Panther-like cats available for adoption

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary has a rainbow of cats. One particular breed that stands out is the Black Bombay cat. They have about 15 of them.

This gorgeous creature was designed to look like a tiny black panther by a breeder Nicki Homer in Louisville, Ky., by crossing sable Burmese with a solid black American Shorthair. Her first attempts in the 1950’s were disappointing until finally she got the sleek, shorthair black patent-leather beauty accepted by the CFA in 1976.

These affectionate and playful miniature panthers are healthy and strong suited to apartment living because they are calm and their tight short coat requires little maintenance, maybe a rubdown with the palm of the hand. Their large bright eyes range from sunny yellow to copper gold.

They tend to love the whole family and can even learn to accept the family dog but like to be the dominant cat. The kittens are fuzzy and dull until about 8 months. They are heat seekers who want to burrow under the covers and can learn to fetch and some walk on a leash. They can weigh 8 to 11 lbs. Most have a voice that is distinctive but not harsh like a Siamese and some are quite talkative but a few rarely vocalize.

For adoption information, contact the animal sanctuary at (760) 685-3533 or stop by, 230 W. Aviation Rd., Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. or Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.