Bengal cats have a gorgeous coat, are intelligent and loving -> no wonders these miniature leopards
are amongst the most popular cat breeds.
However, even if you’d die to have one, you might not be able to get one.
Stick until the end to find out why.
Let’s see what makes Bengal cats unique by learning the most interesting facts about
Bengal Cats. Now let’s begin!
They’re a new breed
Jean Mill of California is given credit for the modern Bengal breed.
She first started her breeding efforts in 1965.
Due to some personal issues, she stopped breeding them for a few years.
As a result, it took almost 20 years for the breed to be officially accepted by The International
Cat Association
However, it was only accepted by The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 2016.
Bengals have wild DNA.
The Bengal breed was achieved by pairing small, wild Asian leopard cats with domestic cats,
especially the spotted Egyptian Mau.
To be considered a domestic Bengal cat by the major cat registries, a Bengal must be
at least four generations (F4) or more from the Asian leopard cat and 6 generations or
later to be registered by CFA.
Their appearance is unique
Bengals have a wild appearance.
Their markings make them look more like they belong in the jungle than in your home.
Many colors are allowed on Bengals, but the Bengal’s coat comes in two main patterns:
spots and two-toned markings called “rosettes”.
They’re the only domestic breed sporting rosettes, making them resemble leopards, jaguars,
and ocelots.
Bengals love water
Bengals love water, especially if it’s running.
Some only dip an occasional paw under the faucet, while others will join you in the
tub or shower.
If you prefer privacy when bathing, make sure to close your door and prepare for some serious
meowing from your miniature leopard.
Bengals need entertainment.
And no, we’re not talking here about regular stuffed mice.
Perhaps all cat gadget toys were made to cater to a Bengal’s need to play.
Toys with puzzles to solve are best for a sharp-minded Bengal.
If you fail to provide your Bengal the proper entertainment, your cat will likely find its
own way to fight boredom.
This can include destroying your electronic devices or getting into things it shouldn't.
Bengals are excellent jumpers and climbers.
Athletic and agile, Bengals love to climb and will gravitate toward the highest point
in any room.
Bengals can jump up to three times their height, and can easily find a way onto just about
any shelf in your house.
So make sure to buy them a well-deserved cat tree.
Bengals are highly trainable
One of the main characteristics that make them so special is their intelligence.
In fact, they learn tricks you’d rather they didn’t, such as turning on and off
light switches, opening doors, and flushing toilets.
But they can easily be trained to play fetch.
That’s great news for those who don’t want to sweat when playing with their cats.
Just throw the ball while sitting comfortably on your couch.
Bengals love to talk
Bengals are very vocal and they can be loud when they want something.
Your Bengal kitty will surely let you know when it’s playtime or eating time.
If you want one, be prepared to have long conversations and debates with your cat.
All that said, Bengal meows can be quite adorable, expressive, and fun to hear.
Bengals love the leash.
They love to train their humans to walk near them while they’re on a leash.
Subtle!
They’re curious creatures, ready to go and explore the world, with or without you.
So a leash is a must if you don’t want your pet to climb up in the first tree it sees,
but it also satisfies your cat’s love for the outdoor.
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Bengals are little thieves
If you’re having a hard time finding your keys, your furry companion might be to blame.
These cute felines tend to do what they please with whatever items catch their interest.
They might pick something up and hide it behind your couch, or shred that important document
into a million pieces.
You can truly say your cat ate your homework and people might just believe you,
at least people that have bengals
So no, if you cannot find your socks, earrings, or keys anymore, you’re not going crazy.
It’s most likely your Bengal is responsible for their mysterious disappearance.
So go on and look for them under your couch.
You’re welcome, by the way.
Two are better than one
Full of life and people-oriented, Bengals are playful, gregarious and energetic cats.
But they also form strong bonds of love and loyalty with their human companions and become
faithful, affectionate, fun-loving friends, if you give them the love they seek.
So if you’re away at work most of the day, consider bringing a second kitty into your
home.
Bengals love having a companion to play with, but also to snuggle with.
If you want to get a Bengal, it would be great to get littermates.
Littermates share a special bond that lasts a lifetime.
Bengal coats can "glitter."
One of Bengal's most attractive qualities is it's incredibly soft, beautiful coat.
But Bengals sometimes inherit a “glitter gene” that gives the fur an iridescent glow,
as if covered with warm frost.
Bengals are natural hunters
A Bengal’s predatory instinct runs deep.
Bengals like to hunt for fish but also small birds and rodents.
As a result, their high prey drive makes them less appropriate pets for households with
smaller animals like hamsters, bunnies, or guinea pigs.
Their name screams wild
Their name comes from the Asian leopard cat’s taxonomic name,
since Bengals were originally bred from both domestic cats and this wildcat.
Bengals are expensive.
This breed can cost anywhere from $400 to $10,000 for one cat.
The current average price is $1,500 – $3,000 (USD) when buying from a good breeder.
Several factors affect this price, including the kitten’s traits, what the breeder includes
with the kitten, and most importantly, the level of breeder care that went into raising
the kitten.
Why are they so expensive, you might ask?
Well, the reality is that breeding Bengals is an extremely expensive hobby when done
ethically.
So if you want one, start saving as soon as possible!
Most likely, your piggy bank won’t cover up for the costs.
Legal restrictions may apply
Several states prohibit ownership of this hybrid.
Getting a Bengal as a pet is illegal in Hawaii and New York City.
Other cities have implemented restrictions as well, including Seattle and Denver.
Before buying a Bengal kitten, research on whether owning a Bengal or the generation
you’re looking for is legal in your state or country.
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