Bengal cats are not delicate felines in any manner. If you have seen one you know what we are talking about. The Bengal cats are very athletic so to say. They look and act like they belong in the jungle.
They are very active cats and they have a lot of energy. They may look a little bit on the wild side but they are very good domestic cats.
They are said to be very affectionate towards their families and they love to play with their humans.
They are very agile and energetic cats so you need to keep up their energy. If you can get in sync with your Bengal cat then you will have this wonderful pet. We have dedicated this article to Bengal cats.
In this article, you will get to know everything about them. Their history and features and ways to take care of them is all mentioned here. So without any further ado let’s get right into it.
History
The Bengal cat is a domestic cat unlike its ancestor the small wild Asian leopard cat. The domestic nature of this cat can’t be seen at first glance.
At first glance they will seem like very big spotted cats that belong to the wild. That’s natural to think because of the way they look.
The Bengal cats were formed due to crosses between the Asian leopard cat and domestic short hair cats.
That’s why the Bengal cats have their name from the scientific name of the Asian Leopard Cats. Jean Miller, a Californian breeder was the first person to breed this new Bengal cat.
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However you may be surprised to know that this happened because of an accident. It wasn’t planned or anything.
She kept the Asian Leopard cat with a black tom cat to keep company. She didn’t expect them to breed. But they did breed and kittens were formed.
Dr Willard Centerwald was breeding Asian Leopard cats with domestic cats around the same time. However he was doing this willingly and intentionally for his research.
This was not a pleasant accident like the one before. The first cat association to recognize and accept the Bengal cats were the international cat association.
Size
They are medium to large in size and they weigh around 15 pounds. We are talking on an average here. There are bigger cats of the Bengal cats breed that can be found. But on an average they are around 15 pounds.
Personality
The personality of a Bengal cat is unique if sometimes difficult to keep up with. The cat is extremely intelligent and agile.
They are always active and always learning new tricks. They like to play a lot. They are smart so Nothing escapes their notice.
They also like to engage in social activities along with their humans. There is not one dull moment with these cats. If they get bored then they can be a nuisance. Therefore it is always important to give them attention and keep them busy.
The Bengal cats also have a habit of climbing so if there are nearby trees then you can at times find them perched on a very high branch.
Unlike other cats they are also fond playing in the water. A cat liking water may sound strange to some of you but it is what it is.
We don’t judge. At times they will want to sit on your lap and get some of your attention. But that only happens on rare occasions so don’t expect too much from this free spirit.
Health
Bengal cats are pretty healthy to be honest. Because of their athletic nature they do not tend to suffer from a lot of diseases. However they are not immortal, they also have a physical body that can sometimes fall ill.
These are the health issues or problems that can at times be found in Bengal cats.
- Flat chested kitten syndrome – this is a deformity that can be mild or severe.
- Distal neuropathy – this is a nervous problem that can lead to weakness in your Bengal cat.
- Progressive retinal atrophy – this damages their eyes.
- Patellar luxation – this is a hereditary disease where the knee cap of your cat gets dislocated.
- Hip displasia – this can cause severe lameness in your Bengal cat.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – this is a heart disease. It is also hereditary.
In case of any of these problems or diseases, you should take the help of a professional vet. Caring for your Bengal cat is very important. This brings us to our next topic.
Care
A bath is rarely necessary for the Bengal cats. They have short hair which can be easily maintained.
A weekly brush through to remove dead hair and to speed the oil is good for the cat. Brushing their teeth and trimming their nails weekly is important.
You should also wipe out any discharge from your feline’s eyes. You also need to check the ears of your cat weekly.
If they are dirty clean it with damp cotton or cloth. Do not and we repeat, do not use cotton swabs. You need to keep the litter box clean too.
Cats are very particular about their hygiene. Prevent your cat from going outside too much to minimize getting infection from any other wild cats or animals. People can also steal such a beautiful cat so please keep your eyes open.
Coat Colour And Grooming
Like we have stated before the Bengal cat is no ordinary cat. It is an athletic cat that has a great body because of its active nature.
They literally look like a mini leopard or jaguar. They have a good build and great supply of unending energy.
They have a broad head that make it look like they belong to the jungle. They have relatively small ears than other cats set towards the side of their head.
They also have a long neck which is mostly muscular. Their eyes are also pretty round in shape. The body of the Bengal cat is supported by medium sized legs.
The legs are slightly longer in the back (we mean the hind legs). If you look closely you can see the difference between the hind and the fore legs of a Bengal cat.
The Bengal cats also have a spotted belly. The tail of the cat is tipped in black and it is of a decent size, we will call it medium sized.
The coat of the Bengal cat is its pride. They come in different colours if you are interested. There is the brown tabby, seal mink tabby, black silver tabby, silver lynx point, etc.
Some of the Bengal cats have been found to have glittery coats that shimmer in the sunlight. Boy! We would definitely like to see that.
Choosing the Best Food for Bengal Cats
Bengal cats are very active and energetic. Therefore to keep up their energy levels they need some good protein rich cat food.
You can opt for the Pro Plan Savour dry and wet food. You can also go for Pro Plan True Nature dry and wet food if you want too.
In case you are worried about something then you should definitely go to your vet and ask for their expert opinion on your issue or problem.
There is usually no problem with the food that we mentioned but if you have some or any doubts then please feel free to consult a professional. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Choosing the Best Food for Bengal Kittens
Well, kittens usually need a lot of nutrients and nourishing so that they can grow properly. You have to choose a good food for your Bengal kitten so that they can get the best nutrients growing up.
Kitten food like Pro Plan Focus Kitten is something that you will definitely like to give your growing Bengal kittens.
Both the dry and wet kind of food is good for them. They have everything that your kitten needs. It is highly recommended.
Facts
Here are some random facts about Bengal cats that you will like to know. Note that they are just random facts or tid bits.
If you want to know more about these facts then you can definitely google it. So here we go with some crazy facts about Bengal cats.
- The name of the Bengal cat came from the scientific name of the Asian Leopard cat.
- The Bengal cats are the only cats that have spotting or marking like that of leopards and jaguars. This is what makes these cats so cool appearance wise.
- The international cat association accepted the Bengal cat as for a championship status in the year 1991. (Yes there is such an association in existence!)
- The American Cat Fanciers Association also accepted the breed but however due to problems caused at cat shows by this breed, this acceptance was revoked by the America Cat Fanciers Association. They were reinstated back in 1997.
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Conclusion
We hope that this article has been useful for you. Thank you so much for taking some time and giving this article a read.
Bengal cats are truly majestic in their way of life. If you liked this article then make sure that you share it with your family and friends.
This will help us grow too. If you liked this article tell us about it in the comment box below.
If you did not like something about it then too tell us about it in the comments. We like constructive criticism. Thank you once again and have a good day!
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Bengal cat breed:
1. What is a Bengal cat?
The Bengal cat is a breed known for its striking appearance, resembling a wild leopard or ocelot. It was developed by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, resulting in a breed with a unique coat pattern and a wild look.
2. What does a Bengal cat look like?
- Coat: Bengals have a distinctive coat with spots or marbled patterns, often resembling wild cats. Their fur is short, dense, and has a silky texture.
- Color: They come in various colors, including brown, silver, snow, and marble. Their patterns can range from rosettes to stripes.
- Build: Bengals are medium to large cats with a muscular, athletic build, long legs, and a sleek body.
3. What is the temperament of a Bengal cat?
- Active and Playful: Bengals are known for their high energy levels and playful nature. They enjoy interactive play and physical activities.
- Intelligent: They are highly intelligent and can learn tricks or play games that require problem-solving skills.
- Affectionate: Bengals are generally affectionate with their owners and may follow them around the house. They enjoy attention and can be quite social.
4. Are Bengal cats good with children and other pets?
- Children: Bengals can be good with children, especially if they are raised with them. Their playful and energetic nature makes them good playmates.
- Other Pets: They can get along well with other pets, including dogs, if they are properly socialized. However, their high energy levels might be too much for some pets.
5. What are the grooming needs of a Bengal cat?
- Coat Care: Bengals have low grooming needs. Their short, sleek coat requires minimal brushing, though occasional brushing can help reduce shedding.
- General Maintenance: Regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are important for maintaining their overall health.
6. What health issues are common in Bengal cats?
- Genetic Conditions: Bengals can be prone to certain genetic conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a form of heart disease. Reputable breeders often screen for these issues.
- General Health: Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor and maintain their health.
7. How long do Bengal cats live?
Bengal cats typically have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. With proper care, they can live long, healthy lives.
8. How much do Bengal cats cost?
The cost of a Bengal cat can vary widely depending on factors such as the breeder, the cat’s lineage, and its color and pattern. Prices generally range from $1,500 to $3,000, with some higher-quality or rare specimens costing more.
9. Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?
While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, Bengal cats are often considered to be a better choice for people with allergies. Their short, low-shedding coat produces fewer allergens compared to some other breeds.
10. What should I consider before getting a Bengal cat?
- Space and Activity: Bengals are active and need ample space to play and exercise. Consider if you can provide the environment they need.
- Time and Attention: They require interactive play and mental stimulation. Ensure you have time to engage with them regularly.
- Cost: Be aware of the potential cost of purchasing a Bengal cat and ongoing expenses for their care.
11. Where can I find a Bengal cat?
- Breeders: Reputable breeders who specialize in Bengal cats can be found through breed associations or online directories.
- Rescues and Shelters: Occasionally, Bengal cats may be available through breed-specific rescues or animal shelters.
- Online Platforms: Pet adoption websites and directories may also list Bengal cats available for adoption.
