Bombay cats are a unique breed known for their sleek, black coat. However, some Bombay kittens are born with a small white spot, usually on their chest or paws. This leads many cat owners to wonder – can Bombay cats have a white spot?
The answer is yes, Bombay cats can sometimes have a small white spot. The breed standard allows for a small amount of white on the chest, paws, back of legs, or chin. However, large patches or spots of white fur are considered undesirable in the show ring.
While a small white locket or button is acceptable, extensive white spotting goes against the ideal solid black coat that gives the Bombay their distinctive look. Breeders try to minimize white spotting through selective breeding. But an occasional white patch still pops up.
So if your Bombay kitten has a tiny spot of white, don’t worry! It’s normal and within breed standards. This article will cover everything you need to know about white spots on Bombay cats.
The History of Bombay Cats
To understand why white spots sometimes occur in Bombay cats, it helps to look at the history of the breed. Bombay cats were first developed in the 1950s by a breeder named Nikki Horner.
Horner’s goal was to create a breed of cat that resembled the sleek, panther-like black cats of India. However, since no true breeding population of black cats existed in India, Horner used crossbreeding to develop the ideal Bombay cat.
The foundation of the Bombay breed was the black Burmese cat. This established the solid black coat. Horner then bred the Burmese cats with black American Shorthairs. This enhanced the Burmese cats’ sturdy body structure.
Selective breeding over many generations resulted in the Bombay breed we know today. By crossing the Burmese and American Shorthair, Horner fused their ideal traits into a new breed. However, genes for white spotting still lingered in the background.
Genetics of White Spotting
The occasional white spots seen in Bombay cats likely stem from the American Shorthair influence in their ancestry.
The solid black coat is a defining feature of the Burmese breed used to establish the Bombay’s black coat. But the American Shorthair, while often solid black, can also display white spotting.
Genetically, a complex combination of genes controls whether a cat will have an all-black coat or display white spotting. The key ones are:
Non-agouti gene – Causes a solid black coat when homozygous (paired with another non-agouti gene).
White spotting gene – Responsible for producing white patches of fur. Variants range from low expression to high expression.
Bombay cats must inherit two non-agouti genes to exhibit true black. However, they may also inherit copies of white spotting genes from their American Shorthair ancestors. Since the spotted pattern is recessive, it remains hidden by the dominant black coat in most cats. But sometimes a spot of white peeks through.
Acceptance of White Spots in Bombay Cats
A small locket or button of white on the chest or paws has become an accepted variation in Bombays. But how did white spots gain acceptance when the breed was intended to be solid black?
Bombay enthusiasts note that completely eliminating white spotting is an impossible task. No matter how selectively breeders choose their breeding cats, white spots continue cropping up.
Trying to wipe out every last spot of white would lead to an unsustainably narrow gene pool. By allowing a small amount of white, breeders can maintain genetic diversity in Bombays.
While extensive white patching is still considered a fault, most Bombay fanciers do not see a tiny spot as detracting from the cat. It makes each cat unique.
The breed standard was revised to permit lockets and buttons while still prioritizing a gleaming black coat. This balanced flexibility with preserving the breed’s quintessential features.
Prevalence of White Spots in Bombays
White lockets and buttons can appear in Bombay kittens, even when the parents are completely black. But just how common are these spots?
One survey asked Bombay owners how much white spotting their cats had. Here were the results:
| Extent of White | Percentage of Cats |
|---|---|
| No white spots | 65% |
| Small locket or button | 30% |
| Larger white patches | 5% |
This shows that about 1/3 of Bombay cats have some amount of white spotting. But in most, it’s just a tiny locket or button. Only 5% have more extensive white patching.
So while white spots are possible, solid black Bombays still dominate. Breed standards succeed in limiting larger white patch development through selective breeding.
Are White Spots a Fault in Show Bombay Cats?
For Bombays intended to be shown, larger white spots are considered a serious fault. However, tiny spots are permissible.
According to breed standards, white spots should be penalized in shows as follows:
– No penalty for a locket or button on the chest, paws, back of legs, or chin
– Disqualification for white anywhere else on the body
So one tiny spot is allowed, but larger areas of white would prevent a cat from achieving show success.
When showing Bombays, judges will look closely for any sign of paling on the chin, chest, underside, or paws. The cat is scrutinized from head to toe to detect even a spot of white.
While breeders work hard to minimize white, they acknowledge an occasional spot of white is part of the Bombay breed. So cats are not penalized for a locket or button, only for excessive white.
Caring for a Bombay Cat with White Spots
White spots do not affect a Bombay cat’s health or personality. The spots are simply a cosmetic coat trait.
Bombay cats with lockets or buttons have the same easy-going temperament and affectionate nature as their spot-free counterparts. The only difference is a unique physical mark.
In terms of care, a Bombay cat with white spots has identical needs as any solid black Bombay. Here are some key care tips:
– Groom regularly with a rubber brush to remove shedding fur.
– Check ears weekly for dirt buildup.
– Trim nails every 2-3 weeks.
– Feed a nutritionally balanced cat food.
– Provide clean, fresh water daily.
– Give the cat access to perches and cat trees for climbing.
– Use interactive toys to provide mental stimulation and exercise.
– Spend quality bonding time playing and cuddling.
So do not let a small white spot dissuade you from welcoming one of these friendly, playful cats into your home. They make marvelous pets!
Do White Spots Go Away in Adult Bombay Cats?
Bombay kittens are sometimes born with temporary white lockets that disappear as they mature. Does this mean white spots go away eventually in all Bombays?
Unfortunately white spots do not always vanish as the cat grows. Whether temporary or permanent depends on the underlying genetic cause:
– Paling – Can produce transient white spots that fill in with mature coat color by 1 year old. This is due to delayed development of pigment cells.
– White spotting gene – Leads to permanent white lockets or buttons. These inherited white markings persist through adulthood.
So in some cases, white chest spots fade by adulthood. But white from genetically inherited spotting genes will remain permanent.
Since it is impossible to distinguish between these causes, there is no way to predict if a kitten’s spots will vanish as it matures. The spots may disappear, stay the same, or even increase.
Check for changes in the spots over time. But don’t bank on spots completely disappearing as the cat grows up. Permanent white markings are likely.
Should I Breed a Bombay Cat with White Spots?
What if your Bombay cat has a locket – should you breed him or her? Bombay cats with small white spots can still be wonderful pets. But they are not ideal candidates for breeding.
Here’s why cat fanciers recommend against breeding Bombays with white spots:
– Spots indicate the cat carries genes for excessive white spotting. This trait should not be propagated.
– Even if spots are acceptable, the goal is to produce cats with the deepest, most dense black coats.
– Spotted cats produce higher percentages of spotted kittens. This amplifies the undesired trait.
– Solid black Bombays are favored over spotted ones in cat shows.
Breeding cats with white spots results in more Bombay kittens born with white markings. It runs counter to preservation of the breed.
While white lockets don’t significantly mar a pet Bombay’s beauty, adherence to breed standards is important for breeding stock. Bombay cats with white spots should be neutered or spayed.
Can Black Cat Breeds Other Than Bombays Have White Spots?
Bombay cats are not the only black cat breed subject to white spotting. Other pedigreed black breeds like the Oriental and British Shorthair also occasionally display small white markings.
For example, the Oriental breed standard allows for a locket or button. British Shorthairs permit up to 15% white patching. Other black pedigree breeds specify solid coats but may produce occasional spotted kittens.
This indicates that white spotting genes are spread widely throughout cat breed populations. Eliminating white markings completely is challenging, even in breeds defined by their black coats.
So if you acquire a black kitten of one of these breeds and find a stray white patch, it may well be within acceptable standards. Consult the specific breed’s accepted colors and markings to be sure.
Should I Choose a Spotted or Solid Black Bombay?
If given a choice, should you select a speckled or solid Bombay kitten? Here are some things to weigh:
– Conformation showing – Larger spots disqualify cats from the show ring. But tiny lockets don’t. If you might show your cat, avoid bigger spots.
– Breeding – Cats with white markings should not be bred. Spots indicate genes likely to produce more spotted offspring.
– Rarity – Spot-free Bombays are somewhat more common. A spotted one is more unique.
– Personality – Coat color has no effect on personality. Choose based on temperament.
– Appearance – Small spots don’t detract much from a Bombay’s good looks. But avoid larger patched cats if you desire maximum black.
Ulitmately health, temperament, and your bond with the kitten matter most. Let spots influence your choice only if conformation showing is important to you.
Conclusion
While Bombay cats are intended to boast gleaming, coal black coats, white spots do sometimes occur in kittens. An occasional locket or button is permitted under breed standards.
These spots arise from genes inherited from the American Shorthair side of the breed’s foundation. Though undesired, eliminating white markings entirely is genetically unfeasible.
Tiny lockets or buttons do not affect a Bombay cat’s health or personality. Bombays with a touch of white make delightful pets. Just be sure to neuter spotted cats to prevent amplifying the trait.
While a hallmark of the Bombay breed is their patent leather sheen, a small spot makes your kitty unique. As long as the spotting is minimal, you can delight in a spotted Bombay.
