The Bengal
A Bewitching Beauty
Quite a few cat breeds boast a wild feline look: Norwegian Forest cats resemble huge arctic feline predators; Pixie Bob cats 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.
Wild Heritage
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.
Patterns
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.
History
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.
Not just for everyone..
Bengal cats are smart and cunning animals that crave attention and are always exploring. These cats aren't recommended for casual pet owners, as they can be a handful, but you can rest assured that life with one will never be boring.
So what made the Bengal such an instant hit in the cat fanciers' world?
1. Rich Coat – Little Grooming
The Bengal has a smooth rich coat that does not require any out of the ordinary grooming rituals. Some brushing is always recommended, for bonding purposes if nothing else, but the coat remains bright and beautiful even without that additional care. The coat has a distinct "undomesticated" appearance, courtesy of the Bengal's wild heritage, and some cats are said to have an actual golden glitter over their coat.
2. Variety of Coat Patterns and Colors
Bengals always display the tabby markings pattern, but that does not mean a uniform look. Bengal cats come in various shades of brown, with various yellowish and reddish tinges. There are even white "snow" Bengals that support a light silvery tabby pattern (some of them even have blue eyes).
3. Bengal Purrrsonality
The personality of the Bengal cat is what makes it such a great pet for animal lovers. They are sweet and loving, yet incredibly agile, intelligent and active. These curious felines tend to explore their surroundings and seek out human interaction at all times.
4. Very Smart
Part of the Bengal personality is its extraordinary ability to critically think. The Bengal can figure out things and actually try to get it done on its own. This aspect of the Bengal cat personality has earned the breed distinguishing labels like "dog-like cat" or "dog-cat".
5. Focused on You
As the immediate source of care and security, you are the cat's parent. This cat is so attached to you that a major part of its personality is to be with you at all times. "Talking" is inherent to the Bengal cat personality.
Water Loving
Bengals are one of the few breeds that are fond of water! Some play quite contently in deep water and some even like to go swimming! They also love to take baths! Forget the adage that kitties don't like to get wet.
Summary
In closing, there are many misconceived notions about Bengal cats, ranging from their personalities to their behaviors. Here are the top five myths about Bengal cats that simply aren't true:
1. Bengal cats are related to the Bengal Tiger. The name of the Bengal cat is actually Prionailurus Bengalensis, which is actually the Latin name for Asian Leopard Cat.
2. Bengal cats are wild and destructive, and they will destroy your home. Just like any other cat, they have been known to misbehave from time to time. Many think that Bengals are more likely to act out on primitive behavior. Nope, sorry. Bengal cats are well behaved, especially with the proper training.
3. Bengals are more aggressive than other types of cats. They are no more aggressive than your domesticated kitty. All breeds of cats need to be well socialized from the time they are young, and if you do, your cat regardless of the breed will play well with others.
4. Bengal cats are not cuddly or lap cats. This isn't true. Some cats like to sit in laps all the time, but Bengals are going to be wherever the action is. Bengal cats have been known to greet people at the door, and will even follow people around as they go. Bengals on many occasions tend to be cuddlier than other breeds of cats.
5. Bengal cats can cause allergic reactions. In reality, there are people who have reported not having reactions to Bengals, when they have had reactions to other cats. While it would be hard to say that any animal is completely hypoallergenic, those with cat allergies have had better luck with Bengal cats than other breeds of cats.
Our Beautiful Bengals
About Bengalivo
My name is Ivonne van Dreumel and since 2004 owner of Bengal cats. I live in Drunen which is in the southern part of the Netherlands. Since 2004 my addiction for Bengals started and in 2006 I started breeding with the bengals.
How to get in touch?
Preferred way to get in contact, is by sending an e-mail. I will respond to your emails as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
Thank you !
Contact
Newsletter
Do you want to receive the lastest updates in you mailbox? Subscribe to our newsletter and stay in touch!