June is for Bengals

While we should always research breeds before we adopt a cat, the Bengal is one that is crucial to research. Read online, talk to current owners, and spend time with a Bengal before you commit to bringing one home. A mix of Asian Leopard, and a tabby cat, Bengals can have a wild streak, and because of their wild nature, they are not a good fit for every home. Get all of the details and advice you need below!

Creation of Bengals
Asian Leopard cats, “felis bengalensis,” have been hunted for their exotic coats, so cat breeder Jean Mill decided to breed a domestic cat with the Asian Leopard to help save the species, and created the Bengal. This new breed protected Asian Leopard cats because they were no longer considered exotic, so their cubs would not be taken and sold. Mill dabbled in breeding Bengals in the early 1960s, but the Bengals that we know today came primarily from her breeding efforts in the early 1980s. She created the perfect combination of cat: the personality of a domestic house cat with the stunning, exotic looks of an Asian Leopard cat. By the late 1980s to early 1990s, Bengals were officially recognized by American cat associations, and recognized globally shortly after.

Since Bengals originated from the wild Asian Leopard cat, they have been bred to eliminate the wild cat personality. Many Bengals now are considered an F5, which means they are five generations away from the Asian Leopard cat. Be sure to ask your breeder what level they have, so you know how many generations from their wild relatives your Bengal will be. The further away from the Asian Leopard they are, the more domesticated they are. 

Energetic Personalities
Because of their genetic makeup, you can expect a kitty who loves to jump and climb, and they are very active! Bengals are highly intelligent cats, and need a lot of human interaction. They tend to attach to their owners, and require lots of one-on-one time. Bengals have a very distinct meow, or yowl, and know how to use it; they are very vocal! They love attention, and if they don’t get enough, they can become extremely destructive in order to get it. This is when the expertise of a breeder is vital for a calm kitty, or one that can test your time and energy limits.

Wild Cat Looks
A Bengal’s coat is stunning, to say the least, as are their green eyes. Their eyes are always bright green or yellow, which has a dramatic effect against their dark, sleek fur. The fur on their coats is short and silky, with a gorgeous shine, but they are not hypoallergenic cats. Coat patterns tend to be a marbled or swirling look, but many Bengals are also spotted. Bengal's colors come in a range of brown, black, and ivory, but there have been new variations that come in an almost solid black. There is also now a Snow Bengal, which is an ivory-toned Bengal, and they are absolutely beautiful.

Males are typically a medium build, while females usually have a smaller, thinner frame. Their maximum weight is about 15lbs, and their bodies are normally muscular. A Bengal’s life span averages around 15 years, but they tend to have health issues that range from eye issues to heart problems. Speaking to your veterinarian before buying a Bengal could save you costly vet bills. 

Purchasing
Interested in having a Bengal companion? Do your research to find a reputable breeder, and expect to pay around $2500 or more. There are approximately 2500 Bengal breeders in the USA, and all good breeders should provide proper breed paperwork, and information on the cat’s lineage. Also, check your state and local laws, because some areas have restrictions. NYC, for instance, has outlawed Bengals; it is illegal to own one in the City. New York State law, however, stipulates that your Bengal must be a F5, and registered with the ICA (The International Cat Association) or CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association).

Owning a bengal is not for everyone, and because of their high attachment to their owners, excessive energy demands, and potentially destructive behaviors, we do not board Bengals at Rock The Cat Spa. Many kennels will not accept this breed. Having a safe place to board, or a friend to watch them, is important before buying a Bengal, so you know that you can sometimes be away from home. While they are absolutely beautiful, unique cats, make sure this breed is the right fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle.