Bengal cat (Bengal cat) - a unique pet, a domestic leopard, which can be purchased and kept at home. She has an interesting character, attractive appearance, and graceful predator data. Thanks to this combination, this cat will become not only a favorite of the family but also a loyal friend. But it is important to be ready for the care and maintenance of this beauty.

Characteristics of the Bengal cat - character and behavior

Fluffy beauties with spots like a leopard combine the features of a wild predator and a pet in temperament. They are smart, outgoing, and playful. Their upbringing must be constantly dealt with since curious and quick-witted Bengals need mental stress and stable control. Thanks to their intelligence, they will remember any commands and they can be trained like dogs.

In general, the character of a Bengal cat is very similar to that of a dog. She also loves to carry toys and other things, will readily protect her owner and territory. In addition, these leopard-like cats are extremely talkative. You will have to communicate with them almost all the time, informing them about where and why the owner is going. And the pet will always answer while making several dozen different sounds.

Description of the breed

Like other purebred cats, the Bengal has a breed standard that is important to consider when purchasing a pet.

Appearance - what does a Bengali look like

The head of the Bengal is wide, resembling a wedge with more rounded contours, in proportion to the body. The shape of the skull with a slight bulge at the ears and back of the head. The ears are short, widened towards the base, the tips are round, set wide apart. The eyes are close to oval, deep-set, large, and set wide apart. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth, the bridge of the nose is located slightly higher than the level of the eyes. The muzzle is wide, slightly elongated, with rather clear and high cheekbones. The nose is wide, the lobe looks slightly inflated. The jaws are powerful. The transition from head to neck has a smooth curve, and the neck itself is proportional to the head and muscular.

The body is elongated and strong, the muscles are powerful and clearly visible during movement. The length of the legs is average, but the hind legs are slightly longer than the front ones. The pads are large and rounded. The joints of the fingers protrude slightly. The tail is medium in length, rather thick, but tapers towards the tip. The tip itself is rounded.

The size

An adult mini leopard has a length of 35 to 46 cm and a height (at the withers) of 20 to 25 cm. Males grow up to the age of 2 years, and females up to 9 months.

The weight

The average weight for a Bengal ranges from 4 to 9 kg. Moreover, most often they weigh 5-6 kg since they are distinguished by their mobility.

Wool

Bengal cats have short hair, only in kittens, it is slightly longer than average. The coat itself is dense, tightly attached to the body, distinguished by its density and tenderness to the touch.

Colors

The main shade of Bengal wool can be represented by one of 3 options: gold, silver, or snow. Two of them (gold and snow) have an internal classification.

Gold or brown is the most common color and can be represented by the following shades:

Light beige.
Brown with a slight yellowness.
Bronze.
Redhead with gold.
Chocolate.
Kashtanov.
Brick red.
Dark brown.

Gold and silver Bengals have green or yellow eyes.

Snow Bengal is a rather rare color, it includes:

Lynx - at birth, kittens have a white tint, which takes on a pattern by the year. The eyes of these cats are distinguished by a bright blue iris.
Minx - the main color is cream or gray, the pattern is bright in childhood, but in an adult pet, the contrast is reduced. The eyes are blue or aquamarine.
Sepia - the base color is light, it can be slightly orange or golden, and the spots or rosettes are not bright. The eyes can be yellow, golden, or slightly green.

Bengals are also distinguished by the pattern on the wool:

Rosette - with "rosettes", the color inside which is darker than the background, the rosettes themselves can be closed or not closed.

There are also two extremely rare colors: blue and charcoal and black.

Coal Bengal

Life expectancy - how long do Bengal cats live

With full care, creating the most comfortable conditions, and taking care of a pet, a Bengal will live from 12 to 15 years.

Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic or not? How often do they shed?

Bengal cats are classified as hypoallergenic. They received this title due to the fact that dandruff, which provokes an allergic reaction in people predisposed to this, is formed in them in a minimum amount. Another allergen, a protein from a cat's saliva, rarely gets on humans and the cat's hair itself due to its lack of the habit of constantly grooming itself and licking its owner. Also, being a short-haired breed, Bengals shed very little, and in the molting season, combing is enough once a week for grooming.

Is the Bengal a friendly breed?

These cats are friendly enough, but will not happily meet strangers. At first, they will be distrustful, but they will quickly get used to the guest and will fondle him.

Separately, it should be noted that the Bengal breed does not differ in aggression, it does not have this quality at all. Even with the manifestation of cruelty by an adult or a child, the likelihood of a retaliatory attack is almost zero. There is a greater chance that the cat will try to dodge unwanted influence on itself and run to hide in a secluded place.

Attitude towards children

Communication with children will not be a problem for Bengal. They easily find a "common language" with the kids and they are curious about everything that the younger members of the family do. Also, these fluffy beauties will play with the child with great pleasure.

Relationship to other animals

The little leopard will not clash with other pets. That a kitten, that an adult pet will be loyal and patient in relation to a housemate. But best of all, he will get along with active and curious animals.

Playfulness

An almost endless supply of energy makes these pets extremely active, which translates into playfulness. They love to spend time actively jogging with toys and any other fun activity with the owner.

How loneliness endures

Bengals are very dependent on the society they are used to. Being infinitely devoted, they strive to always accompany their person. They will happily accompany the owner, whether lying on a sofa or bed or preparing food in the kitchen or relaxing in the bathroom. Any separation from the owner is stressful for the pet, and the lack of attention will make the animal incredulous and wild. Therefore, these cats are not suitable for those who are constantly at work or school.

Potential health problems

Most Bengals are distinguished by their robust health, derived from the genetic data of their wild ancestors. But there are a number of diseases that can be encountered:

Digestive disorders and food poisoning.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of an inflammatory nature.
Cardiomyopathy.
Polycystic kidney disease.
Flat sternum syndrome (genetic defect).
Leukemia.
Endocrine system pathologies (hormonal disorder, often found in unsterilized pets).
Dry nose syndrome.
Urolithiasis disease.

Kittens cost

These cats cannot be called cheap, and the price in rubles for one kitten depends on which category the pet belongs to:

Pet class - from 25 to 50 thousand rubles.
Breed class - from 50 to 100 thousand rubles.
Show class - from 100 thousand rubles. and more.

Bengal cats cattery

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Need for care

For the owner of a Bengal cat, caring for a pet will not be a serious problem. It will be enough to comb out the coat once every couple of weeks with a soft brush and trim the nails several times a month. It is enough to wash your pet as needed, most of the time you will have to make sure that the cat does not climb into the water himself. And eye and ear care consist of monthly examination and monitoring of their condition.

But there are also several features:

The tray of a leopard-colored pet must always be clean - they will not go to a stained place, even if they are in great need.
It is necessary to brush your teeth weekly from the moment the kitten appears in the house to prevent the appearance of tartar and diseases of the oral cavity.
It is imperative to equip a corner for the pet - its territory should be inviolable for the owner and be a bed or a house (the second option is in priority).
The quality of food should always be monitored especially carefully since the breed is distinguished by its sensitive digestion.

Maintenance cost

In order for a pet to live a full and comfortable life, the correct approach to its content is necessary. But it should be borne in mind right away that with a Bengal it will not be cheap.

Nutrition

You can feed your pet with both natural products and feed. In the first option, the cost of the ration is calculated by the pet owner. And if the preference is given to feed, the purchase of elite and high-quality products will cost about 5-10 thousand rubles. per month.

Veterinary

Standard vaccinations in accordance with the calendar will cost from 1 to 4 thousand rubles. Any other expenses are determined by the specialist and the owner as needed.

Grooming

A visit to a salon with a Bengal is not necessary, but it is advisable when preparing for the exhibition. One trip to the groomer can cost from 2 to 4 thousand rubles.

Exhibitions

Participation in exhibitions together with a representative of the Bengal breed will cost the owner from 7 to 23 thousand rubles if the event is held in Russia. The amount depends on the level of the exhibition and a number of other factors, but it does not include the path to the venue, accommodation, and meals of the owner with the pet.

Pros and cons of the breed

The positive qualities of the breed include:

Sociability.
Devotion.
Easy interaction with other animals and people.
Developed intelligence.
Possibility of training.
Love for water.
Outer beauty.
Easy care

The disadvantages of Bengals are:

The high cost of acquisition and maintenance.
Hyperactivity.
"Talkativeness".
Excessive attachment.

History of the breed

The original, unplanned attempt to breed Bengal took place in the 1960s. At that time, a resident of the United States, Jane Mill, who had a leopard cat and a domestic black cat, accidentally got offspring from her pets. But the first result of crossing was not crowned with success.

Attempts at targeted breeding of the domestic graceful predator were resumed by Ms. Mill in 1980. Through mating and painstaking work, Jane received full-fledged pets. She bred not only a beast capable of a full-fledged long life but also gave offspring, which is important for further breeding.

The first appearance of the breed at the exhibition happened in 1987, and already in 1991, it was registered in the official list of cat breeds. At this time, the final standard of the breed appeared and the Bengals were allowed for further exhibitions and breeding.

Interesting facts about Bengal cats

It is useful for future owners to learn about some of the features of this breed:

Representatives of the Bengal breed have an unusual phenomenon - fuzzy or fading. It lies in the fact that from 1.5 months of life, kittens have regrowth of the outer coat. This makes the pattern blurry and the kitten looks fluffier than it should. But by 5-9 months, this stage of growing up passes.
Some Bengals inherit glitter or the "brilliant gene". Thanks to him, the pet's coat can have a sparkling sheen, which stands out most when exposed to sunlight.
Pets of this breed have a special love for everything shiny, and therefore love to collect and hide sparkling things. When keeping a Bengal, it is necessary to hide jewelry so that the pet does not take them to a secluded corner.
With Bengal cats, you can walk along the street like dogs. Adorable pets will happily go out for a walk on a leash or harness, but letting them go is unacceptable.

Owner reviews

Bengal owners proudly note that the pets are loving and devoted. They are impressed by the responsiveness of furry comrades and hypoallergenicity. Also, many people note that Bengal cats are clean and moderate in character, which makes caring for them as pleasant and calm as possible. Bengal owners advise those people who are ready for an active and loving animal to choose a Bengal kitten.

Similar breeds

They are considered similar to Bengals: Chausie, Toygers, Egyptian Mau, Safari, Savannah, Californian Shining, and Abyssinian cats.

Bengal cat