About Bengals
The Asian Leopard Cat
The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus Bengalensis) is a small wild cat of South and East Asia. The leopard cat's name is derived from the leopard-like spots prevalent in all subspecies, but its relation to the Leopard is distant. The Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) is about the size of a Domestic Cat, but more slender and with longer legs and well-defined webs between its toes. The Asian Leopard cat is often mated with a Domestic cat to create the Bengal Cat.
The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus Bengalensis) is a small wild cat of South and East Asia. The leopard cat's name is derived from the leopard-like spots prevalent in all subspecies, but its relation to the Leopard is distant. The Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) is about the size of a Domestic Cat, but more slender and with longer legs and well-defined webs between its toes. The Asian Leopard cat is often mated with a Domestic cat to create the Bengal Cat.
Appearance
Bengal Cats have a "wild" appearance with spots, called rosettes, which consists of a spot with a dark line surrounding it. Rosettes range from small to large on the Bengal's coat. With these distinctive markings, they look like miniature Leopards. Bengal's also have a light and/or white belly, and their body structure is very much like the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC). The Bengal's rosette spots occur only on the back and sides, with stripes elsewhere on the foreleg and tail with regular spots on the belly. The breed typically also features "mascara" lines (horizontal striping alongside the eyes). The Bengal cat is usually either classed as Brown-spotted, Snow-spotted, or Silver-spotted. Within Brown Bengal's, there are either marble or rosette spotted markings. Snow Bengal's and Silver Bengal's are also either marble or rosette spotted.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes several Bengal colors (Brown, Snow, Silver, Seal Lynx Point, Mink, Sepia) and patterns (Spotted and Marbled) for competition and shows. In the New Traits class, other colors may be shown, as well as longhairs.
Temperament
The Bengal usually acquires a gentle Domestic Cat temperament. Bengal's have high energy levels, especially when they are still a Kitten. They need a lot of toys and play time, along with affection and attention to help them adapt and get used to their new owners and new home. When they do go home for the first time, the Bengal might be a little shy and/or scared. Just let them roam around and check things out for themselves. Once they finish "touring" and checking out their new home they will calm down.
Just like how regular Cats love to climb, Bengal's love to climb even more, so getting a nice Cat Condo or Cat Tree will make them very happy and more comfortable. Cats prefer being in high places and looking down on everything and seeing whats going on below.
Health
Bengal's are generally a healthy breed and do not have much health issues, but with all Cats, if you suddenly change their cat food to a different brand of cat food, they can get diarrhea. So, make sure you wheen them off their current food before you switch. Since Bengal's are part wild cat, it's best to get them fixed. When Cats reach a certain age and are ready to mate, they will mark their territories and favorite spots with their urine. They won't stop until they get fixed, so make sure you talk to your vet about spaying and neutering. (Females get spayed, and Males get neutered.)
Also, a good thing for their new family to know, is that compared to Domestic Cats and other breeds, Bengal's have low dander. So, if you have allergies, the Bengal is a great Cat to own.
Bengal Cats have a "wild" appearance with spots, called rosettes, which consists of a spot with a dark line surrounding it. Rosettes range from small to large on the Bengal's coat. With these distinctive markings, they look like miniature Leopards. Bengal's also have a light and/or white belly, and their body structure is very much like the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC). The Bengal's rosette spots occur only on the back and sides, with stripes elsewhere on the foreleg and tail with regular spots on the belly. The breed typically also features "mascara" lines (horizontal striping alongside the eyes). The Bengal cat is usually either classed as Brown-spotted, Snow-spotted, or Silver-spotted. Within Brown Bengal's, there are either marble or rosette spotted markings. Snow Bengal's and Silver Bengal's are also either marble or rosette spotted.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes several Bengal colors (Brown, Snow, Silver, Seal Lynx Point, Mink, Sepia) and patterns (Spotted and Marbled) for competition and shows. In the New Traits class, other colors may be shown, as well as longhairs.
Temperament
The Bengal usually acquires a gentle Domestic Cat temperament. Bengal's have high energy levels, especially when they are still a Kitten. They need a lot of toys and play time, along with affection and attention to help them adapt and get used to their new owners and new home. When they do go home for the first time, the Bengal might be a little shy and/or scared. Just let them roam around and check things out for themselves. Once they finish "touring" and checking out their new home they will calm down.
Just like how regular Cats love to climb, Bengal's love to climb even more, so getting a nice Cat Condo or Cat Tree will make them very happy and more comfortable. Cats prefer being in high places and looking down on everything and seeing whats going on below.
Health
Bengal's are generally a healthy breed and do not have much health issues, but with all Cats, if you suddenly change their cat food to a different brand of cat food, they can get diarrhea. So, make sure you wheen them off their current food before you switch. Since Bengal's are part wild cat, it's best to get them fixed. When Cats reach a certain age and are ready to mate, they will mark their territories and favorite spots with their urine. They won't stop until they get fixed, so make sure you talk to your vet about spaying and neutering. (Females get spayed, and Males get neutered.)
Also, a good thing for their new family to know, is that compared to Domestic Cats and other breeds, Bengal's have low dander. So, if you have allergies, the Bengal is a great Cat to own.
Color Variations
Brown
Silver
Snow
Some pictures found on Google.com
Copyright © 2014 Pittens Kittens' Cattery