If you’ve ever wanted your own miniature leopard, a Bengal cat might be the breed for you. these cats were bred to combine the beautiful wild appearance of a real leopard with the tame demeanor of a domestic cat. read on for more details about the breed.
- the history of the bengal cats
- appearance
- biology & health
- personality
- fun facts about Bengal cats
- frequently asked questions
- distal neuropathy: a disorder of the nervous system that can cause weakness.
- Flat-chested kitten syndrome: This is a mild to severe deformity. if the cat survives to adulthood, it usually shows no signs of the condition.
- Hip Dysplasia: While common in some large dog breeds, Bengals can also suffer from hip dysplasia which can cause lameness.
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is a form of heart disease.
- patellar luxation: This is a hereditary luxation of the kneecap. severe cases can be treated with surgery.
- progressive retinal atrophy: a degenerative eye disease.
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the history of bengal cats
Bengals are a hybrid breed of cat. In the early 1900s, breeders crossed domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, a small wild species native to Southeast Asia. Asian leopard cats, also known as felis bengalensis, which is where “bengal” comes from, are known for having a slender build and feral appearance.
although crossbreeding began more than 120 years ago, the actual species of bengal was not established until the 1970s, when jean sugden mill crossed hybrids of asian leopard cats with breeds of domestic cats. His goal was to produce a breed that would stay true to the exotic appearance of the Asian leopard cat, with the personality of a domestic cat.
Today, Bengal kittens are bred from other Bengal cats and are separated by several generations from their exotic ancestors. they are now one of the most expensive cat breeds: a show-quality Bengal can cost as much as $2,000.
appearance
Bengals are known for their wild cat looks and iconic markings. Their muscular bodies and long hind legs give them a powerful gait, and their sleek coats and round-tipped ears are a direct reflection of their wild ancestors. While their leopard-like appearance is a standard breed trait, Bengals can have variations when it comes to coat color and eye color.
coat color
Bengals have a smooth coat that is sleek and easy to groom. they can have spotted or mottled coat patterns in standard colors such as brown, snow, and silver, as well as non-standard colors such as charcoal, blue, and melanistic (solid black). snow flares have ivory or cream colored coats. this is the result of a form of albinism, which stems from its Siamese and Burmese history.
Some Bengals may even have glossy fur, which is the result of translucent hollow hair that catches and reflects light. this gives the whole coat a shiny effect, and you can notice it even in low light.
eye color
Bengals have almond-shaped eyes that can be different shades of hazel, brown, green, gold, or copper. Snow Bengals can have blue, blue-green, or aquamarine eyes.
biology & health
Bengal cats are generally healthy, but there are some notable illnesses that have been seen throughout the breed:
weight range
Because they are long and muscular, Bengals can appear larger than their actual weight suggests. Bengals are actually a medium-sized breed: females can weigh as little as 6 pounds. and males can be closer to 15 pounds.
Since Bengals have high energy levels, they can often burn excess calories to maintain a healthy weight. however, it is important to feed your high-quality Bengal cat food minimally processed ingredients to ensure they eat a healthy diet that stays true to their obligate carnivore’s needs. .
life expectancy
cattime indicates that the average lifespan of a Bengal cat is 10 to 16 years. however, this will depend on many factors, including the cat’s general health and whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat.
personality
Don’t let its wild appearance fool you; Bengal cats can be just as friendly and affectionate as other domestic breeds.
These cats are fiercely loyal to their humans, but like any active breed, they aren’t big fans of being held or held. Their high intelligence means you can train them to do difficult tricks like using and flushing.
With their strong, muscular bodies, Bengal cats are highly athletic and full of energy. they love to climb and are even known to enjoy the water. You’ll want to make sure your Bengal has a tall cat tree, as well as toys that exercise both her mind and body.
fun facts about bengal cats
frequently asked questions
Q: Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?
A: “There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat,” as pethelpful explains. That being said, Bengal cats shed less hair than other breeds, so allergy effects may be minimal by comparison.
Q: Do Bengal cats get along with children and other pets?
a: According to cattime, “The active and sociable Bengal is a perfect choice for families with children and cat-loving dogs.” however, it is best to keep smaller pets that could be considered prey (hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) out of sight.
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