Quite a few cat breeds boast a wild feline look: Norwegian Forest cats resemble huge arctic feline predators; Pixie Bobcats look a lot like American Bobcats; Abyssinian cats wear the wild agouti coat pattern with pride. In fact, one of the reasons we love cats so much is the distinct uncultivated touch in their appearance and character.
However, not many breeds possess a documented wild heritage like the Bengal does. The Bengal cat is a beautiful cat that is a cross between a domestic cat and the Asian leopard cat. It has beautiful markings that are similar to those of the wild Asian leopard, with stripes and other marks adding to their appearance. In terms of size, the Bengal cat is similar in size to a domestic cat and they range from 7 to 10 pounds for females and 9 and 12 pounds for males. Males may grow to reach close to 20 pounds.
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The markings on the Bengal cat vary based on body part. The face has horizontal stripes that almost make it look like the cat is wearing mascara. The sides of the body have spots similar to those of a leopard or jaguar. The back of the body has symmetrical stripes. They have two distinct coat patterns, either marble or spotted. Unlike any other breed, some Bengals appear as if they were dipped in gold or silver glitter. Its distinctive leopard spotted or marbled coat enhances its wild appearance as it roams the house.
Brief History – As the story goes, Jean Sugden Mills, around 1982 bred a domestic cat with a feral Indian Mau. At about the same time, Greg and Elizabeth Kent started their own breed of Bengal Cats using an Egyptian Mau. Both Jean Mills the Kents worked hard to popularize the breed, and in 1986, The International Cat Association adopted the first written breed standard. Today Bengal Cats are the most popular registered cat breed. Bengal breeders and breeding programs now outnumber most other breeds.
So what made the Bengal such an instant hit in the cat fanciers’ world?
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We own 2 bengals. Best cats we’ve ever hard. Yes they are indeed very smart but also very mischievious and busy.
One of my 2 favorite cats. The coon is a close second.
Bengal cats are wonderful ! Caution! They are like potato chips, you can’t have just one LOL! We have 4 beautiful Bengals. Great article!
P.S. The darling photo of the cat with white paws in the bucket is not a purebred Bengal, possibly a mix? as Bengals do not have white feet or chest. Some do have a whited chin, and whited tummies with distinctive belly spots.
The Bengal is 4th generation descendant of the Asian leopard cat and domestic. That f1 was bred with another domestic ie Egyptian may ect. The aim is to keep the wild look in a domestic cat. I own 4 Bengals
I have 2 sisters, one is loving all the time, the other is only loving in the evening. Both quite unlike previous cats and superb friendly girls
Generally speaking, the Bengal needs no more care than most cats. Proper food and veterinarian care will keep your cat in good health. Except for one thing: this cat needs out! Otherwise, it becomes fearful and goes wild. It also loves water and during the hot season will gladly splash and spatter in any pool it finds.
Bengal cats are the most beautiful cat I’ve ever seen! Their markings are so pretty. Their fur is like silk. It does not feel like any pet I’ve ever seen. They are very intelligent cats. Mine had new when it was time for breakfast and he let you know it. He would talk (they have a distinct tone) and rub all over me until I would get every morning and feed him! If I would dose back off he would start off with a sweet snuggle on my face, 3 or 4 times, if that didn’t work he would gently touch my face with his paw a few times. After a couple gentle swats you better get up because he would get tired of being nice and would get a little harder with each swat until you got up. I loved it!!! Once I got up he would race me to the kitchen, talking to me the whole time! Oh how I loved him, & miss him. They ARE very smart.
He loved being brushed. So different than any cat you’ve ever seen. If you’re thinking of getting one , do your research, & start looking for your loving, mischievous, best friend. Good luck!