Here are five things that stand out about this cat breed, which may make you consider turning into a true Bengal cat’s aficionado:
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). With their tabby patterns ranging between blotched (marble) and spots, the most spectacular Bengal cats present the viewer with a display of leopard-like rosettes. The rosettes, the joy and pride of many a breeder, can be anything from a largish bi-color spot, to a fully developed and clearly marked rosette. Some Bengals also inherit something called the “glitter gene,” which gives their coats a bright, iridescent look. It is difficult to capture in pictures, but a Bengal with this gene will appear to sparkle in sunlight.
These cats have a series of horizontal stripes on their faces, known as mascara, which extend along the eye to the back of the neck. Their back and sides are marked with spots like those of a jaguar, and the rest of the body, legs and tail, are marked with symmetrical stripes. The spots sometimes have a marbled appearance and are generally made up of two colors. The following colors and patterns are recognized as Bengal Cats and therefore eligible for competition; Brown Spotted Tabby, Brown Marbled Tabby, Seal Mink Spotted Tabby, Seal Mink Marbled Tabby, Seal Sepia Spotted Tabby, Seal Sepia Marbled Tabby, Seal Spotted Lynx Point, and Seal Marbled Lynx Point.
3. Bengal Purrrsonality
The personality of the Bengal cat is what makes it such a great pet for animal lovers. Ultimately, cat lovers seek out the companionship of a feline, and not just good looks. And this is where the Bengal cat truly stands out, creating a huge appeal to ailurophiles everywhere. They are anything but ferocious or feral: Bengal cats today, adopted into loving homes, have to be at least four generations removed from their wild ancestors. These kitties are sweet and loving, yet incredibly agile, intelligent and active. They may come and nuzzle your face in the middle of the night, purring softly or spend hours pleasing themselves by stretching frequently or rolling on their backs in pure, uninhibited rapture.
These curious felines tend to explore their surroundings and seek out human interaction at all times.
Many typical cats are very aloof and tend to ignore their owners unless there is food to be had. The Bengal cat is more personable and is able to become a part of the family.
In addition, the Bengal cat is very athletic and will often run around the house and play with other pets. The athleticism of the Bengal cat can lead to some good humor for family members and guests alike. Not only can they climb doors and cupboards, but they can also turn light switches on and off with a single leap. Be warned though, if your home is lacking in entertainment value, your Bengal will likely find his own way to combat boredom. This can include destroying your electronic equipment or getting into things it shouldn’t.
This unique combination of dazzling looks, idiosyncratic heritage and above all brilliant personality all contribute towards making the Bengal cat one of the most popular cat breeds in North America today.
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. The Bengal cat is a breed whose personality enables it to easily absorb information. With this, you can teach your Bengal different tricks to show everyone how smart your cat is. This aspect of the Bengal cat personality has earned the breed distinguishing labels like “dog-like cat” or “dog-cat”. New owners of Bengals are often amused at this cat’s voice – the sounds they make are distinct and versatile, ranging from a coo to a chirp.
5. Focused on You
As the immediate source of care and security, you are the cat’s parent. This being a given, you and your Bengal cat get to bond a lot deeper. 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. Somehow, you understand each other even if you don’t really speak each others language. The Bengal expresses itself vocally, which is another very intriguing aspect of its personality. It is the intimate connection that the two of you have that enables this verbal communication.
These cats tend to be really picky about their litter boxes and can have less than desirable toilet habits if their litter boxes aren’t changed often enough or if the litter is not the sand type that they tend to prefer.
Did you know… 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. The Bengal is an exception – many Bengals enjoy playing in water. Be careful if you keep an aquarium as your fish may have some unwelcome company. You might have a companion in the tub.
Bengals have several attributes found more often in canines than felines. They like to play fetch, and if you want to take your indoor Bengal outside try walking him on a leash.
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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!