Meet the Bengal

What is a Bengal?

Felis catus × Prionailurus bengalensis

(Bengal Scientific Name)

Let's start with a little bit of history.. Bengals are a hybrid of the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) and a Domestic Cat. These cats were developed in the 70's and early 80's in desire for creating the perfect cat; the beauty and exotic look of a wild cat yet maintaining the temperament of a domesticated cat.

As you know the first thing people notice about Bengals is its markings! Their coat is so soft and silky (like a Mink) to the touch, and a true Bengal has glitter that is running through every piece of hair! Bengals can have all different sorts of patterns, but the most common are "Spotted/Marbled" and "Rosetted". Typically Bengals who are Rosetted sell for more than Bengals who are "Spotted/Marbled". The bigger and clearer the "Rosettes" are the more exotic the kitten is. A Bengals head should be smaller in comparison to the body, with small rounded ears, and big eyes just like their wild cat ancestors. Bengals are strong and agile, and should be lean and athletic. Their back legs are slightly longer than the front, which gives them an arch in their back when standing. Think of Bengal's as your own miniature leopard you get to enjoy and love in your own home!

TICA recognizes Brown Tabby, Mink Tabby, Seal Lynx Point, Black Silver Tabby, Seal Silver Sepia Tabby, Seal Silver Mink Tabby, Seal Silver Lynx Point. Spotted or Marbled Patterns ONLY.

Bengals are known as a large cat breed. The males can weigh on average between 15 – 20 lbs and females 8 – 15 lbs. These are just the averages, so don't be alarmed if your kitty is bigger or smaller than the norm.

Bengal Behavior

Bengals are not your typical lap cat! They can be a handful at times, but if trained properly they can be a dream for any cat owner.

Bengals are very intelligent and needs lots of things to keep their brains occupied, especially interactive toys to play with, and if you’re not home often, then consider getting another cat as a playmate to keep them busy! Think of Bengals as a puppy stuck in a cats body. They can be taught to walk on a leash, and even learn to play fetch!

Stimulation is key to a happy Bengal!

A Healthy Bengal is a

Happy Bengal

Bengals are generally very healthy cats. Make sure you buy from a reputable and registered breeder! Or else, buyer beware. Please do your research on each registered breeder/cattery. Often more times than not you can get an unhealthy kitten from lack of care and nurturing, or you can get ripped off for your money and lose a precious life.

Bengals must be pk-Def, PRA-b, FIV and most importantly HCM tested. We are proud to say we are a genetically tested Cattery!

Bengal Kittens

Bengals are probably the most cutest kittens there are! Maybe we are biased, but its the truth! They are very curious and have a lot of energy in stages 4 weeks to 6 months old. They need plenty of scratchers and toys to keep them occupied. Having two kittens will be much better on not only them, but you too! They will play with each other instead of causing mischief around the house.

You should not sleep with your new kitten until they have learned where their new litter box is and has been trained using it. We suggest keeping your new kitten in a bathroom for the first few nights with their carrier and a warm blanket for them to cuddle up with. This is often times a better introduction for your kitten so they can get used to you and your smells which makes the kitten more comfortable during the first week they arrive. Have a water, dry food and their litter box in with them until they have started using their litter box and have been eating regularly. Sometimes they won't eat for the first day, but this normal so give your kitten a few days to adjust. After the first couple of days you can start to introduce them to new areas of your home. Be sure to keep their litter box close by at all times or they may not find it and will look for new spots to use the restroom. If not corrected it could become a habit!

Very important: Their water bowls need to be changed 2 times a day. Bengal cats love to play in their water bowls and will contaminate the water they drink. Many times after they use the litter box they will lick their paws and even play in their water, contaminating their water they drink. This is very unhealthy and they will get sick with diarrhea. So Save yourself a trip to the vet and change your cats water bowl frequently.

Be sure to keep your new kitten on its regular vaccinations and check ups to keep them extra healthy. A happy kitty is a happy owner.

Your kitten will come updated on all of its shots, microchipped, and dewormed if bought at 12 weeks or more.

Most important, never hit your kitten or she/he will be afraid of you forever. Always love and stroke your pet with love and they will love you back.

Always ask your vet if you have questions or concerns, it could save your kittens life.

If you would like to find out more information about Bengals, please visit our friends at Bengal Cat Club!