The Bengal cat is a playful and boisterous docile domestic cat with an adventurous personality. This feline is intelligent, curious, and can easily get into misbehavior around the house. Find out more about the Bengal Cat Breed.
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BENGAL CAT BREED PROFILE SUMMARY
The Bengal cat is a hybrid of a domestic cat, especially the spotted Egyptian Mau, with an Asian leopard cat. They are energetic and need a lot of exercise.
- Country of Origin: United States
- Weight: Male: 10 to 18 pounds. Female: 6 to 12 pounds
- Height: 9 to 10 inches
- Coat: Short
- Color: Brown spotted, seal lynx point (snow), sepia, silver, and mink spotted tabby.
- Eye color: Blue, Green, Gold, Odd-eyed
- Tendency to shed: Moderate
- Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
- Attention Needs: Low
- Grooming needs: Medium
HISTORY
In 1889, Harrison Weir wrote a book on Bengal Cats, and this is the earliest mention of this Asian cat breed as a domestic cross.
Jean Mill is the modern Bengal cat breeder. She made the first known cross of an Asian leopard cat with a black domestic cat.
In 1970, Mill resumed cat breeding.
Today Bengal cats breed only with each other.
APPEARANCE
Bengal cats have a slim, balanced appearance but well-defined muscles and an athletic posture. Its cheekbones are high, with dark markings around its eyes. Their ears are small and pointed but round at the tips. Their coats have a unique plush feel, unlike any other cat breed.
BREED CHARACTERISTICS
- Playful
- Mischievous
- Active cat
- Intelligent
- Affectionate toward its owners
BENGAL CAT TEMPERAMENT
Bengal cats are intelligent, energetic, and playful. They are loyal and affectionate toward their families. Most Bengal cats enjoy playing in the water and sometimes like to play in the tub or shower.
This curious cat enjoys playing, climbing, and investigating around the house.
HEALTH
There are some health conditions you should be aware of:
- Distal neuropathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
BENGAL CAT DIET
- Bengals need high-quality cat food. The top ingredient must be meat-based protein.
- Most Bengal cat owners feed their cats with both dry and wet food. Dry food reduces tartar on teeth, and wet food encourages water intake.
CARE AND GROOMING NEEDS
Bengals are highly intelligent cats and need mental stimulation. Socialization is essential, and Bengal cats should have contact with animals and children.
To help them stay active, provide your cat with toys.
Due to its short fur, this breed only requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dead skin cells.
Regular tooth and nail care are necessary, as it is for any breed of cat. And because Bengals love water so much, an occasional bath can be something they crave.
CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT BENGAL CATS
- In New York and the State of Hawaii, you cannot have Bengal cats.
- Bengal cats do not have a typical meow.
- In Seattle, Washington, and Colorado, there are limits on Bengal ownership.
- Bengals love water.
- Bengal cats with a generation of F5 are generally legal.
- The Asian Leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis, originated the name Bengal Cats.
- The Bengals are very vocal.
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