As a distinctive and pedigree breed, Bombay cats demonstrate certain characteristics which are not necessarily common to all cats. Their breeding and genetic make-up cause certain characteristics to be more dominant which adds to their uniqueness as a breed. It is this mixture of traits which attracts people to Bombay cats and makes them a lovely, friendly and lively breed of cat to have as a pet. You might be asking yourself, is this the kind of cat for me as I have children?
Some of the Bombay cat’s characteristics include:
- Lively personality
- Vocalisations with a wide variety of meows, purrs, gurgles and other cat sounds
- Friendly and sociable
- Known as ‘the velcro cat’ – sticks to its owners
- Physically boisterous
- Fast moving
- Sleeping little and often
These aspects of the Bombay cat makes them unique and is what people love about them (in addition to their wonderful appearance). However, if you have children you may be wondering whether this is a suitable breed. There are pros and cons to having a Bombay cat with children, and it partly depends on your lifestyle as a family, the age of your children, the time you have free to play and be with your cat, and the size and layout of your home.
As a breed, Bombays love company, so if your family is normally away from the house during the day, and busy with activities and events in the evening and weekends, your cat may get a little lonely and feel unattended to. Bombays feel this particularly acutely. They can demonstrate this in their meows and cries – repeatedly meowing until they get the cuddle and strokes they’re looking for. You may find that your cat tries to scratch or claw at you or your children in order to get some attention, which can be mistaken for aggression. Daily play is important to this breed and they will form a bond with you if you just give a few minutes a day to getting on their level and having fun with them.
Even as older cats, Bombays value regular play times. A small ball, cat toys, furry pompoms and other play things need to be made available to them. Just ten minutes a day of throwing a ball to your cat, or waving a cat wand around provides immense joy and stimulation to your Bombay cat. In fact, this kind of play sharpens their senses and enables them to feel calmer and more relaxed. It can also reduce their hunting tendency, which is strong driver in the temperament of the Bombay cat.
Your home layout will also determine whether a Bombay cat is the right breed for you. As a breed that loves human company, if you live in an open plan flat, and your children have rooms which a cat can easily enter, you may find that in the middle of the night, the cat scratches and claws at the door of your children’s bedroom. This is not to be annoying! It’s simply that they are awake and want to play. What could be more natural to a cat!
However, this might disrupt your children’s sleep and yours of course, and is something to consider. If however, you have a home where you can close doors and keep your cat separate during the night and early hours, you will find that in the morning, your family and your cat are happy to be reunited.
Otherwise, you need to ensure you have an area where you serve your cat her food and drink, and quite separately from this, another area if you have a litter tray. If you have an area or a separate room where you can keep her toys and any equipment organised, that will also help. Our cat has the use of our children’s playroom for her cat tree and cat toys. This means that if we have visitors who are allergic to cats, or if we are having a meal and she is getting under everyone’s feet, we can put her in there knowing she is safe and entertained. After 30 minutes we can often hear her, though, scratching at the internal door – telling us ‘Ok I’ve had enough of my own company now, when can I join in the fun with you lot?’
Bombay cats are known to be excellent hunters. So consider two aspects of this in regard to your family life.
- How will you react if and when your cat brings in a mouse or bird that they have caught?
- Is there some outside space where your cat can run and chase smaller animals, or will you be able to provide the same stimulus if they are to be kept inside?
You might feel uncomfortable and even a bit nauseous if your cat brings in these unwelcome gifts day after day. Which is why we recommend that you stimulate your cat’s hunting habit by playful interactions, where she eventually catches her pretend prey! These are important considerations, as Bombay cats can become depressed, unhappy and lonely if they don’t get the human interaction and stimulation that they need. They can also feed their hunting habit rather too much if given access to the outdoors at the expense of a lack of play.
The age of your children, and their temperaments and predisposition towards animals should also be considered in your decision to have a Bombay cat. Young children can soon adapt to a pet and learn how to look after one. In fact, children can learn useful lessons about caring and taking responsibility when it’s their turn to put food out or to change the water dish. If your children are gregarious and excitable, you may need to explain to them the need to be calm and to act appropriately around your cat. Cats (especially Bombays) can easily pick up on the moods of those around them. In response to what they sense, they too can become restless and may start running around the house rather alarmingly. Children need to understand what is suitable treatment for a cat and learn the signals from your cat about being overstimulated and getting unwanted attention. If your children are willing to take time to get to know your cat, and to find out the best times to play with her and cuddle her, they can be excellent playfellows for children..
Your children will also enjoy the fun that this kind of cat can bring. Their flexible spine and twitch musculature gives Bombays an amazing ability to jump, catch, chase and pounce. They are a delight to watch and be with. If you have a lively family with children who would be happy and willing to give time to their pet, and to ensure she gets played with every day, and they are not too squeamish about prey, then you have a great mix!
The friendly nature of the Bombay makes them a warm and cuddly pet. They will follow you and your children around to get the strokes and attention they’re looking for. You won’t need to look too far to find your cat! He or she will find you first!
In conclusion, then, Bombay cats can make excellent family pets. Do consider the issues outlined in this post to ensure that you, your children and your cat find the happy benefits of living together and can dwell peacefully and joyfully in your home.
