The key difference between Bombay and Burmese cats is that Bombay cats have solid black coats, whereas Burmese cats come in various colors such as sable, champagne, blue, and more.
Bombay and Burmese cats are breeds of domestic cats that are known for their affectionate and social nature. They have short and glossy coats and medium-sized bodies. Despite these similarities, there are some distinct differences between the two breeds.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Bombay Cats
3. Burmese Cats
4. Similarities – Bombay and Burmese Cats
5. Bombay vs. Burmese Cats in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Bombay vs. Burmese Cats
Bombay Cats
Bombay cats are a short-haired breed that was developed by crossing sable Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs. The result is a cat that closely resembles the Burmese in appearance but has a sleek and elegant black coat reminiscent of a panther. The breed originated in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1958, thanks to the efforts of cat breeder Nikki Horner. Since then, Bombay cats have gained popularity for their unique and beautiful features.
Bombay cats have a completely black coat, including the soles of their paws, nose, and mouth. The black coloration extends all the way to the roots, resulting in minimal or no lightening of the coat. The coat is also short, dense, and shiny. It tightly hugs their body, giving it a lacquered sheen that enhances its overall lustrous appearance. Their eyes are typically copper or gold in color, which adds to their captivating and mesmerizing look.
Bombay cats have medium-sized, graceful body that appears elongated. They typically weigh between 8 to 15 pounds (3.6 to 6.8 kg) or more, with males generally being heavier than females. The head of a Bombay cat is rounded and short, with a smooth shape. Some cats may have a slightly flattened nose, known as the “modern type,” while others have a normal nose, referred to as the “traditional type.” Their ears are straight and rounded at the tips, and their eyes are exclusively amber in color. They also have long and elegant tails.
In terms of personality, Bombay cats are known for their extroverted nature. They thrive on attention and enjoy being in the company of their human companions. Therefore, they may not fare well when left alone for long periods of time, as they appreciate social interaction and engagement. A healthy Bombay can live for approximately 15 to 20 years.
Burmese Cats
The Burmese cat is a domestic breed that originated in Burma, with its roots believed to be near the Thai-Burma border. Over time, it was further developed in the United States and Britain, leading to the existence of two distinct types: the American Burmese and the European Burmese.
These two varieties have slight differences in their standards. The British or traditional Burmese leans towards a more slender and elongated body, featuring a wedge-shaped head, large pointed ears, a long tapering muzzle, and moderately almond-shaped eyes. Their legs are long, with neat oval paws. The tail tapers to a medium length. On the other hand, the American Burmese showcases a noticeably stockier build. They have a broader head, round eyes, and a distinctively shorter and flatter muzzle. The ears are wider at the base to complement their overall look. The legs and tail of the American Burmese are proportionate to their body, with medium-length tails and rounded paws.
In both the American and European Burmese standards, the coat of these cats is described as very short, fine, and glossy, with a smooth and satin-like texture. The color of the coat should be solid and uniform throughout the body, gradually lightening towards the underparts. The original standard color for this breed is a distinctively rich dark brown. However, among Burmese cats, there are several common colors found. These include sable, champagne, platinum, and blue. They can also exhibit a tortoiseshell pattern, with the base color being chocolate, brown, blue, or lilac. The eyes of Burmese cats can range in shades of yellow or gold.
Burmese cats are a small to medium-sized breed, typically weighing around 4–6 kg (9–13 lb). Despite their size, they have a substantial and muscular build, giving them a solid and weighty feel when held. On average, Burmese cats have a lifespan of 10 to 17 years.
These cats have a strong affinity for people, maintaining their playful energy into adulthood. They exhibit puppy-like characteristics, forming deep bonds with their owners and actively seeking human interaction. Their inclination to play games like ‘fetch’ and ‘tag’ showcases their intelligence and sociability, making them cherished pets.
What are the Similarities Between Bombay and Burmese Cats?
- Both breeds are domestic cats.
- They have a similar medium-sized and muscular body type.
- Both breeds typically have short and glossy coats.
- Both Bombay and Burmese cats are known for their affectionate and social nature.
What is the Difference Between Bombay and Burmese Cats?
Bombay cats have a solid black coat, whereas Burmese cats come in various colors such as sable, champagne, blue, and more. Thus, this is the key difference between Bombay and Burmese cats. Bombay cats have an average lifespan of approximately 15 to 20 years and usually weigh between 3.6 to 6.8 kg or more. In contrast, Burmese cats typically weigh around 4–6 kg and have an average lifespan of 10 to 17 years.
The following table summarizes the difference between Bombay and Burmese cats.
Summary – Bombay vs. Burmese Cats
Bombay and Burmese cats are breeds of domestic cats that are known for their affectionate and social nature. They share many similarities but can be easily differentiated based on their coat color. Bombay cats have a solid black coat, whereas Burmese cats come in various colors such as sable, champagne, blue, and more. So, this is the key difference between Bombay and Burmese cats.
Reference:
1. “Burmese Cat Facts.” ASPCA Pet Insurance.
2. “Bombay Cat Breed Information.” Purina.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Bombay Cat” (CC0) via Wallpaper Flare
2. “Burmese Cat” (CC0) via Wallpaper Flare