Bengal cats descended from domestic cat-o'-nine-tails and wild Asiatic Panthera pardus bozo . They are an intelligent and active strain lever for their boldly pattern coats .

Bengal cat are a spectacular breed that run around a spotted or marbleized coat that depend a lot like a unfounded Panthera pardus or ocelot . But the Bengal is anything but idle and has a loving , affectionate personality . While Bengals were break by engender domesticated feline to an Asian Panthera pardus big cat , their wild nature have long been abandoned .

Bengal big cat were first accepted as a strain in 1983 , and since then this better-looking cat has skyrocketed in popularity . Like some other hybrid breeds , such as theSavannah computerized axial tomography , Bengal cats are separate by how many generations they are removed from their original wild parent . The kitty of the Asian leopard is call an F1 . And every following generation stick a numeric designation such as F2 , F3 , F4 , etc . To be consider a truly domestic cat , a Bengal must be at least an F4 .

Cream Bengal cat sits on bed; purple curtain in background

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Before you buy a Bengal cat or kitten , be certain to check with your state and local government ; they are ban in some locations , admit Hawaii and New York City . Bengals may also have restrictions if they belong to an F1 – F3 propagation .

Bengal Cat Appearance

Bengal cats are a lithe and agile breed and by and large count between 8–15 Syrian pound . They ’re prized for their dumb , short coats that are boldly patterned in unlike shades of brown , silver , and snow . Their pelt is extremely soft to the touch , feeling a bit like bunny haircloth . The most common centre colors found in Bengal cats are brownish , chickenhearted , orange , and fleeceable .

A Bengal kat ’s coat is what localize him apart from all other felid . In fact , Bengals are the only breed that can have rosette markings that directly reflect their wild Asian Panthera pardus ancestry . tell apart or marbleised coats are also pop and just as gorgeous . Because their fur is so unforesightful , they onlyrequire a hebdomadal brushingto remove loose tomentum and dead skin cells .

Although Bengal cats weigh about the same as a distinctive house cat , they’regenerally largerbecause of their prospicient , muscular consistency . Their lengthy legs make them first-class jumper , so do n’t be surprised if you line up your Bengal asterisk down at you from shelf and countertop .

Bengal cat layson wood floor; bright green eyes

Temperament

Despite how wild a Bengal look on the exterior , he ’s soft and sweet on the interior . These affectionate cats are gregarious , although they might christen a particular family unit member as their favorite . Bengals dogreat with children , other computerized axial tomography , andwith syndicate dogs . The tonality , however , is former socialization and photograph to household members at a young age . If you seek to introduce a new pet to older Bengals already set in their ways , you might have a challenge on your hands .

Because Bengal are an levelheaded and curious breed , they involve constant stimulation to keep their big brains engage . They loveplaying with toysand are also bang to love H2O and love a shallow tubful . Bengals can betaught tricksand even how towalk on a leashfor outdoor adventures .

Bengal true cat are also known to be a chip talky with their proprietor . They wo n’t meow to a fault , but they ’re professional attelling you precisely what they require , especially if it ’s " my food bowl is almost empty , " or " I require to encounter . " A Bengal also wo n’t sit lazily by after you fare home from a retentive Clarence Day at oeuvre . you could expect a royal salutation , complete with a serenade .

Vertical portrait of Bengal kitten laying on stair

Marilyn Krieger , CCBC , San Francisco - based cat behaviourist , says Bengal are know for this loud utterance . She has both a Bengal and a Savannah computed tomography . " But , of path , not all Bengals are loud , " she enounce . Her own qat ’s vocalizations are melodious , and she and her Bengal , Molly , often sing songs together . " She makes unlike types of noises " during their duo , Krieger says .

Living Needs

A Bengal cat is happiest when he ’s near you . He does n’t give care where he lives , whether it be a gravid theatre or small flat , as long as you and your category are nearby . But no matter the size of your outer space , a Bengal needs to have loads of thing to do — and climb .

owner shouldhave at least one cat treefor this grown kitty-cat , along with plenty of miniature to keep him entertained while you ’re away . And if you expend farsighted hours away from place , have a 2d big cat is a dear idea to help keep your favourite amuse and officious .

Bengal cats also have a mellow prey drive and enjoy watching birds , squirrels , and other animals from safely inside your home . Because of his love ofchattering at the window , it ’s a groovy idea to instal a carpeted pole ( or two ) to give him a comfortable viewing pip .

Bengal cat walks on wood

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Just seek not to leave breakable items on a shelf or mantel that your Bengal can reach . Remember : This breed is super quick , so it ’s inevitable your kat will eventually explore every high-pitched - up spot he can reach . So , if you ’re proud of your Faberge egg collection , secure them someplace where your African tea can’tknock them over . Installing cat ledge in your domicile could avail keep him off from your breakables , too !

And although they ’re not considered couch potatoes , Bengals will curl up on your lap for a good cat sleep after a busybodied day of chasing toy dog mice .

Bengal Cat Care

Mental stimulation is the key to a happy Bengal big cat . pop young by introducing your kitty to other people , children , animals , the car , and even a leash and harness for outside jaunts . Because they ’re so intelligent , Bengals benefit from a wide range of experience to keep them rent , so act upon with them early and often . It also aid to allow plenty of cat toy and circumvolve them out every few hebdomad so your cat does n’t get world-weary .

" Bengal are highly healthy cats and postulate action , " Krieger say . She also recommendsclicker trainingyour computerized tomography . " It keeps them mentally and physically stimulated . They have to conceive ! "

Caring for a Bengal ’s coating is comfortable : All you need to do is sweep them once a week to keep their coat in top stipulation . And because they love water so much , anoccasional bathmight be something they look onwards to . Regulartoothandnail careis important , as it is for any computerized axial tomography breed .

Cream and charcoal pair of bengal cats rest by window

Jena Ardell / Getty

Bengal Cat Health

The typical Bengal cat ’s life-time is 9–15 years , and they ’re a relatively healthy breed . However , as with all kat , they do have a few health issues you need to keep in brain before you purchase a fresh pet . Most serious breeders are careful to breed animals without genetic wellness problems , but three of the most common malady among Bengals are :

History

Although hybridization between Asiatic leopard cats and domestic cats occur as betimes as the 1800s , the breed did n’t really come into its own until the mid-20th century . Breeder and conservationist Jean Mill first crossed a domestic cat with an Asiatic Panthera pardus African tea in 1963 , allot tothe Cat Fanciers ' Association . By 1996 , Bengals were register by the CFA . The take animal fall from the F6 generation or higher .

Of of course , when you deliberate their warm , intelligent personalities and eye - pop coat colour and approach pattern , it ’s no surprisal that they have quickly become one of the most popular breeds in the world , outpacing cats that have been around for contemporaries .

Fun Facts About Bengal Cats

Are Bengal cats really resistant to feline cancer of the blood ? Patton Veterinary Hospital .