The Bombay Cat, a Panther in the Home

There’s a myth that black cats bring bad luck, but where did that myth come from? In this article, we’ll be looking at the Bombay cat, a panther in your home!

Yes, black cats are beautiful, just like any other cat or animal. Take the Bombay cat, for instance. Its elegance, the depth of its green eyes, and its speed when moving all make it worthy of that name.

At first glance, the Bombay cat might look like a regular cat and nothing more, the kind that makes people run away thinking it’ll bring them bad luck. But, where does that belief come from?

Do black cats bring bad luck?

This belief that black cats bring bad luck dates back centuries and is based on two things. But of course, there’s no evidence to back it up.

Plague

In the 16th century, many cats wandered the streets. No one knows why this species was more plentiful than others, but people took advantage of their majority. They blamed black cats for spreading the plague. 

As a result, the people slaughtered many cats, almost to the point of extinction.

Witchcraft

There isn’t really an explanation for it, but most of the witches in the middle ages had black cats. Was it simply because they were such an abundant species? That might be why, but regardless of the reason, almost all of them had one.

Although, it may also have been related to the fact that black cats had always been associated with bad omens. And, the witches of the past liked to do evil spells, so they fit in with them. Either way, the poor cats were related to witchcraft and, when the witches were persecuted, the cats also suffered collateral damage. 

What’s true about these beliefs?

Like we said before, these claims aren’t supported by any evidence. Also, everything seems to indicate that these poor animals were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So, although there are many people that believe these myths, the truth is that black cats don’t bring bad luck. In fact, many people today have them as pets without any problems. Now that you know this, let’s take a look at the Bombay cat, and maybe you’ll even be inspired to have one in your own home. 

Characteristics of the Bombay cat

Although its name may make you assume so, the Bombay cat doesn’t actually come from India. It was actually first bred in the United States, as a cross between two black cats—the American cat and a Burnet. The first of this species was born in 1950 and it then took its name from a leopard that lives in Bombay, India.

Physical

Its physique isn’t any more special than that of any other cat. However, their most characteristic aspects are their green eyes with tones of copper or cinnamon. They seem to actually leave his body. 

Watching this animal is a delight. It’s like you’re looking at a panther, not just because of its physique, but also because of its stealthy and elegant movements.

Character

The Bombay cat, or panther cat as some call it, is very affectionate and calm. In fact, some people would even classify it as very lazy. That’s because if you leave it alone, it would probably just lay down and sleep all day.

Also, this cat adapts really well to small spaces, so it’s the perfect pet if you live in the city. But be careful, if you spend a lot of time away from home, they don’t do well when they’re lonely.

Additionally, you’ll never seem this animal fight another feline. If it sees something threatening around it, it’ll run away and hide. So, it seems like the only thing the Bombay cat and a panther have in common is their beautiful, elegant and striking appearances.