Bombay cats are beautiful coal-black coats that are truly irresistible. But what happens when you notice a white patch on your beloved Bombay? Is this normal, is this a thing? In this post, we'll explore those white patches and the phenomenon of it. Let's dive in!

Can Bombay Cats Have White Spots?

Let's first start by answering the simple question can they have white spots whether on their chest, belly, or full coat?

No. Purebred Bombay cats do not have white spots. Tiny white spots may occur within any type of cat due to some kind of disturbance in the pigments' development. However, if you come across a Bombay cat with white patches on its coat, it is likely a mixed-breed cat rather than a purebred Bombay.

The American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), two major cat registry organizations, both list the presence of white spots as disqualifying characteristics for a Bombay cat. This means that a Bombay cat with white patches wouldn't be eligible for show competitions. However, that doesn't mean that such a cat wouldn't make a fantastic pet.

So with that out of the way how do Bombay cats get white patches?

Reasons For White Patches in Bombay Cats

Let's go over the main reasons white patches occur in Bombay cats.

Here are all the following causes:

• Genetic - They could be purely genetic however, this means that your cat is not a purebred Bombay.
• Pigmentation - One of the most common reasons is vitiligo, a condition where the skin loses its pigment cells. Vitiligo is not exclusive to humans and can affect cats as well. It is generally harmless but can affect the cat's appearance.
• Hair Loss - Fungal infection known as dermatophytosis or ringworm. This condition can cause hair loss and may result in white patches on the skin.
• Aging - They can also be the result of aging, much like how humans develop grey hair as they grow older.
• Locket - Some Bombay cats may also have a small white lock of hair on their chest, known as a 'locket,' although this is quite rare.
• Skin Cancer - Skin cancer could also potentially cause white patches, although this is rare.

The Genetics Behind White Patches in Bombay Cats

The genetic factor of white patches in Bombay cats is pretty cool to see. These cats were bred to have a solid black coat, which is the result of a dominant gene "black".

If a Bombay cat happens to have a white patch, it suggests that there has been some variation in the expression of their coat color genes. This could be due to a mutation or a gene inherited from a non-Bombay ancestor. It's also possible that the cat has inherited a gene linked to white spotting, which can override the black coat color gene.

So to sum this up, if a Bombay has white spots genetically it means that either the cat is non purebred or one of its ancestors was.

Are White Patches a Health Concern in Bombay Cats?

In most cases, you shouldn't worry about it and just enjoy your beautiful-looking two-colored cat. However, in rare cases, white patches in Bombay cats can be a sign of underlying health concerns. As mentioned earlier, conditions like vitiligo, ringworm, or skin cancer could potentially cause white patches. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your cat's coat, it's crucial to see a vet to determine the cause.

On the other hand, white patches could also be purely cosmetic. Just like humans can have birthmarks or freckles, cats can have variations in their coat color. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure your cat is healthy and happy.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, white patches in Bombay cats are a fascinating subject that touches on genetics and health. While a purebred Bombay cat should ideally have a solid black coat, nature often has a way of surprising us.

After all, it's our pets' quirks and differences that make them so special to us.

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