Bengal Cat Information

Registered Bengal cats are becoming more and more popular among cat fanciers and for good reason.  Bengals offer the best characteristics of cats with a few dog traits thrown in.  

The Bengal cat is one of the most exotic breeds of cat that you will ever come across. The uniqueness of their breed lies within their blended bloodlines giving you an animal like no other. The Bengal cat is a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat. The blend of these two bloodlines created a mix that is hard to match in any other breed of cat.

When purchased from the right registered Bengal breeder and properly socialized as kittens, Bengals make excellent pets and companions.  The key is finding the right Registered Bengal breeder.  Shop carefully and use the checklist provided at this link as a guide in making your decision. (Registered Bengal Breeder Checklist).

Bengal Cat Traits:
Size:
The average size of Adult Bengals is about the same as most other cat breeds with adult males weighing slightly more than adult females.  In general an adult Bengal will weigh between 12 and 14 pounds.

Life Span:
When fed properly and kept up to date with vet checks and activity levels, you can expect your Bengal cat to live a long and happy life of 14 to 15 years or more. 

Shedding / Hypoallergenic:
Because they have a more dense Pelt versus a normal cats fur the bengal cat sheds very little in comparison to other cat breeds.  In addition Bengals are one of just a few cat breeds that are Hypoallergenic.  Meaning they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to cats.

Coat Colors and Patterns:
Bengals come in a variety of coat colors and patterns and you can find an excellent resource at this link on most of them.  In general the most popular color is the brown Rosetted.  Bengals come in shades of brown, silver, charcoal and a few colors in between with a few different patterns. Everyone has their own favorite look but in general the wild tiger look is what draws people to this breed.

Personality:
Because of their recent connections to the Asian Leopard Cat, Bengals have personalities that are different from most cat breeds and some people say Bengals are more like a dog than a cat.  Bengals seem to be more easily trained and many prefer the company of humans as would a dog.  

Bengal Health:
Like any breed of cat, Bengals have health issues and some genetic issues that you should be aware of.  There is a detailed list of these issues at this link,  Reputable Registered Bengal breeders will screen for these issues in their breeding cats to insure that you get a healthy, happy, well socialized companion that will live a long and healthy life.  To promote the Bengal cat’s health, we must provide him or her with an optimal environment for their development. Whether they are a pet or a breeder in a breeding program, all Bengal cats have the same needs:

• A good diet
• A clean and stimulating environment
• Access to sunlight
• Time to move around and play
• Good contact with humans
• Minimized sources of stress

Getting along:
When properly socialized Bengals will get along with other house pets and can be part of a multi pet household. The key is in the introductions to others as a kitten, this is one of the BIG reasons that it is important to find Registered Bengal kitten breeders that spend the time with their kittens to socialize them.

Bengals and Children:
Just as in humans, every Bengal is different but in general Bengals are good with other members of the family and children.  This again goes back to how the breeder socialized the kittens.  If the breeder says the kittens are shy, it is a sure sign that they have not spent enough time interacting with them.  If possible visit the breeder and spend time with the kitten before you buy one.  Pick the one that seems to be the least shy and wants your company or wants to play.

Ease of training:
Unlike other cat breeds, Registered Bengals are able and willing in most cases to be trained and are willing to accept commands from their owners. Bengals can be trained to walk on a leash which is VERY rare in the cat world. Prepare for a few strange looks... Because of the popularity of Bengal cats you should NEVER allow your Bengal to go outside without you.  It is likely to end up as someone else's pet.  Most Registered Bengal Breeders will have a microchip implanted in the kitten.  It is about the size of a grain of rice and can easily be scanned by vets during visits or by animal control if they were to find your cat so that it can be returned to the proper owner

Biting:
Bengals do not bite any more or less than any other cat breed and in general will only bite if they are in danger.  Playful nips during play are common and rarely do any harm.

Vocalization:
Bengals tend to speak more than many other cat breeds and will let you know if they need or want something.

Intelligence:
Bengal cats are one of the most intelligent of the cat breeds, Knowing this it is easy to understand why they are more vocal than most other breeds.  If they are vocalizing they are in many cases trying to communicate with you or let you know they are displeased about something

Affection:
Bengal cats love to cuddle and will show their owners affection. They will bond with their owners and show lots of love. BUT if you try to force a bengal to cuddle you are likely to get a hiss or even possibly a scratch. You can't force love... Every Bengal will be different in the amount of handling and cuddling that they want and need.

We hope that you have found this article to be interesting and informative on Registered Bengals.  For more information and links visit us at this link.

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