123138892_1431473437053349_3910192716920626756

Bengal Cats

The Bengal cat is a hybrid (mixed) breed of a house cat. They were bred to be even-tempered. This means they do not get angry easily. Most Bengal cats are spotted and weigh 7 to 20 pounds.

Bengals have a wild appearance. Their golden shimmer comes from their leopard cat ancestry and their coats may show spots, rosettes, arrowhead markings, or marbling. They are an energetic breed that needs much exercise and play.

Queens:

Polly1

Polly - Brown/Black Spotted Rosetted

Rosemary3

Rosemary – Brown/Black Spotted Rosetted

Parsley1

Parsley - Brown/Black Spotted Rosetted

Studs:

finley2

Finley - Brown/Black Spotted Rosetted

Basil2

Basil - Black Silver Spotted

Colors:

The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes several Bengal colors: brown, silver, and the three Snow colors (Seal Lynx, Seal Sepia, and Seal Mink Point).

Within each color category, there are two accepted types of pattern: Spotted and Marble. A spotted coat Bengal cat is the most popular style of coat. Odds are, if you’ve seen a Bengal cat or are learning about what a Bengal cat even is, you’ve seen this cat in spotted form.

The spotted Bengal has characteristic, small to medium-sized spots all over its coats. Large, random, two-tone rosette markings are particularly prized. A.k.a. they’re the house cats that look like mini leopards.

Bengal Size:

The Bengal is an average to large-sized, spotted cat breed. Bengals are long and lean. They are larger than the average house cat because of their muscular bodies.

Temperament:

Bengal cats are smart, energetic, and playful. Many Bengal owners say that their Bengal naturally retrieves items and   they often enjoy playing in the water.

Shedding and Grooming:

Bengals are often claimed by breeders and pet adoption agencies to be a hypoallergenic breed – one less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The Bengal cat is said to produce lower-than-average levels of allergens.

Poptart

Facts About Bengals

The Bengal cat is the product of the cross between the Asian Leopard cat and the domestic shorthair. Therefore, it enjoys the physical appearance of a wild cat while the personality of a cute domestic cat.

The Bengals have broken the general notion that cats hate water. Unlike other cats, the Bengals love water so much that they would drink water right from the tap. So if you are a big advocate for privacy, keep your bathroom door shut, or else this little leopard will sneak right in while you’re taking a shower.

 

What’s more, these cats also drink differently. While most cats lap up the water with their tongues, these cats like to dip their paws into the bowl and lick the water off. The reason for the Bengal’s love for water is that their wild ancestors were great hunters and fishers.

 

These cats are also known to swim in family swimming pools. In fact, you should keep an eye on your Bengal near water bodies so it does not get itself into trouble.

If you are looking for a lap cat that won’t need much attention, then the Bengal might not be the right fit for you. The Bengals are an intelligent cat breed which makes them curious.

 

They love to play with toys, and I am not talking about those stuffed toys typical cats like to play with. These clever cats need challenging stimuli to keep themselves interested which means you’ll have to provide them with interactive puzzles and toys.

 

Bengals are known to be among the most intelligent cat breeds. These cats can learn tricks and can amaze you with how fast they’ll learn them. You can teach them to play fetch and impress your friends by showing off your precious cat’s abilities.

The Bengals will astound you with their incredible jumping and climbing abilities. There is virtually nothing that they cannot reach. If you are thinking of bringing a Bengal cat home, then make sure all of your valuables are kept locked away, or else prepare yourself to get them shattered.

Although not true for all Bengals, there are some that have what is commonly known as the glitter gene which makes their coat sparkle under the sun. You might not notice this sparkle in a photo so you’ll have to see it to believe it.

 

Speaking of coats, the Bengals do not only have the spotted leopard-like coat, rather their coats come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Bengals are among those cats that like to interact a lot. These leopard-like cats crave attention and feel alienated if left alone. As said earlier, these cats are intelligent, therefore, they know when they are being neglected.

 

If you want your Bengal to develop emotionally and intellectually, you’ll have to give it enough time and attention. Otherwise, it might not develop as much as it would if you had given it due time.

 

What’s more, these cats not only enjoy interacting with their human owners but also love to spend time with other pets such as other cats or even dogs.

You’ll have to keep a Bengal to actually experience this trait. Bengals, similar to dogs, like to follow their owners (even in bathrooms).

 

Unlike other cats that can even resort to scratching when it comes to wearing a leash, the Bengals don’t mind a leash. They even love to go on evening walks. These cats also enjoy the same games as a pet dog would.

These little fellas are quite mischievous, especially when they aren’t trained. An example of their mischief is their habit of stealing. If you can’t seem to find your car keys or your TV remote, it is probably hidden inside your Bengal’s litter box.

Moreover, Bengal kittens love to shred or tear things such as pillows, toys, papers, etc. Since childhood, these cats have a tendency to destroy everything and anything reachable, so make sure you are keeping all of your valuables far from its reach until it is fully trained.

Bengals love to talk, especially when they want something. You’ll never forget to feed your Bengal because it will let you know when it is time to feed it. This cat demands conversations, so make sure you’re up for it before adopting one.

In the beginning, cat associations were slow to acknowledge the Bengal; however, in 1991, The International Cat Association (TCIA) approved the breed. Since then, the popularity of this breed has only risen.

Bengals love attention and would do anything from meowing to scratching at the door to grab your attention. These cats love to interact and play with their owners. They are quite active and like to indulge in different activities.

If you don’t want to spend too much time with your cat, then a Bengal might not be a good choice for you. However, if you want some excitement and activity in your life, then having a Bengal would be great. This cat would never let you feel bored.

 

Bengals belong to a lineage of great hunters, therefore, they have a knack for hunting. Bengals are especially known for hunting birds. So, it might not be such a great idea to keep a pet bird if you own a Bengal cat. Because your little hunter will not spare any bird, outdoor or pet, that it sets eyes on.

Bengals have an innate likeness to humans. They are quite friendly and will retract their claws while playing with humans. These cats are known to be especially loyal and affectionate to one person in a family.

However, it is up to the Bengal to decide who that lucky person will be!

Poptart