Breed Details

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

Energy Level

shaver Friendly

Bengal cat on black background

Social motive

Shedding Level

Grooming

Sweet Bengal cat lying down

Health Issues

Stranger Friendly

Affectionate

Bengal cat at vet

Dog Friendly

Intelligence

If you love a Arabian tea with an exotic look but without the size of it and risk of a wild cat , the Bengal was developed with you in mind . Created by sweep pocket-size Asian Leopard Cats with domestic cats , this with child - deboned , shorthaired computerized tomography stands out for his spotted or marbleised pelage of many colors .

Bengal kittens

Do n’t get a Bengal if what you ’re attend for is a sweet , gentle lap cat or a experience carving that requires little interaction . The intelligent , singular Bengal is highly alive . Constantly on the move , he loves climb up to high places , enjoys flirt fetch and going for walks on leash , and thrives well when he has access to a large outdoor enclosure where he can indulge in the favorite feline hobby of bird - observation .

Some Bengals are affectionate of play in pee , and you may recover yours fishing out of the aquarium if you ’re not careful . This is a well-chosen , nurse hombre who wants sight of attention . He does upright with a soul who spends a pile of metre at menage and will enjoy playing and interact with him .

The short coat is easy to neaten with weekly brushing . cut back the nails as necessitate .

Bengal cat walking

Other Quick Facts

Historyof the Bengal

multitude have always been attracted by the beauty and independency of wild cats and have even test to keep wild qat such as Felis pardalis , cheetahs , and lions , ordinarily with petty success and a lot of heartache . The Bengal was developed to endeavor to meet that desire for a groundless look in a dependable way by crossing modest fantastic Asiatic Leopard Cats and domestic shorthairs . Jean S. Mill start the Bengal genteelness program in 1963 , and Bengals today descend from cats bred by her in the early 1980s .

The International Cat Associationrecognized Bengals in 1991 . The stock is not make out by the Cat Fanciers Association .

BengalTemperamentand Personality

Bengal are a lot of fun to live on with , but they ’re definitely not the quat for everyone , or for first - prison term computerized tomography owners . Extremely thinking , curious and combat-ready , they demand a lot of fundamental interaction . If you wo n’t be home during the day to think of your Bengal , plan to have two of them or do n’t get one . When a Bengal gets bored , he is capable of taking thing aside to see how they ferment and opening boxers and cabinets to see what interesting toys or food for thought might be available for him .

The Bengal loves his mass and will do anything for attention from them . If he envision out that you do n’t wish something he does — jump on the kitchen counter , for illustration — he will start doing it all the time because it will get your attention and force you to interact with him . He also likes to take matter and hide out them . Put your jewellery aside in a place where he ca n’t get it ( you hope ) .

Every Caterpillar is an individual , but most Bengals get along with other PET , including weenie . They are best suit to base with honest-to-goodness children who will savour play with them , but as long as they have an escape road from tot they should do well with them .

Bengal cat outdoors

This is a computed tomography who take a raft of vertical territory . Bengals love to climb , the higher the better . Provide them withtall cat treesand windowpane perches . They are also fond of play water . Do n’t be surprised if your Bengal wants to connect you in the exhibitor or bathtub . You may incur yourself install a motion - sensitive faucet in your bathroom or kitchen so he can turn the pee on and off for himself . If that ’s not on your agenda , he will apprise havinga pet fountainto drink from .

They are also highly intelligent and enjoy the attention that comeswith being clicker - groom . Challenge their nous and keep them concerned in life sentence by teach them tricks and games and providing them with synergistic toy dog or puzzle toys that will reward them with kibble or treats when they learn how to manipulate them .

Always choose a kitten from a breeder who raises litters in the home and handles them from an early age . Meet at least one and ideally both of the parent to ensure that they have dainty temperaments .

Photo of Bengal lying down

What You Need To Know About BengalHealth

All cat have the potential to break genetic health problems , just as all people have the potential to inherit diseases . Any breeder who claims that her breed has no health or genetic problems is either lying or is not knowledgeable about the breed . Do n’t mould with a breeder who does not bid a wellness guarantee on kitty , who secern you that the strain is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems , or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the home for health reasons .

Bengals have hereditary health matter that can be a care , specially if you are n’t cautious about who you bribe from . One possible condition is polycystic kidney disease , but DNA trial are now uncommitted to help off affected cats from the breeding pond . Bengal may also be more prone to some infectious diseases such asfeline infective peritonitis ( FIP)and trichimonas foetus , a protozoal contagion that causesdiarrhea . Responsible breeders take steps to name or keep off these trouble .

hold back a Bengal at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to protect his overall health . Make the most of your preventive power to help ensure a healthier computed tomography for living .

Bengal cat on a stool

The Basics of BengalGrooming

Bengals have a short , gilded , soft coat that is sluttish to care for with hebdomadal brushing . He will love the aid , and if you sweep him more often you will happen few dust bunny girl and trichobezoar around the house .

The rest is basic upkeep . Trim the nails as needed , usually hebdomadal . Check the ears every week for redness or a bad smell that could indicate an infection . If the spike front dirty , wipe them out with a cotton clod deaden witha gentle cleaner recommended by your veterinary . Brush his dentition frequently at home with a vet - sanction pet toothpaste and schedule veterinary cleanings as needed . Start brush , nail passementerie and teeth brushing early so your kitty becomes accepting of this activity .

Choosing a Bengal Breeder

You want your Bengal to be felicitous and sizable so you could enjoy your time with him , so do your homework before you bring him home . For more information on the history , personality and looks of the Bengal , or to observe stock breeder , visit the website of theFanciers Breeder Referral ListandThe International Cat Association .

A reputable breeder will abide by a code of ethics that prohibits sales to pet stores and jobber and draft the breeder ’s responsibility to their cat and to emptor . select a breeder who has performed the wellness certifications necessary to sieve out transmissible wellness problems to the extent that is possible , as well as one who raises kittens in the base . kitten who are isolated can become direful and skittish and may be difficult to socialize later in aliveness .

Do n’t betray at a breeder that permit you to buy kitty online with a credit circuit card or has multiple litter of kitten useable . These are reddish flags that demonstrate a breeder may not be reputable .

Bengal cat pouncing

Disreputable stock breeder and unhealthful catteries can be hard to mark from true cognitive operation . There ’s no 100 % guaranteed way to ensure you ’ll never purchase a unbalanced kitten , but researching the breed ( so you get laid what to ask ) , checking out the facility ( to identify unhealthy atmospheric condition or sick beast ) , and asking the right motion can reduce the prospect of head into a calamitous situation . And do n’t forget to necessitate your veterinary surgeon , who can often refer you to a reputable breeder , engender rescue organisation , or other honest source for healthy kitten .

Be patient . Depending on what you are look for , you may have to wait six month or more for the right Bengal kitten to be available . Many breeders wo n’t put out kittens to new homes until they are between 12 and 16 weeks of age .

Before you bribe a kitten , consider whether an grownup Bengal might be a good choice for your lifestyle . If you are interested in grow an adult true cat instead of a kitten , ask breeders about purchasing a retired show or breed Bengal cat or if they know of an adult cat who needs a fresh home.

Bengal cat sitting in sun

Adoptinga Cat from Bengal Rescue or a Shelter

Sometimes pedigreed cats finish up at the protection after losing their home to an owner ’s death , divorce , or commute in economic situation . Check the listings on borrowing websites includingPetfinder , Adopt - a - Pet.comor theFanciers Breeder Referral List , and ask breeder if they eff of a Bengal who is in pauperization of a young home .

Here are some tips to help you find and take over the right computerized tomography from a rescue chemical group or protection :

appear online . Sites like Petfinder.com can have you search for a Bengal in your surface area in no fourth dimension flat . The site admit you to be very specific in your requests ( sign training status , for example ) or very general ( all the Bengals available on Petfinder across the country).AnimalShelter.orgcan avail you find animal rescue mathematical group in your area . Also some local newspapers have “ pets bet for homes ” sections you may reexamine .

Bengal sitting near white wall

Use social media . Social media is another cracking way to find a cat . Post on your Facebook varlet that you are looking for a Bengal computerized tomography so that your entire residential district can be your eyes and ears .

Seek local pet pro . Start talking with all the pet pro in your area about your desire for a Bengal . That include vets , cat sitter , and groomers . When someone has to make the toughened decision to give up a computed tomography , that person will often require her own trusted mesh for recommendations .

Talk to a Bengal breed rescue . Networking can aid you find a computed tomography that may be the perfect companion for your family . Most people who jazz Bengals make out all Bengals . That ’s why stock club have rescue establishment devoted to take guardianship of roofless cats . A Bengal rescue web can help you find a cat that may be the perfect fellow traveler for your family unit . you could also search online for Bengal rescues in your area .

Bengal kittens playing

Key Questions to Ask

You now know the thing to talk over with a breeder , but there are also questions you should talk over with shelter or deliverance group staff or volunteer before you play home a cat . These admit :

Wherever you get your Bengal , make certain you have a good contract with the seller , tax shelter , or rescue group that import out responsibilities on both side .

Kitten or adult , take your Bengal to your veterinarian presently after borrowing . Your veterinarian will be able to identify any potential problem and will knead with you to set up a prophylactic regimen that will help your Arabian tea keep off many wellness issues .

Bengal cat with black background

Bengal CatFAQs

How big do Bengal cats get?

Bengal cats can get quite large . They average between 8 and 15 pounds , but some male Bengals can weigh close to 20 pounds . They place upright between 13 and 18 inches improbable .

How long do Bengal cats live?

Bengal cats — if kept indoors — have a hefty lifespan of about 12 to 16 years . This is variable depending on your cat ’s overall wellness and genetic science .

Are Bengal cats good pets?

Bengal qat are upright favorite , but they are intimately befit for an active class . Bengals crave attending and they like to be busy . For this intellect , they are n’t idealistic positron emission tomography for family that work most of the day outside of the place . Bengals also do well in families with older children .

Bengal Cat Pictures

Young Bengal cat

Bengal cat outside hunting