Bengal cats are very interesting feline representatives. The breed was bred in America by crossing a leopard cat with such domestic cats as Abyssinian, Shorthair American, etc. As a result of the cross, a loving and at the same time slightly wild Bengal cat was obtained. It is very useful to know the breed description, especially if you decide to make yourself such a favorite. Let's take a closer look at all the features of the character of bengals and talk about how to care for them.
Let's go through the story
Back in 1961, one American brought a leopard kitten from Bangkok. Since in those days there was a special demand for this breed because of the valuable hide, they were actively exterminated by poachers. Over time, there was a cross with a regular domestic cat. As a result, a kitten with a unique spotty color and wild character was bred. However, most of these individuals died from leukemia. Therefore, after 15 years in California, research began, and over time, the crossing was more successful. At present, this breed is recognized by all associations of the world. It is safe to say that the Bengal cat, the description of the breed of which we will now consider, is considered the most intelligent domestic breed.
A bit about looks
A muscular body of medium and large sizes suggests that the beast is very mobile and perfectly adapted to survive in extreme conditions. The paws are rounded, the tail in diameter is quite large, but not long, but medium. Bengals - owners of a pretty wide muzzle and long neck. The ears are usually medium in size and slightly tilted forward. Cat's eyes are wide set, oval and large. As for the acceptable color, almost all colors exist, except for blue and aquamarine. However, there is an exception - it is a snow bengal with bright blue crystal clear eyes. The coat of all individuals is short and shiny. It is worth noting that a Bengal cat, the colors of which can be almost any, always has distinct oval brown or black spots. Marble and silver colors, as well as snow, are very popular among bengal enthusiasts.
What about character?
Bengal cats are animals that combine a huge number of qualities. The high activity of the beast is due to a well-developed hunting instinct. If there is a place in the house where to run and jump, then your pet will only be grateful to you. It is advisable for such cats to devote at least some time to games every day. Bengal loves affection too. If you do not have time for such entertainment, then you can be sure that the cat runs wild over time.
It is noteworthy that the wild origin does not prevent them from being friends with children. This is one of the most curious and gullible cats who love to spend time near their owner. Experts note that the character completely lacks a share of aggression. Cats love to conquer new heights, therefore, regardless of age, the individual will explore all the peaks: cabinets, chairs, shelves, etc. They love water very much, so there should be no problems with swimming. Although it is not necessary to bathe the beast too often, at most a couple of times a year. By the way, breeders say that if you want to train your pet in the toilet, then a Bengal cat is perfect for you. The description of the breed is not over, let's look at some more features.
Common Bengal Standards
A clean breed must meet a number of requirements, based on which the price of a kitten will be added. For example, the size of an individual should be medium or large. With all this, the weight of an adult cat should be about 4 kg, cat - 6-7 kilograms.
We have already talked a little about color, but it is worth saying that scientists have come to the conclusion that it is best if the beast has a brown color in all its diversity. “Snow Leopards” are bengals having a silver color. They are the most expensive and rare, so not everyone can buy such an individual. Cat hair is a separate conversation. With proper care, it has a stunning look: shiny with low tide and very thick. In this case, the hair is short and fits snugly to the body. Average length is acceptable for kittens, over time it will become somewhat shorter, but thicker. In the south-east of Asia, wild Bengal cats are found. They are somewhat larger than their domestic counterparts. The length of an adult male can be up to one meter, females - 75 centimeters. In principle, a Bengal cat may have different sizes, it all depends on the environment of existence and activity of a single individual.
Bengal cat: care and its features
This breed is very unpretentious to the environment. Of course, like other feline representatives, any self-respecting bengal loves cleanliness. Of the features of care, it is worth highlighting a regular clipping of the claws. This is due to the fact that nature endowed this breed with very powerful paws and sharp claws, so do not forget to place 1 or even 2 claws in the house.
Every month you need to cut the sharp tip of the claw. So you will not only keep your furniture safe and sound, but also will not cause any inconvenience to your pet. Of course, a Bengal cat, snow in particular, needs to be combed out during molting. As for swimming, it was already noted above that this should be done several times a year. In some sources you can find information about swimming every month. But this is strongly discouraged. This is due to the fact that during bathing the natural protection of the cat's skin is removed, as a result of which the body becomes vulnerable. Please note that bengals in the wild visit the pond very rarely. The tongue in these animals acts as the main cleaning agent.
Bengal cat: owner reviews
You can read endlessly joyful reviews of people who have a young bengal running around the house. Absolutely everyone celebrates friendliness. By the way, this, rather, does not depend on the nature of a particular individual, but on the breed as a whole. The absence of aggression allows you to keep these animals, even if the family already has a dog or bird. Cats are also very fond of children. If the pet soon gets tired of too much attention, then he will not hiss and scratch, but simply find a nook where he can rest. Bengal cats are very fond of their owners and are constantly next to them. Also, these animals are very curious, so they can walk after you from room to room and watch you open and close doors, windows or blinds. What is most surprising, they remember all this and then try to repeat it. Of course, cases with blinds for the most part end in failure, but sometimes the doors open even by the handle.
Many say that the best pet is a Bengal cat. Owner reviews about them are positive, and it is unlikely that you will meet at least some negative.
Useful Expert Advice
Most professionals who have linked their work to cat research recommend checking the pedigree of the future pet. The acquisition is best done at a licensed nursery or breeder. So you can not be afraid that you will be deceived. For example, if at least a drop of aggressiveness is found in the character of a kitten, then it is rejected and is no longer sold, like a pure Bengal. The absence of secretions near the mouth and eyes, as well as a beautiful and thick coat indicate good health of the baby. Experts draw your attention to the fact that a Bengal cat, the size of which in 2-2.5 months may differ by 5-10 centimeters, must have a leopard color, sometimes somewhat faded. The final formation of color occurs at the age of 3-4 months.
What you need to know about kitten health?
The immunity of the beast in most cases is pretty good. But the diseases that are often found in this species of animals are sick and Bengal kittens. A Bengal cat, for example, is prone to leukemia, bowel disease, and heart problems. A sensitive stomach needs proper nutrition, otherwise frequent poisoning and upsets are quite possible, and there is nothing good in it. All vaccinations should be done before purchase, at about 12 weeks of age, when the kitten is taken from the mother. Another reason for the disease and the deterioration of the general condition of a Bengal cat is the lack of physical activity and activity. For this simple reason, it is recommended to play with your pet or buy him a sports ground where he can play and develop.
How to feed bengals?
This moment needs to be taken very seriously. Do not forget that due to malnutrition, a pet can get sick (disorders, poisoning). Therefore, if you can afford to buy a Bengal cat, then take care of a high-quality daily diet. However, in practice, bengals can eat almost everything, although the preferences of a particular food depend on the nature of the individual.
In any case, experts recommend giving dry and wet food. They are balanced so that the animal receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals. With improper nutrition, a Bengal cat, whose weight exceeds 7-8 kilograms, will suffer from obesity. Raw meat should not be excluded from the diet. For example, raw venison or rabbit meat at least once a week will greatly delight your pet. It has been repeatedly noted that cats of this breed love to drink running water. But you don’t need to drink the beast from the tap, especially with low quality media. It is advisable to equip a special fountain where the bengal can quench your thirst at any time.
How much is such a pleasure?
This breed is not considered one of the most expensive in the world, but bengals are not as cheap as we would like. Much depends on the so-called class. Individuals of the show class have a high cost, pet-class - slightly lower. The high price of the breed is due to several factors. Firstly, it is the complexity of reproduction, as well as the small number of breeding material. Offers from the best nurseries in Moscow or St. Petersburg start at 15,000 rubles and end at 30,000 rubles. If a pet is purchased for exhibitions, then it will have to pay much more than for a pet kitten.
Conclusion
Now you know what makes a Bengal cat interesting . Marble, snowy, brown - any coloring of this animal attracts the eye. But this is not the main thing, because the color of your bengal is practically irrelevant, the main thing is that it will give you affection and love. These animals are very kind and responsive, and also well understand the mood of their master. That's all that can be said about how good a Bengal cat is. Description of the breed will help you understand whether to buy a “pure” individual or not. As a confirmation, you must be issued documents (veterinary passport, family tree).