Bengal cats may look exotic, but they have a heart of family companions. This domesticated cat breed is unique, adorable and graceful. Learn more about this cat breed through this guide, to help you decide if Bengal cats are perfect for you.
Are Bengal Cats Ideal Family Companions?
Personality Of Bengal Cats
- Energetic and intelligent
- Loud and talkative
- Destructive when bored
- Suitable for family with kids
Not for first-time owners, Bengal cats are not your typical lap cats because they’re highly-energetic, intelligent and naughty. However, these personality traits make them fun to live with. Though they can be challenging to train and deal with at times, they are confident, friendly, alert and talkative.
Bengals cats are in fact very loud and vocal. They make sure to let you know when they need something like food or their cat litter to be cleaned. Well, the meow is distinct and loud, making it not easily ignored. When bored, they can do annoying things around the house like switching lights on and off, jumping into the water and plucking CDs from your player or disc racks.
Since they love water, owning an aquarium may be a bad idea. Moreover, Bengals like to climb, often reaching the highest points in the house. You can give you Bengal a tall cat tree or some puzzle toys to release their energy, avoiding destructive habits at home.
There are many reasons why Bengal cats will get along with children in the house. Just like kids, Bengals are energetic, happy and curious. As a result, they would think of the children as their friends.
Size & Color
Bengal cats are large-sized, weighing about 8 to 15 pounds. They are muscular with a strong skeleton. You might see a leopard or tiger in Bengal cats, with an appearance of a perfect hunter.
The most beautiful part of a Bengal cat is their fur, which is beautiful, soft and silky. This breed has different and gorgeous spots. Bengals come in two coat patterns – marbled or spotted. They also come in a broad spectrum of colors including brown tabby, black silver tabby, seal silver lynx point and seal mink tabby. In some Bengals, their coats are “glittered”, making this breed one of prettiest in the world.
Health
Bengal cats need high-energy activities and exercises. These will help release the cat’s energy, reducing the risk of certain bad habits in the household. Moreover, a Bengal cat is intelligent, and need adequate mental stimulation so they won’t become bored.
Bengal cats are considered healthy, but in some cases, they can develop diseases that may take a toll on their health. However, certain conditions are hereditary, which means the diseases in parents can be passed down to their offspring.
Here are the common diseases affecting this cat breed:
- Cataracts – Bengal cats are vulnerable to cataracts, an eye condition that attacks the eye lens. This condition makes the lens opaque, leading to blurred vision and in some cases, permanent blindness.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – This is a heart condition Bengal cats are prone to have. This condition is described as the thickening of the inner muscle of the heart. It can lead to interrupted blood flow, leading to heart problems.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye problem that affects Bengal cats. The eye condition that may lead to vision problems in cats. It affects both eyes and may result in vision loss.
Lifespan Of Bengal Cats
The average life expectancy of Bengal cats is between 10 and 16 years. The longevity of a cat breed greatly depends on many factors such as their quality of life, happiness, the love and attention they receive and general health.
Food & Diet
Since the Bengal cat is from the wildcat lineage, they’re not designed to eat foods like corn and fillers. They are primarily eating protein-based diets like meat. Also dubbed the Asian Leopard cats, Bengals eat foods like birds, insects, and lizards.
Today, commercial cat food contains more carbohydrates like corn and soy. When your cat eats this kind of food, they might eat more because they’re not getting the nutrients they need. If you’re feeding your commercial cat food, make sure the one you’re giving them high-quality and mainly consists of proteins. Feed them about twice a day, without letting food all out throughout the day because this may lead to overeating.
Grooming Requirements
- Do not need regular brushing
- Sheds lightly
- Bath once or twice a week
- Regular oral care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning
The Bengal cat does not shed a lot, in fact, it sheds so lightly, it’s unnoticeable. Don’t worry, Bengal cats are considered hypoallergenic. To take care of your cat’s beautiful and glittery coat, you need to wash your cat at least once or twice a week. You need to use high-quality shampoo and take extra caution washing the area near the eyes.
However, in terms of brushing, you do not need to comb your cat’s hair regularly. You can use a metal comb particularly designed for cats. Some people just use their hands. Regular oral care is important in cats. They might fight with your through the process but it’s better to train them early about brushing their teeth. Moreover, trimming the claw and ears are recommended, too.
Price Of Bengal Cats
Bengal cats are quite pricey. For top quality types, the price ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 and above depending on the coloration and markings. For mink quality pets, the price may range from $1,400 and up, also be depending on their markings. Make sure you buy your kitten from reputable breeders and always ask for a health clearance.
History
The original Bengal cats appeared when the Asian Leopard cat and domestic cats were bred. The person who first develops the breed was Jean Sugden Mill in the 1970s to create a more beautiful and graceful wildcat, but with the temperament and behavior of a domestic cat.
Fun Fact
Despite being named Bengal, this cat breed was named after the Latin name for the Asian Leopard Cat, Prionailurus bengalensis. This cat breed was not named from the Bengal tiger.
Know more about Bengal cats through this video by Animal Planet:
Bengal cats are not for the novice cat owner. You need to have experience tending for cats before you get one. This breed needs close attention, proper care, and regular exercise. However, Bengal cats are indeed lovable and fun to be with, especially if you have children.
What do you love about Bengal cats? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
