The Bengal cat is a relatively new breed of domestic housecat developed to have a gentle and friendly temperament, while exhibiting the markings (such as spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly), and body structure reminiscent of the wild Asian Leopard cat. In other words, a Bengal cat has a desirable ‘wild’ appearance with a gentle domestic cat temperament.
History: It was within the 1960s when the crosses between domestic cats and Asian Leopard cats were first documented. In the beginning of the 1980s, a breeder from Arizona started a formal breeding program based on descendants of these hybrids. The emphasis in her program was mainly on coat pattern and color in an attempt to preserve the wild leopard look.
Appearance: The ideal Exotic should present an impression of a heavily boned, well balanced cat with a sweet expression and soft, round lines. The large, round eyes set wide apart in a large round head contribute to the overall look and expression. The head is broad with rounded contours, a little longer than wide. The ears are medium to small in size. The nose is large and wide. The muzzle is full with prominent cheekbones and a strong chin. The Bengal Cat coat is a shorthair cat with a short to medium length coat. This coat is dense. close lying and silky.The Bengal Cat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The following colors and patterns are recognized and eligible for competition: Brown Spotted Tabby, Brown Marbled Tabby, Seal Sepia Spotted Tabby, Seal Sepia Marbled Tabby, Seal Mink Spotted Tabby, Seal Mink Marbled Tabby, Seal Spotted Lynx Point and Seal Marbled Lynx Point.
Size: Weight – male: 20 lb (9 kg)
female: 7 to 12 lb (4 to 6 kg)
Temperament: Bengal cats are playful, slow, affectionate, intelligent, curious and almost dog-like. They can be trained to walk on a leash and many of them actually like water! If you’re an apartment dweller, and have your heart set on a dog, but not enough room, a Bengal is the next best choice. Bengals make fun, affectionate, wonderful pets and are great with children, dogs and other animals. Their activity and play requirements are high, that is why it’s not good to leave this cat best left to its own devices for long periods of time, because they can be quite mischievous and destructive when bored.
Health: These are very healthy cats. Nevertheless, they suffer from entropion which is an inward rolling of the eyelid which requires surgery.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Grooming: The Bengal needs only basic grooming. Its smooth rich coat looks best with a regular brush once a week.
Kitten price: $500.00 - $1000.00