- Breed name: Bengal cat
- Origin: USA
- Size: Large
- Average life expectancy: 10 – 20 years
The Bengal cat looks like a leopard, which has attracted a lot of public attention from the start. They are called the “Rolls-Royce” among cats, because the starter price for this breed was $ 50,000. Although she looks wild, her character is tame, she is loyal to her family and gets along well with other pets. Even so, it is still recommended that very small children and pets are kept away from her. With school children that know how to genly play with anymals she will get along just fine, but small pets like fishes etc should be kept away because of her hunting insincts.
ORIGIN
They were created in 1970 during a study of feline leukemia at the University of California, where Asian leopard cats were crossed with domestic cats, while testing the resistance of Asian leopard cats to leukemia. The Bengal cat also inherited that resistance, which is a very important feature of this breed. Hybrids of these two breeds went to Zan Mil, who received Bengal cats and with further education contributed to their recognition in the Felinological Association in 1983.
APPEARANCE
Bengal cats are strong, large and muscular, the head and ears are small in relation to the body, which is a consequence of the leopards influence in their creation. The eyes can be of different colors: copper, green, blue. The tail is long, strong and ends in a black spot. The abdomen is whitish with spots. The hind legs are longer than the front and have a bent back while sitting. They have very skilled paws. Males weigh from 5 to 7 kg and females from 4 to 5 kg.
Fur is what attracts a lot of attention in these cats, because they look like a small leopard. The most famous pattern is tufted with the so-called rosettes in three colors, and the more pronounced the rosettes, the more appreciated they are. They can be of various colors, brown and snow white, silver or blue, while chocolate, black and cinnamon are colors that have been gaining more and more popularity during the last few years.
CHARACTER
Bengal cats are very intelligent and playful, so because of that this breed is not recommended for people who do not have time to play with them. The leopard gene is expressed in them, they like to jump and they need to be provided with climbers, and of course they also need toys. They are sociable, you will not find them in the corner and they gladly approach newcomers to introduce themselves to them. They are good with their family, and the children adore them because of their playfulness. They are good with other pets, but only as long as they are the “main” in the house. They easily learn to go on a leash, so you can go for a walk with them. They are very agile, they can open doors, drawers or turn on the light switch with their front paws. Among other features, the Bengal cat is special in one more thing: she does not have a classic meow, but sounds more like the flock of birds chirping.
Unlike other cats, the Bengal cat loves water, and can be found in the bathroom in the bathtub, drinking water directly from the tap. Breed can also learn to swim. They are thieves, they love to steal small things and hide them, and if you can’t find the keys, it is possible that the culprit is your Bengal cat.
HEALTH AND CARE
They are a relatively healthy breed, but hereditary diseases such as cataracts, heart disease, chest deformities, hip dysplasia, and dislocations of the kneecap can occur. They can take care of their own fur, it is enough to brush them only once a week. Occasionally bathe your bengal cat and clean her ears and cut her nails regularly.
STATISTICS
(on a scale of 1 to 5)
- Energy level: 5
- Level of playfulness: 5
- Relation to other pets: 2
- Attitude towards children: 2
- Independence: 2
- Maintenance required: 1
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