Bengal Cat Breed: Facts, Temperament and Care Info

In the state of Bengal, there is a saying, and it goes something like this- “Cat is the tiger’s aunty”. It seems true when it comes to the appearance of the Bengal cat brigade. They appear like a small-sized clone of a leopard. They have the stripes of a leopard, giving them a wild appearance, and you might even think that it is fierce and cant be befriended Wrong.

As they say, looks can be deceptive. These cats might appear fierce, but in reality, they are people-loving. They love to play and satiate their curiosity. It is quite an intelligent breed and can be well-trained to do various kinds of stuff. It can become a perfect companion to play and have fun with.

The Look and Personality

Bengal cats can have two kinds of marking on their furry bodies- marbles and spots. The spotted ones possess either big or small marks that can be two-toned rosettes. The marbled ones have eclectic swirls and dense diagonal or horizontal stripes. They come in different colors, ranging from golden to light grey and mahogany. These are the most popular ones.

The other variety comes in silvery-white to brown with lighter patterns and spots. However, all of them have one thing in common. What are their white furry bellies, and it is where, if stroked on there, they tend to enjoy a lot? These furballs possess beautiful lovey eyes that often range in various colors, including golden yellow to turquoise blue.

With wider noses and long whiskers, they appear poised too. One of the striking characteristics of Bengal cats is that their furs shimmer under the light, thus making them appear to be exotic. They are not just beautiful but also well-built with thick tails. These cats are amazing companions as they hate to be left alone.

They can play with other animals or kids even. But when left alone, it can cause trouble. They are attention-seeking but affectionate. These cats love to sleep with their owners and play, climb, chase, and explore around. Their bundle of energy and curious mind is maintained in their senior years.

Other Facts and Characteristics of Bengal Cat Breed

The Bengal breed cats are low on maintenance. They are social but not particularly boisterous. They have high energy levels, and shedding time is moderate. These cats love to bathe, which might surprise you initially. But after you get to know them, you cannot stop loving them.

The males often weigh between 9-1 pounds, and the females weigh between 6-12 pounds. The length of these cats is between 14-18 inches. They live for as long as 20 years if taken proper care of. They possess rounded sharp ears that can be medium to small in size.

How to Take Care of Your Furry Friend?

Just loving your Bengal breed cat is not enough. You must remember to provide them with a safe shelter and make sure to follow a healthy routine to keep them fit and bright. Just like any other cat, the Bengals need proper grooming. Proper grooming makes them appear pretty.

Some of these felines have long hair while others have short ones, and thus they need attention accordingly. Their silky tresses need to be brushed every day. Also, their nails must be trimmed frequently. Also, their teeth need to be brushed regularly. The diet is another crucial thing to be taken care of. A Bengal cat breed doesn’t need much in terms of diet.

It has to be simple but fulfilling. Just give them food according to their age, just like you do for a child. Ensure that they finish their food to be healthy. Usually, cats living with a family can eat everything the other members do, but you must consult with a vet before starting its diet. This breed suffers from an intestinal disorder.

If that occurs, then following a prescribed diet will be beneficial. Also, it is significant to take care of their mental health, so keep them busy with playthings. You can train them to play with other animals and kids as well. The Bengals indulge in a lot of comic affairs. They are great climbers and love to climb up walls and trees.

So, do not be surprised if you find one hanging from your curtains. They also enjoy a splash inside a pool with playthings. Also, you can install a water fountain for the kitty to keep it busy and happy. You will be able to hear a Bengal’s purring from outside if it faces any adversary. It is somewhat possessive.

Health Issues of Bengal Cat Breed

So, like any other animal and humans, Bengals also suffer from a couple of health issues. However, if checked, the situation won’t aggravate. A lot of Bengals suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Sometimes, it becomes chronic, thus leading to a veterinary visit. They can also develop a problem known as Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency or PK.

It is anemia, and some cats suffer from it more than others. While some of the felines may display symptoms of anemia like fatigue, others may not, and it can occur between 8 months – 8 years. Feline Polyneuropathy is a genetic condition in which cats lose muscle control due to an abnormal coating on the peripheral nerves.

In severe cases, the cat might get stressed to walk and eat. As a result, their day-day activities get hindered. They can get it within the age range of 10-18 months. The males are more affected compared to females. Another disease you should be wary of is Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA. It is congenitally leading to blindness in cats.

Such health conditions are detected through swabs and blood tests. A kitten as young as two months can get affected by this or an adult of 12 years. Unfortunately, treatment is not an option. So, the Bengal breed cat is a lovely pet you can proudly and happily own.