Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Bengal cats are cool cats that look like wild ones. They’re getting more popular because they’re pretty and clever. They’re about the same size as regular pet cats. People made Bengal cats by mixing wild Asian leopard cats with domestic ones like Abyssinian, Egyptian Mau, or American shorthair.
A Bengal cat mixes a regular cat and an Asian Leopard Cat. They’re famous for their wild appearance with spots or cool patterns on their fur and are quite strong. Even though they seem fierce, they’re very loving and like to be close to their human families.
Bengal cats are super active and love to play a lot. They need a home where they can run and jump around. They enjoy climbing, chasing toys, and even playing fetch. Keep reading to know more about Bengal cats.
History Of The Bengal Cat
Long ago, people mixed African leopard cats with regular ones. In the 1970s, Jean Sudgen Mill made Bengal cats famous by mixing them with regular cats. Greg and Elizabeth Kent also made Bengal cats by mixing African leopard cats with Egyptian Maus.
Bengal cats are named based on how many generations they have been from their wild ancestors. They must be at least F4 or more generations away from the wild to be shown at fancy cat events.
1983 TICA noticed Bengal cats, but full recognition came in 1993. The Cat Fancier’s Association started recognizing them in 2016. Other groups also register Bengal cats now.
What Is Bengal Cat?
Bengal cats are ideal for families searching for playful, unusual, yet not overly crazy playmates. Cat trees are essential, as well as patience, as these are large, robust cats who like to jump and climb. Bengals enjoy socializing with their people and demand attention when they feel neglected, but they can also tolerate some alone time.
Bengal Cat Care
Caring for a Bengal cat is similar to caring for a regular house cat. You can brush them once a week to keep their fur nice and remove any loose hairs. Make sure to trim their nails every few weeks and clean their litter box daily.
Since Bengals are active and like to climb and jump, giving them a climbing tree and some high spots to hang out is a good idea. Interactive toys are great for keeping them entertained, and you can even teach them to play fetch or chase a laser pointer.
Bengal cats often enjoy the water, unlike many other cats. Just watch out for them trying to fish in your aquarium! If your yard is secure, you could even set up a small pool for them.
Like any cat, it’s safest to keep Bengal cats indoors. That way, they’re protected from diseases, fights with other animals, predators, and the dangers of cars.
Common Health Problems
Bengal cats require the same shots and preventative care to keep healthy as other cats. Unlike their wild ancestor, the ALC, they can still get diseases like feline leukaemia (FeLV). Purebred cats like Bengals are more likely to have genetic diseases because their gene pool is smaller than mixed-breed cats. Some health issues that Bengals might be prone to include:
1: An autosomal recessive disorder that can cause early blindness in young cats
2: Entropion, which is when the eyelids roll inward
3: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition
4: Feline infectious peritonitis is a serious illness caused by a coronavirus infection.
Appearance Of Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are big and strong with long faces and big ears. They come in short-haired or long-haired types, but neither is hypoallergenic. Their wild-looking patterns make them stand out, like spots and stripes, which can look like a leopard’s coat. These patterns are outlined in black, chocolate, or grey/silver.
Bengal cats come in different colours, like brown tabby (the most common), seal sepia tabby, and others. Their eyes can be green or gold. Remember, despite their wild appearance, Bengal cats are friendly and playful.
Diet And Nutrition For Bengal Cat
Feeding a Bengal cat is similar to feeding any other house cat—they eat cat food. However, some owners opt for grain-free or raw diets, especially for Bengals within the first three generations. Many Bengal owners find it practical to buy formulated, grain-free cat food for their pets.
Bengal Cat Lifespan
Bengals typically live between 12 to 16 years if they receive proper care and are fed a good quality diet that suits their age. Fortunately, Bengals are generally healthy cats.
Bengal Cat Colors
Bengal cats come in various stunning colours, each with its unique beauty. Here’s a breakdown of some of the different colours you might find:
1: Brown Bengal Cat: This colour variation often resembles a leopard’s coat and features spots or marbling in shades of brown. They typically have green or golden eyes and a solid black-tipped tail.
2: Silver Bengal Cat: Silver Bengals have a base coat nearly entirely white and can range from white to bright silver. Their coat is decorated with patterns of spots or marbles in black and grey, occasionally with blue and charcoal colouring. They typically have a solid black tail tip and green or golden eyes.
3: Charcoal Bengal Cat: The extra masking layer that Charcoal Bengals apply on top of their basic coat gives them a ghostly appearance. With a dark face mask and a noticeable dark stripe down their back, referred to as a “cape,” they can have appearances similar to charcoal silver, charcoal brown, etc.
4: Blue Bengal Cat: Blue Bengals are rare and highly prized for their steel-blue or powder-blue base coat. Their coat may feature cream tones and a dark, grey-blue marbled or spotted pattern. They often have hazel brown or green eyes.
Why Are Bengal Cats Illegal?
Bengal cats are not banned everywhere, but there are rules about where they can live as pets in the United States. Some states have laws that only Bengal cats, several generations away from their wild ancestor, the Asian Leopard Cat, can be kept as pets. This is because Bengal cats are a mix of a domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat, a wild animal.
Laws in many states don’t allow people to keep wild animals like the Asian Leopard Cat as pets. This can create problems for the owners of Bengal cats and the cats themselves. Since Bengal cats have both domestic and wild ancestors, it’s up to the law to decide if they are considered wild animals that are illegal to keep as pets or if they can be treated as regular house cats.
Are Bengal Cats Very Expensive?
Yes, they can be quite expensive. The typical price for a purebred Bengal cat ranges from $1,500 to $3,000. However, if you’re looking for a Bengal kitten, you might have to shell out even more, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.
Due to their rarity, Bengal kittens usually have a high price tag. Finding them available for adoption in shelters or centres is rare. Additionally, since Bengal cats are known for being active, you may need to invest more upfront in cat trees, toys, and other supplies.
Is a Bengal cat a good pet?
Absolutely! They’re fantastic companions for people who have experience with cats and enjoy having an active, curious pet that’s almost like a dog. To keep them happy, you’ll need to provide plenty of toys, games, and things to keep them stimulated.
However, if you prefer a cat that lounges around and doesn’t demand much attention, the Bengal might not be the best fit for you.
What Makes A Bengal Cat So Special?
One special trait is their intelligence, which sets them apart from other cats. Thanks to their wild ancestry, Bengal cats have sharp instincts and are quick learners. With the right training, they can be taught tricks, respond to commands, and even walk on a leash. This makes them a great choice for owners who want an interactive pet and easy to train.
Is Bengal Cat Friendly?
Bengal cats may look wild, but they’re not much larger than regular house cats, usually around 12 pounds when fully grown in about a year. They have a friendly personality that matches their striking appearance. Bengals are loving and playful and can befriend people of all ages and other pets. They’re full of energy and enjoy having space to play around.
Pros
- Gorgeous, feral, exotic cats
- Jovial and loving
- Get along with dogs or other cats
Cons
- Potential “fish” for aquarium occupants
- Requires a great deal of focus
- Prone to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and eye disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Bengal Cats’ Favorite Food?
Bengals flourish when they receive regular attention. These gregarious creatures love to spend time with their owners, so if you spend most of the day at work, consider getting a second cat. The Bengals enjoy playing with a playmate.
What Is Bengal Cats Size?
Bengal cats size is 13-16 inches.
How To Describe Bengal Cat Personality?
Bengal cats are distinguished by their brightly spotted coat and frequently glittering fur. The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) was crossed with either the domestic tabby or the Siamese cat to get this gorgeous coat.
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