Bengali cat | Facts & Information

Other names: Bengali cat, Bengali leopard cat, Bengal cat

The Bengali cat was created relatively recently, about 30 years by a breeder from California.The objective being to obtain a small apartment leopard ,or cross two genetic types : European or domestic cat and leopard cat or Bengali cat ( felis bengalesis ).

The latter is a Southeast Asian wild cat with a striped coat .The selection work consisted of removing the reminiscences of wild behavior and fixing the spots brought by the Bengal cat.The breed created in 1980 ,is today recognized by the CFA, FIF .

The Guinness Book of World Records was $ 42,000 (25,320 pounds) paid in 1998 by a London woman for a Bengal cat. A breed usually sells for $ 1,000- $ 4,000, but these are cats far removed from the first generations of Bengalis.

The one for which this price was paid was part of the loft of Lord Esmond Gay and was the second generation born of a hybrid of a domestic cat and an Asian leopard. In fact, cats with wild genetic heritage have captured the interest of most breeders and luxury animal lovers in recent years.

Read also about ... cat food

Appearance Bengali Cat

Domestic Bengali is no different from other breeds of fish in terms of care and food. Females reach the weight of 4-5 kg at maturity, while males, being larger and stronger, can reach up to 6-9 kg at maturity. Breeders of such cats recognize their exceptional qualities in intelligence, affection and craving for life and play.

Also an important feature is their elasticity and dexterity. Many Bengal cats, it may seem incredible, love water ! Of the total number of 37 feral cat breeds worldwide, 30 are represented by cats derived from small feral cats. Bengal cats are very common in regions such as Indonesia, the Philippines and East and South Asia.

Due to the increase in population in these areas and the expansion of heavily populated areas, the Asian leoprad cat (wild variant of Bengali) has become an animal with fewer and fewer specimens; to reach the domestic Bengali cat, it was necessary to use 10 subspecies of the Asian leopard cat, each contributing to the tracing of Bengali Characteristics with both unique traits of each subspecies and common traits.

The Bengali cat got its name from the scientific name of leopard cats – Pironaliurus bengalensis. The Bengal cat has retained many of the characteristics of leopard cats, they have a longer body coparative with other cats, more colors and marks on the fur, including swirls. The ears are small and round and the belly is white. Another feature is the large black eyes.

Almost all wild cats have four white stripes along the head. Like their ancestors, Bengal cats are not aggressive animals, rather they are shy but very intelligent and react when they feel aggressed. It is because of their affectionate and shy temperament that they are very close to their owners, being the ideal companions for cat lovers.

Also called the Bengal leopard cat is a medium-sized cat: the male can reach up to 9 kg in weight, and the cat between 4-6 kg. The body is very mulch, solid, long and robust, especially in males. The hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs.

The head is round, with very well developed whiskers, with medium-sized ears, distant from each other, rounded at the tip and pointed forward. Nose-it is wide and short, with the dorsal part protruding and with a slight curvature that extends from the stop to the tip of the nose. It has the same width from the base to the top.

The eyes are large , slightly oblique, Amber, Hazel, golden, green or blue in the variety ”Snow leopard”. The fur is silky and shiny, especially in sunlight. The first color allowed and selected was spotted fur, with typical round, black rosettes, well outlined, in the colors sorrel(light orange background with brown spots) and mink(mahogany background with black spots). Recently breeders have obtained the marbled, marbled variety, with circular line drawings and sepia and pointed coloring, with perfectly visible pigmentation on the muzzle, ears, calves, tail and body in a lighter shade.

For the unusual drawing, reminiscent of that of the snow leopard, this Variety has the characteristic coloring of Siamese cats, with blue eyes and colored extremities, but on the body in a lighter shade, the drawing with spots and rosettes appears perfectly outlined. The tail is of medium length, thicker at the base and thinner towards the tip. The tail is always black at the tip.

The paws are large, round, with black cushions. Character-Curious and full of energy, the Bengali cat is always in the mood to play and likes to be always in the center of attention. Intelligent and affectionate, she is very attracted to flowing water and, unlike other breeds of cats, she does not mind if she gets wet and loves to jump in the sink or in some bowl of water.

Very good swimmer, she does not shy away from playing right under the jet of water in the shower, when she has the opportunity. Related to the leopard cat, the Bengali cat is a very good athlete, climbing with agility in the highest places and performing some breathtaking jumps.

It often lands right on the shoulders of the master, just from a few jumps. Curious by nature, Bengali believes that any drawer, door or open box is a space to be explored. Playful and full of energy, she communicates with her master and loves to play with him, pitting himself or bringing objects that he throws at her.

He uses his paws to collect his favorite toys and tries to hide them in case there are other animals in the House. He likes to be in the center of attention, to participate in any activity of his master, following him wherever he has something to do.

She is intelligent, curious and friendly, but, compared to cats of other breeds, she prefers to play or be pampered instead of being held in her arms. Bengali cat, he needs a few accessories and toys so that he does not get bored. The best solution would be for Bengali to have another cat, which in the absence of the master, to become his playmate.

Bengali Cat Behavior

Eager to move, this cat is perfect for those who want to have a companion with whom they can play every day or just enjoy watching him while playing. She is very happy when the master channels his attention and love on her, quickly adapting to changes.

To establish a close relationship with a Bengal kitten, the best method is for the owner to devote at least half an hour of play to him every morning and evening. He eagerly awaits his master when he is away, accompanying him wherever he goes and carefully watching his every move.

Eager to play, she will invent new games, trying to” train " her master to spend as much time with her. Cats seem to walk on the principle that it never hurts to ask for what you want. Bengali has a melodious voice, which can become very insistent when it wants to draw attention to a certain thing.

The intensity of his meows varies, having a whole range of sounds depending on what he feels and what he wants, but it cannot be said that Bengali is a noisy cat. Bengali appreciates both the company of adults and children and does not miss any opportunity to cuddle and play.

Bengali-is it a fierce feline?

The Bengali cat is not a wild animal, but is definitely a domestic feline. Although strikingly similar to a wild animal, the Bengali does not have an aggressive behavior, but has a very strong character. Extremely energetic, it sometimes happens to scratch, absolutely accidentally, when playing.

Features Bengali Cat

The Bengali cat is a suitable cat for those who love and admire wild cats, while also benefiting from the affection and friendship of a domestic cat.

In order for a cat of this breed to be bred without problems by a simple animal lover, and not by a specialized breeder, it must be at least the 4th generation of cats descended from the Asian Leopard cat.

For the first three generations, amateur breeders should leave the breeding and breeding of these felines to the professional ones. Any cat retains its Predator Instinct, but starting with the 4th generation Bengal cats are much gentler and more friendly.

Diseases Bengali Cat

A disease that is manifested by diarrhea or bloody diarrhea is found in cats less than one year old. This is transmitted from cat to cat.

Cardiomyopathy is another disease that affects Bengal cats. This disease attacks the heart muscles. Cardiomyopathy leads to the production of blood clots and paralysis of the hind legs.

Bengal cat can also have eye diseases. Cataracts can be easily removed with the help of surgery.

This disease is more likely to be passed on to the next generation of kittens if it is found in both parents.