Lovers of Bombay cats, do you want to know if this breed is hypoallergenic or if it can affect allergy sufferers?
Bombay cats are known and loved worldwide for their intelligence and willingness to please their owners. Also known as Black Mamba, these beauties are a short haired breed that was developed by crossbreeding an American shorthair and a Burmese. An interesting fact we discovered is that it was bred by Nikki Holner, who was trying to create a black cat that resembled a black panther.
For our allergy sufferers, we are determined to find out if this breed is a great option for your homes. And true to our style, we are committed to finding out if Bombay cats truly are hypoallergenic or not.
For answers to all your questions, please read on!
Are Bombay Cats Hypoallergenic?
Whether a Bombay cat is hypoallergenic to you will depend on two things, the first being your level of sensitivity. The other element comes down to each unique Bombay cat, it’s coat type and other characteristics. Having originally been a cross breed between the hypoallergenic Burmese and the non-hypoallergenic American shorthair, Bombay cats can sway either way.
In most instances, and if your level of sensitivity is on the lower end of the scale, Bombay cats will in fact be hypoallergenic by having a lower chance of triggering your allergies. They are typically low shedders and produce less dander if they have more of the Burmese genes.
On the other side of that coin, if they take after their high-shedding American shorthair parent instead, then this can spell all kinds of trouble, especially if you have heightened sensitivities to cat fur and dander.
No matter which side of it’s lineage a Bombay cat takes from, the fact still remains that it will always pose a risk due to its production of the Fel d1 protein. This is really what causes most allergies to cats in the first place. This protein is found in the cat’s skin, saliva, and urine, among other bodily fluids. Therefore, nobody can guarantee that their Bombay cats are going to be 100% allergy friendly.
Do Bombay Cats Shed a Lot?
Generally, Bombay cats are fairly low shedders. Even though they aren’t technically hypoallergenic, these cats can shed less than many other cat breeds, especially if they take after Burmese genes. Even if they don’t, with proper grooming, you can manage their shedding level fairly easily.
Bombay cats have a short to medium hair length. And thanks to their generally low shedding level, you might not notice their hair all over your home when they shed.
How to Determine If A Bombay Cat Is Hypoallergenic to You
Cats cause a wide range of allergies with the most common reactions being skin and breathing allergies. And we have rated Bombay cats for both:
Airborne particles, like fur and dander, can easily aggravate breathing allergies. However, if the Bombay cat in question is a low shedder, then less allergens will be released into your home’s atmosphere.
For people with skin allergies, their main concerned is the Fel d1 protein found in the cat’s saliva, urine and skin. Let’s take a look at these details next…
Bombay Cat Saliva and Dander Exposure
For those with skin sensitivities, these are a result of direct exposure to substances that have Fel d1 protein such as urine, saliva or dander. And since Bombay cats also produce this allergy-causing protein, they can trigger a skin reaction or contact dermatitis before you know it.
All breeds produce dander, and the Bombay cats are no exception. Cats release all the outdoor allergens and dander trapped on their coats when they start shedding. And this can trigger skin allergies if these particles are buried in your furniture, clothes or other items your skin comes into direct contact with. If your Bombay cat leans more towards the heavy shedding side of the scale, like it’s American shorthair lineage, then there will likely be more of the Fel d1 protein around your home than you might realise.
Add to it the fact that most cats like to lick themselves clean, spreading their saliva all over their coats, and you can see how as the cat sheds, you also have dried saliva as another potential risk you could come into contact with.
If you do decide to bring a Bombay cat home, aim to get one that has a low level of shedding. Invest in some good cat wipes to quickly and easily clean their fur before you handle your cat in any way. Also follow our tips below to fortify your home and minimise your risk of contact allergies. Just know that even with all of these precautions, you are still at risk of experiencing allergies if your sensitivities to cats is quite high.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Bombay cats are clean creatures that take care of most of their grooming. Therefore, Bombay cats should not be washed regularly. These cats shed less than other breeds, so bathing them once or twice a month is ok.
Just make sure you wash them with the right shampoos that will leave their coats healthy and shiny!
Bombay is a low maintenance cat breed that requires minimal grooming. If your Bombay is a low-shedder, then you can get away with brushing them a couple times a week to keep their fur and dander under control. If it’s more of a heavy shedder, you may be better off brushing your cat daily to get rid of excess loose hair.
Make sure you groom their coats with the right brush, like a rubber curry brush, which can help you get rid of all the excess hair on their coat. Just hold the brush and run it through their coats.
Tips for An Allergy-Free Home With a Bombay Cat Around
No feline is 100% guaranteed to not aggravate allergies, and this includes the Bombay cats. So, here are a few tips for keeping your home allergy-free with a Bombay cat around. allergies.
Training
Bombay cats are highly intelligent pets that are always willing to please their owners so they usually take well to training. This breed can be taught how to play fetch, walk on a leash, and even answer to numerous basic commands. So, we recommend that you teach them the following:
- To always play within your home’s boundaries
- To stay away from your bedrooms, furniture and textile surfaces
- Not to lick you
- Proper potty training
Fortify Your Residence
We also recommend that you protect the sanctuary of your home with the following allergy-fighting devices:
- HEPA filters
- High-quality air purifier
- High-quality vacuum cleaner
- Lint rollers
These can go a long way to keeping the indoor air quality inside your home as pure and allergy free as possible!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to hypoallergenic Bombay cats, it’s a mixed bag and depends on a bunch of factors. If you can, find one that has more of the Burmese cat genes and traits, such as low shedding. Also, you should always be looking for better methods of fighting allergies regardless of your cat’s hypoallergenic status. And last, but not least, make sure you hang out with a Bombay before bringing one home to see how your immune system responds.
