Often mistaken for a mini leopard, these gorgeous, curious, and athletic cats make a perfect companion for the experienced cat owner. Being one of the most unique feline breeds around, more than just their physical characteristics, Bengals also have personalities that set them apart from most other cat breeds. Additionally, you’ll need to check your local state’s regulations before adopting a Bengal as some areas don’t allow them. Is the Bengal cat right for your household? Keep reading to learn about the history, temperament, appearance, coat care, health concerns, dietary requirements, and many other interesting facts of the beautiful Bengal.

Bengal History

The first ever recorded cross between an Asian Leopard and a domestic cat was in 1889. Later appearing in scientific journals between the 1920s-and-1940s, the modern version of the Bengal breed eventually began in 1969. When the black California Tomcat was bred with an Asian Leopard cat by a woman named Jean Mill, these newfound Bengal cats didn’t become popular until the 1980s. Being officially recognized as a breed in 1991, Bengals have grown to be one of the most sought-after feline breeds in America today.

Temperament

While Bengals are athletic, active, and a bit wilder than the typical cat breed, they’re also loving, people-oriented, and form strong bonds with their owners. As they are a highly intelligent breed, Bengals may teach themselves to open doors, turn off lights, flush toilets, and much more around your home. Due to their leopard instincts, Bengals may not take to their litter box immediately although should catch on soon after some time. It’s important to keep in mind that Bengals require lots of affection and attention and, if ignored, they may get into some unwanted mischief.

Appearance & Coat Care

Bengals have spots that can come in a variety of brown and silver shades. Having a short, single-layered coat, they fortunately don’t shed very much and only require minimal grooming. While they don’t require regular bathing, they have an affinity to love water and may join you in your shower out of mere interest. For owners who do care for a Bengal of their own, be grateful to have a cat who provides a particularly silky and smooth petting experience.

Health Concerns

Known to be a generally healthy breed that lives between 14-and-16 years on average, Bengals still are prone to certain health issues. Bengals have an increased chance of catching certain eyes diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, both of which can lead to blindness. They also have high hereditary likelihoods of succumbing to heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and more. When acquiring your Bengal cat, make sure to adopt them from a reputable breeder to better help avoid these health concerns.

Interesting Bengal Facts

• Bengals can form extremely strong bonds with specific humans and will actively seek their attention.
• They are a talkative breed that enjoys meowing often to their owners.
• Bengals are naturally muscular, athletic, and love to climb.
• Celebrities who’ve owned a Bengal cat includes Bruce Springsteen, Sean Connery, Jerry Seinfeld, Kristen Stewart, Calvin Klein, Ellie Goulding, and many more.

Dietary Requirements of Bengals

The Bengal breed loves to eat and, if left to their own devices, may consume to the point of obesity. To manage your furry friend’s food intake, measure their food and feed your cat twice a day. For an optimum diet, be sure to sprinkle a scoop of Dr. Bill’s Feline Ultimate Fitness & Health on their food every day. Feline Fitness & Health is a delicious, concentrated nutritional powder, scientifically formulated to provide a balanced blend of 50-nutrients that support optimum fitness and health in growing, physically mature, and senior cats. Designed to promote a strong, lean body, a healthy immune system, a balanced digestive tract, flexible joints, plus healthy eye, heart and brain function. Feline Fitness & Health is safe for growing and adult Bengal cats of all ages.