In conclusion, both the Burmese and Bombay cats are excellent choices as loving companions. However, which breed is right for you and your family ultimately? This choice might come down to a face-to-face meeting with your future feline friend. With their sweet personalities, striking looks, and overall healthiness, these breeds are a welcome addition to the ever-growing list of cat breeds recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA).
