Mary Allen
The Bengal cat is descended from real wild cats and still has its instincts and urge for freedom in its genes. On the other hand, she can also be clingy. Find out everything about the Bengal cat breed here.
Origin of the Bengal cat
The Bengal originated in the USA from crossings of Prionailurus bengalensis, known in English-speaking countries like the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC for short), with domestic and pedigree cats. So she has a small wild cat from South and East Asia as an ancestor, which is why the breed is counted among the hybrid breeds. The aim of these matings was to create a breed that looks like its wild ancestors but has a temperament suitable for living rooms.
The origin of the Bengal cat goes back to the American geneticist and cat breeder Jean Mill. She crossed an ALC with a domestic black male in the 1960’s and then backcrossed to the father.
Breeding the Bengal cat is controversial. Critics say it’s irresponsible to crossbreed a domestic cat with a feral cat just for looks. The first mating is sometimes even referred to as torture breeding since complications often occur at birth.
Only from the fifth-generation a domestic cat
From the first to the fourth generation, Bengal cats are still very closely related to wild cats. They also behave accordingly more like a wild animal than like a domestic cat. Bengal cats from these generations are subject to the Species Protection Act and keeping them is much more demanding: the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, for example, has stipulated that an outdoor enclosure of at least 15 square meters must be available for Bengal cats up to and including the fourth generation.
Bengal cats can only be kept in the home from the fifth generation. Only such Bengal cats are recommended for lovers, because from this point on they no longer count as hybrid cats and are no longer subject to the species protection law.
The appearance of the Bengal cat
Despite being closely related to the wild cat, the Bengal is not much larger than domestic cats. With a height of 30 centimeters, she is a medium-sized cat.
Typical of the breed is the very muscular but still elegant and narrow body, with the shoulders lying slightly lower than the croup, and the hind legs that are slightly longer than the front legs. The Bengal’s head and eyes are relatively large. Their tail is relatively thick at the base and narrow and rounded at the tip.
Coat and colors of the Bengal cat
The breeding goal of breeding a domestic cat with a wildcat look is reflected in the appearance of the Bengal cat: its leopard-patterned fur is particularly striking. The Bengal has a short to medium-length coat. The texture is dense and unusually soft to the touch.
It is preferred if the fur has glitter (sparkling hair). One finds spotted (also rosettes) and marble tabby as marking variants. Recognized colors are Brown, Snow, and Silver, and their variations include Black Spotted Tabby, Lynx Point, Marble, Mink, Seal Lynx Point Spotted, and Sepia Spotted Tabby. Depending on the breeding association, different colors are recognized.
The temperament of Bengal Cat
The Bengal is an extremely curious, spirited, and playful breed. The active cat needs a lot of activity and appropriate living space. A Bengal wants to be part of the lives of her people. It is not a decorative show object that simply conjures up a touch of the exotic in the living room: it wants to play, romp, fetch, climb, jump and, if it feels like it, also cuddle and cuddle. The talkative cat also likes to ask for your needs.
The self-confident Bengal cats are also intelligent and can definitely learn a few tricks. The Bengal has not lost the natural instincts of its ancestors and often has a very strong hunting instinct. Unlike most cats, this breed is anything but afraid of water. In addition to their wild side, the Bengal cat can also be affectionate, especially indoor Bengal cats often follow their owners everywhere.
The Bengal is not dangerous. But the more similar a Bengal cat is to its wild relatives, the more vivacious it is.
Occupation
Bengal cats need a lot of exercises, both physically and mentally. These include, for example, intelligence and hunting games with fishing rods, mice, or balls. If these cats’ need for exercise and activity is not satisfied, they quickly become bored and can turn the entire apartment upside down.
Since these cats usually love water, you can treat them by offering them a large, shallow bowl of water. Small, buoyant cat toys on the water surface make the whole thing even more exciting.
Keeping and caring for the Bengal cat
Since the Bengal cat needs a lot of exercise, a house with a large, secure garden is best for keeping them, but a secure balcony or an outdoor enclosure is also possible. The Bengal can also be kept indoors as long as it is big enough. A small city apartment is not suitable for these active cats. In any case, they need generous scratching and climbing opportunities.
Bengal cats are best kept in pairs. Living with a cat of a different breed can also work. But only if this cat is as active and confident as the Bengal. Calm breeds such as Persians or British Shorthairs are not suitable for this. Bengals usually get along well with cat-friendly dogs and children.
As far as grooming goes, the Bengal is easy to groom. However, she should be brushed regularly to reduce hairballs.
Diet of the Bengal cat
Many choose to feed raw. Bengal cats can react sensitively to ready-made food. This is due to their close relationship with wild cats. But the so-called BARF of cats brings with it the following risks:
- The danger of incorrect feeding (deficiency or oversupply of nutrients)
- Germs in raw meat
Remember never to feed your cat raw pork: it may contain the Aujeszky virus, which is deadly to cats and dogs!
If you decide to feed your cat raw meat, you should first do some research on raw feeding cats.
But raw meat is not always necessary with the Bengal. Industrial cat food also provides them with all the nutrients they need. The food Royal Canin Bengal Adult*, for example, is specially adapted to the diet of Bengal cats. According to the manufacturer, it is highly digestible, rich in protein, and of high biological value.
Diseases of the Bengal cat
Unfortunately, breed-typical diseases also occur in these cats. This includes progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b). It leads to blindness, which can happen in the cat’s first year of life. Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def) is also common in Bengals. Because the red blood cells are destroyed, this disease leads to anemia. But both hereditary diseases can be detected with a genetic test.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) also affects Bengal cats more frequently. It is a heart disease that can be detected with an ultrasound.
Purchase from the breeder
A Bengal cat must always be purchased from a reputable breeder. The papers prove that the animal is healthy. Because a responsible breeder only breeds cats that cannot inherit hereditary diseases. He advises you in detail, shows you that his breeding animals are kept in a species-appropriate manner, and is a member of a breeding club.
The Bengal is one of the most expensive cats in the world. But the price can be very different: depending on which breeder you choose, how closely the cat’s appearance corresponds to the breed standard, and how the coat pattern is, the price for a Bengal is between 1,000 and 5,000 euros.
It’s a steep price but stay away from cheap offers on the Internet. Cat breeders often offer the exotic animals for less money, but then they are usually ill and have no papers.
Breeders divide their Bengal cats into three categories: hobby cats, breeding cats, and show cats. Kittens are mostly sold as pets, whose coat markings are not quite perfect. In the purchase contract, you must sign that you will not use the purchased cats for breeding.
Is a Bengal the Right Cat for You?
Anyone who has taken a liking to a Bengal cat should think twice before purchasing one. Here’s what you need to know about Bengal cats:
- Do you want a cat that still shows traits of a wild animal?
- Do you want a cat that is very spirited and active?
- Can you give the Bengal cat a species-appropriate life?
- Do you have the desire and time to actively engage with the Bengal cat?
- Do you have enough time, space, and financial means to adopt two Bengal cats?
- Can you guarantee that you will be financially responsible for food, vet bills, etc. for the life of your cat?
If you can answer all of these questions with a clear “yes”, you should seek further advice from a reputable breeder. If you can offer the Bengal a good home and have informed yourself well about keeping it, there is nothing standing in the way of a future together.