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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
The Bombay generally lives very well indoors. Avoid excessive heat and provide cool spots; cold is only a concern for individuals with very short hair or hairless.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bombay? Like all dogs, the Bombay receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Bombay is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Bombay vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Bombay?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
