Photo credit: @chase.thebengal
Bengal
A complete breed guide for Bengal Cats
This article is written by Pet Circle Veterinarian,
Once a relatively unknown variety, this beautiful leopard-like breed is gaining popularity in recent times. Most recognisable for their distinctive spotted or marble coat, the Bengal is often described as resembling a pint-sized leopard (which makes them very instagrammable!). Many find the novelty of owning a jungle cat that fits into your home (and will not eat you!) just too cool to resist.
We've put together a complete guide with everything you need to know before adopting a Bengal cat. If you need any further info, check out our Discover education portal or our complimentary Vet Pet Plan service.
Contents:Facts about the Bengal
Photo credit: @artemismeowl
| Place of origin: | Life Expectancy: | Other names: |
| India / United States | 12 to 16 years | 'Leopard Cat' | Energy level: | Tendency to vocalise: | Coat colours: |
| Very active | High | Typically rosette spotted pattern in brown, snow, silver, blue, or less commonly chocolate, charcoal or cinnamon. |
| Coat type: | Size: | Coat markings: |
| Short, straight | 4.5-6.8kg (males), 3.6-5.4kg (females) | Short, soft, and sleek with distinctive fur patterns (spotted or marbled) |
| Shedding factor: | Overall grooming needs: | Temperament: |
| Low to average | Low maintenance | Mischievous, intelligent, vocal, fun, high-energy, and very playful. Highly intelligent and easy to train. Affectionate and often form a strong bond with one single person in the household. Usually love water. |
Bengal History
Originally created by crossing a wild Asian leopard cat with a domestic shorthair, the Bengal first originated in the United States in the 1970s. As Asian leopard cats were found to be resistant to feline leukaemia virus, researchers at Loyola University were keen to integrate this gene into hybrid offspring and discover whether the trait could be passed on. Due to their genetic traits and unique beauty, breeders became interested in these cats and started to breed the hybrids as an attempt to harness the beauty of a wild cat, with the temperament of a domestic cat. The Bengal was fully recognised as a breed by the International Cat Association in 1991.
Bengal Personality
Photo credit: @chase.thebengal
The Bengal is an athletic, agile and graceful breed with a tendency to be highly active, mischievous and full of energy. Bengal cats are confident, very talkative, friendly, and known for being always alert. They like to be up high, surveying their kingdom and jumping from ledge to ledge (so a tall cat condo is a must!)
Their high level of intelligence means they require lots of mental stimulation. They thrive on games and cat food puzzles - and boredom is often the cause of their notorious mischief! These guys will need to keep their buzzing minds busy with a whole lot of interactive toys.
A clever breed with a keen motivation for food, the Bengal is typically quite easy to train. Many Bengal owners even train their kitty to walk on a leash and harness.
Bengals are often fond of playing in water. They are known for jumping into the bathtub or forcing their way into the shower to enjoy a splash with their hooman. Beware if you have an aquarium or koi pond at home, as these guys love a sneaky splash-filled fish hunt!
Best toys and accessories for Bengal cats
Ideal for playful intelligent cats like the Bengal, the Catit Senses Super Circuit is interactive and will keep any indoor cat entertained for hours.
This interactive Laser toy provides a moving laser to chase, which helps tap into the Bengal's keen inner hunting instincts.
Due to their intelligence and ability to be trained, the Bengal is the perfect cat for teaching how to walk on a lead and harness.
Teasers can help your cat exercise their body and mind. The fluffy streamers on these teasers help kick in natural instincts and encourage play.
Bengal Distinguishing Features
Photo credit: @momoandnova
There are generally two basic coat patterns for the Bengal: the spotted pattern and the swirly marbled pattern. A number of different variations on these two patterns can be seen. The characteristic 'rosettes' (spots with a darker colour outlining a lighter colour) might be present which look similar to a Jaguar's spots - however some varieties of Bengals have non-rosetted spots, similar to a leopard.
Bengal coats may present in a wide spectrum of colours - including Brown, Snow, Silver, Blue, and the less common chocolate, charcoal and cinnamon.
Bengals usually have a clear 'M' within the markings on their forehead. Their head is relatively small compared to their body, and their back legs are slightly longer than their front legs.
Photo credit: @momoandnova
Bengal Diet and Nutrition
The Bengal cat may be a unique breed, but is still taxonomically within the domestic feline species. This means their nutritional demands don't differ too much from other cats. A kitten diet is required until they are fully grown, which may be slightly older than 12 months of age due to the Bengal being a slightly larger sized breed.
Feeding regular wet food meals along with dry kibble is a simple way to increase your Bengal's water intake to ensure adequate hydration and help support urinary tract health.
Want to know more? Check out our articles: Preventing urinary issues in cats and Ways to increase your cat's water intake.
Top food for adult Bengals
This Australian made formula contains nutrients to support the skin, including beneficial ocean fish, and psyllium husk to reduce hairball formation.
Formulated with a high meat content and natural formula, this New Zealand-made cat food is high in protein and great for active, carnivorous Bengals.
This premium quality, high-meat cat food is available in cans (pictured) or freeze-dried formulas. The natural ingredients and a high meat content are perfect for active Bengals.
Created specifically for active cats, Royal Canin Fit is a great option for Bengals who venture outdoors and live an active lifestyle.
Bengal Health Problems
The Bengal is quite a healthy breed, but they can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart disease), and chronic anaemia. Other less common ailments include distal neuropathy, flat-chested kitten syndrome, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia.
Five Fun facts about the Bengal:
- Being highly intelligent and courageous, Bengals are great with dogs but don't fare so well with small pets that they might consider prey, such as mice, rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
- Bengals absolutely love being up high, and are excellent climbers. They can jump up to three times their height - so never assume that any shelf is out of reach!
- Bengals can learn to play fetch, walk on a lead, and even turn on and off light switches.
- Bengals are extremely talkative, and have a wide range of vocalisations. From low moans to high pitched chirps, these kitties love conversations!
- Bengals aren't cheap to buy - a kitten can cost anywhere from $1500 to $5000 depending on the colour variant.
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
How To Choose the Perfect Cat Furniture
Teach Your Cat to Walk on a Lead in 3 Steps
Premium Pet Food: Is It Worth It?
What is the Best Grain Free Cat Food?
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.