Welcome to Blackglama
The Australian Bombay are being bred by Peter Ristuccia, my husband,
under the Blackglama prefix, and myself under the Miamber prefix. We
both have a passion for the black cat, the Bombay with its glossy patent
leather coat and lambent gold eyes is like a mini panther. Their laid back
and quietly loving personality will make them extremely popular for
apartment living with professional couples and singles. Please take the
trouble to have a look at this beautiful cat, photos do not do them justice!
If you would like to read some comments on Peters first litter of kittens,
and see photos click here
The Bombay
Temperament: companionable, easy going
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Maintenance: low
Suitable For: apartment living, elderly, families with older children
History
The Australian Bombay is a man made breed created in Australia from a
mating of a Black British to a Brown Burmese, somewhat different
beginnings than the USA Bombay, however still possessing the large
expressive copper eyes and glossy black coat.
As of 2007 the Australian Bombay in Black is now recognised by CCCA .
The Self and Burmese restriction colours of Blue, Chocolate and Lilac are
not recognised for showing and breeding and are to be sold as pets.
Appearance
Similarities between the Australian Bombay and the Panther can only be
drawn so far. Although both are strong and well muscled cats, the Bombay
 may be proportionally thicker-set than the sleek and agile panther.
The head is round but retains some
foreign influence, especially evident in its expressive eyes, short
muzzle and medium-sized ears.
The most striking features are those beautiful, dreamy,
copper-coloured eyes and light reflecting silky satin black coat. Large and
wide-set, the eyes can
deliver a penetrating gaze to melt the coolest heart.
The satiny coat is short and glossy and although very
soft to touch, it is not as fine yet as the United States Bombay. Males are
considerably larger than females.
Temperament
I was told the Australian Bombay may initially be very timid and we
certainly found this to be the case with our first breeding queens from
another cattery,  but we have found from our first litter that they are as
friendly, outgoing and loving as any Burmese kitten.
The Bombay is quiet, reasonably undemanding and not destructive.
Nicknamed the 'Velcro cat', the Bombay is happy to stick with its owner
throughout the day, lazing around the house, having a play or sharing the
bed.
Health
The offspring of two different pure breeds, such as the Australian Bombay
will often exhibit what's called 'hybrid vigour' - enjoying the positive
features of both parent breeds whilst avoiding health concerns which
may trouble the purebred parents. This process of 'hybrid vigour' is
often used in feline breeding (unfortunately less so among dog
breeders) and generally it encourages healthy, strong animals.
However the benefits of hybrid vigour are diminished once breeding
progresses through several generations, and this seems to be the
case with Bombays in the United States.
Only one Australian breeder has decided to import and breed the US
Bombay produced from American lines.
Another common characteristic of hybrid breeds such as the Australian
Bombay is that they also tend to not breed wholly true to type in early
matings. Self kittens can come in Full Expression colours of Chocolate,
Blue and Lilac, but again the main emphasis is on producing Black.
Australian Bombays are not just mated amongst themselves and are also
crossed back to Burmese in order to maintain and 'fix' the type.
Litter sizes are small, averaging around four.
Pet Potential
This companionable and easygoing breed is ideally suited to those
who want an attentive and loving mate. Recommended for
apartments and indoors, the Australian Bombay loves both human and
other animal friends, and breeders recommend having a mate to keep
your pet company. Growing kittens tend to eat a lot compared to
other breeds, but don't despair, as the cat matures its appetite will
settle. The short coat is low maintenance and sheds little, though 10
minutes a day of hand grooming will keep the coat shiny and soft.
The hybrid influence of the breed, and its apparent freedom from
significant health problems suggests that this little black cat will
remain a member of the family for many years. Kitten numbers can
be limited and demand often exceeds supply.  Only three breeders in
Australia affiliated with either ACF or CCC A are currently breeding the
Australian Bombay, one in Victoria, one in WA and one in South Australia .
As a consequence it is not unusual to pay
$700 for a desexed  pet kitten.
Blackglama Mondo Magic
Magico
Blackatz Velvet Vamp