Story of Bengal Cat Breed 

The Bengal cat is a hybrid of a domestic cat with a wild Asian leopard cat. The first hybrid was bred in 1963 by Jean Mill. Today, Bengalis only divorce each other.

The breed was recognized by the International Cat Association in 1991. The Cat Fanciers Association has not recognized the breed.

Description of Bengal Cat Breed 

Bengal cats are mostly medium in size, although there are large individuals that boast strong, athletic bodies.

Along with other hybrid cat breeds such as the Savannah, Bengal cats are larger than the average house cat.

Adult cats can weigh 4-8 kg.

Distinctive features of “Bengali”:

Have a large triangular head;
Small ears with rounded tips;
The nose of Bengal cats is wide and massive;
The eyes are large and take an oval shape;
The neck is strong and muscular;
Paws are strong and large. They are medium in size, but slightly longer in the back than in the front;
The tail of this breed is small;
The cat’s coat is silky and dense. It may be short or medium in size;
The color is marble or leopard and can have a shade of gray, red, or white.

The personality of the Bengal Cat Breed 

Bengals are incredibly active and highly intelligent cats that need attention. So if you prefer cats that won’t hang around you all the time and like to sleep most of the day, then a less active breed is worth picking up!

Although many consider the Bengal cat to be a wild cat that only pretends to be domesticated, the breed is actually very sweet and loving. She is very friendly towards her family and other pets, including dogs.

This is the perfect cat for kids and cat-friendly dogs. She is smart enough to stay away from toddlers who might not be able to respect a cat’s space, and school-age kids who know better than tail-tugging will find the Bengal cat fun and energetic.

Bengalis love to play and spend time with their family but are warned if they are not given enough attention they can become destructive. So she needs a constant supply of activity and distractions, including new toys, puzzles, trees, or special climbing gear, to keep them busy.

Also, this cat breed loves to play in the water, watch running water from the tap, and take baths. So don’t be surprised if your Bengal wants to join you in the shower or bath.

This is one of the few cat breeds that seem to enjoy walking around on a leash, as do the Maine Coon and Abyssinian cat breeds.

Bengalis learn very quickly and enjoy learning new behaviors. In fact, they can learn tricks that you would really appreciate, like turning light switches on and off, opening doors, and flushing toilets.

Athletic and agile, Bengalis love to climb the highest points in any room. They are playful, outgoing, energetic cats with a generous dose of feline curiosity.

Common diseases Bengal Cat Breed 

Bengals are a healthy, energetic breed with an average lifespan of 15 years or more. This cat breed does not have any particular health problems, however, there are several diseases that are sometimes found in Bengals:

flat chest syndrome in kittens;
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
hip dysplasia;
pyruvate kinase deficiency;
progressive retinal atrophy.
Therefore, select responsible breeders before purchasing a Bengal cat.

Care of Bengal Cat Breed 

Caring for a Bengal cat is quite simple, as they love to bathe, are easy to train, and therefore will not sharpen their claws on your chairs and sofas. It is easy to get used to the tray, but keep in mind that it must be closed or have high sides, as Bengals love to bury their “waste”.

That is, nothing special is needed, only a standard set: brushing hair, vaccinating, and paying attention.

Interesting facts about Bengal Cat

1. Bengals are one of the most expensive cat breeds, which can cost from 1000 to 5000 USD.
2. The name Bengal cat comes from the scientific name for the Asian leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis.
3. This is the only domestic cat with spots that resemble the color of leopards, jaguars, and ocelots.
4. Cats are easy to train. They can be taught to fetch a thrown ball or turn the lights on and off.
5. Bengal cats are very fond of bright objects, so do not leave jewelry in the open, otherwise you may not find it later.