Chartreux vs Bombay - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Hailing from France, the Chartreux cat is a rare cat breed but is still recognized by a number of cat registries around the world.

It’s not a new breed of cat, and in fact, the Chartreux is mentioned for the first time in 1558 in a poem and later on in paintings. There are quite a few legends as to the origins of the Chartreux and while some believe that the cats were brought to France by monks others believe that the Chartreux's ancestors were feral mountain cats from Syria.

European breeders kept the breed from extinction, especially after the 2nd world war, and the first Chartreux were brought to the United States in 1971. In 1987 the Cat Fancier’s Asociation advanced the Chartreux breed to championship status.

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.

The Chartreux is a large, strong, stocky, muscular cat that can weigh anything between 4 to 7kg while some can weigh as much as 9kg.

He has short legs when compared to the large body. He is known for his blue-like, silver-gray coat. In fact, the color can be any shade in the region of blue-grey. The coat is short, dense and double-coated and he has gold or copper-colored eyes.

People who have owned these cats say that they can take 3 to 4 years to reach maturity. Some people get mixed up and think this cat is very similar to the British Blue but they are two different breeds altogether.

Temperament:

The Chartreux is a real lap-cat just loving being able to settle down into his human owner's lap. It’s a cat with a 'smiling’ face because of the structure of his muzzle.

He is a very affectionate cat and will follow his people much like a dog. He is very intelligent and quiet and adapts well to a new situation. It's a cat that loves to climb so you will need to invest in a climbing tree for him as well as a scratching pole.

He is a good cat for first-time cat owners as well as being a good friend in homes with well brought up children. He is able to be friendly with other pets in the house.

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

Although this is a large, strong cat, he is actually a gentle feline in nature and he doesn’t like being part of any bickering among his human family, preferring to run away. He also doesn’t like being spoken harshly to when he has done something wrong.

This cat isn’t an extrovert by any means but he isn’t particularly shy either and enjoys spending time with his human family.

He isn’t a demanding cat but is easy-going, just wanting to get on in life and he promises to make you a steady, loyal companion.

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.

These cats are particularly prone to dental problems. The reason for this is that their incisors are closely set together and small.

Because of the heaviness of this cat, the Chartreux is also prone to a disease known as patellar luxation or kneecap displacement. This problem can eventually lead to lameness. One way to avoid this particular problem is to rather get your kittens from reputable breeders.

These cats are much inclined towards weightiness so you have to be watching his diet carefully, more so because the cat is prone to patellar luxation.

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.

Your Chartreux cat’s dense, double coat will require brushing once or twice a week, especially in the cat’s seasonal shedding period.

This cat doesn't take well to changes in his diet, particularly when he finds a type of food that he likes, then he wants to stick to that. You want to feed your cat a top-quality food to encourage good health but you want to avoid overfeeding as obesity in cats comes with lots of problems. A cat is a carnivore and you therefore need to feed your cat a diet rich in protein. Speak to your vet or another cat expert who can advise you on feeding your cat if you are in any kind of doubt. Make sure your kitty kat has a never-ending supply of fresh, cool water.

Always make a point of checking inside your cat's ears as well as inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause terrible pain and your pet has no way of communicating this to you.

Have your cat neutered or spayed if you don't want your cat to have kittens.

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.