Bengal Cat 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know

Want to bring a pet home that resembles the majestic tiger? Think of a Bengal purry. A large cat, heavily muscled, the Bengal Cat is not only delightful to look at but also has a very sweet temperament. The Bengal Cat is gifted with light bones that help in giving these cats a light body weight.

The Bengal Cat is a high-energy feline who loves to play so once you become a pet parent to this beauty, make sure you are able to give them active playtime. They love to stretch their legs and enjoy a good run for which they require adequate space. If you live in a smaller space, then we would advise you to invest in a cartwheel for them.

Another crucial point to keep in mind is that these cats love to sit on heights - owing to their great ancestry to the Asian Leopard Cat which was a tree-dwelling cat. It would be ideal if you could give your Bengal Cat its own vertical space on the wall. All you have to do is mount cat shelves and it’s done! These playful cats love to interact with their human companions and are known to be great pets too.

The Story

The magnificence of the Bengal Cat is world-famous. They are attractive and have a great presence. The history of the Bengal Cat begins with the human fascination with wild cats. It was this intrigue that led humans to breed one of the wild cats with a domestic cat. The idea behind this breeding was to create a gentle cat that has the beauty of wild-appearing cats. It was in the year 1960 that the first hybridization of the Asian Leopard Cat and the Domestic Tabby Cat was done in the United States. It was suspended for a brief period and then restarted again in the year 1981.

The breeders faced various obstacles while developing and breeding but the result was worth it with the birth of a cat that was wild looking and was domestic at the same time. The Bengal Cat gets its name from the cat that was used in the foundation of the breeding program – the Felis Bengalensis - thus the name Bengal Cat was given to this breed of cats.

The Bengal Cat is recognized by the ACFA, FIFe, and the TICA.

What’s a Bengal Cat Breed Like?

Temperament

The Bengal Cat are known to make fabulous pets - especially for people who are newbie cat parents. The best way to describe these cats is by calling them ‘dog-like’. This is because these cats are not recluse like other cat breeds, rather they enjoy human company tremendously. They love to get entertained with toys, games, and other playful activities.

While these kitties love to spend time with their parents, the Bengal Cat is not a lap kitty either. They love being active and enjoy spending their time playing or engaging with toys. They might cry for attention at times if their parents are not attentive to their presence.

Features

The Bengal Cat is a medium to large breed cat which has an extremely friendly temperament. Developed and bred in the United States of America, the Bengal Cat has a small, round head, with beautiful large eyes. Their appearance reminds you of a wild cat in every way. Heavily muscled, this cat is large in size - from their overall appearance to their muscles. They have light bones that help in reducing the overall weight of these cats.

The Bengal Cat has the characteristic thick neck with a thick tail and large feet. A brown-spotted Bengal Cat is known to look like a Feral cat. An important point to remember is that the spots on the Bengal Cat should not line up in rows but should be placed randomly. They have easy-to-care-for coats which may seem rough. There is nothing to worry about as this is their natural texture. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs which helps in giving them a graceful but powerful stride.

When it comes to their nature, Bengal Cat is supremely loving, and they attach themselves to their owners. They make very loyal friends. The Bengal Cat is an active breed and loves to jump and play.

Colours

Brown, seal

Overall Health

Everyone is prone to certain health problems and so is your Bengal Cat. They live up to 10 to 16 years of age. One of the most common health problems that people see in Bengal Cats is a genetic condition which is called Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome. They may even develop certain conditions in the heart and eyes.

A fun fact, Bengal Cat, despite its name, is actually an American breed.

It is advised that you take your Bengal Cat for regular check-ups. If you have a kitten then, be up to date with their vaccinations and immunizations.