Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual lifespan is between 12 and 18 years. A suitable diet, maintaining a healthy weight, vaccinations and regular veterinary follow-up help preserve its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Bombay is considered robust and generally enjoys good health. This sturdiness does not exempt it from regular preventive care, particularly for the heart, dentition and common feline conditions.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to its cardiac health and to the possible presence of a craniofacial abnormality linked to its Burmese ancestry. Monitoring weight and dental condition completes this vigilance.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This condition is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the walls of the heart and warrants veterinary vigilance.
Burmese craniofacial anomaly: This anomaly linked to Burmese ancestry is among the risks reported in the breed.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Bombay generally lives very well indoors. Avoid excessive heat and provide cool spots. Its short coat, almost without undercoat, protects it little from the cold: limit drafts and outings in cold weather.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Not very athletic on a daily basis, the Bombay can gain weight if its ration exceeds its needs. Portions must be adapted to its lifestyle, its body shape and its state of health in order to prevent overweight and obesity.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Plan for two veterinary visits per year, including one for the booster vaccination.
- Keep recommended vaccines up to date against common feline diseases.
- Brush the teeth regularly to limit tartar buildup.
- Monitor weight and adjust the ration to its activity level.
- Regularly clean the eyes and ears.
Vaccination
Bombay vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Bombay need? Like all cats, Bombays should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Bombay vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Bombay booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Bombay need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Bombay
Two annual veterinary visits are recommended, including one for the vaccination booster. Follow-up should include a general examination, cardiac monitoring according to the veterinarian's advice, weight control and oral and dental health.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
