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If you’ve seen a Bengal cat, you might say that they look strikingly wild, with their leopard-style spots. If you have ever known a Bengal cat, you’d say that it can act strikingly wild, with its high energy level and innate desire to hunt on both land and water. In fact, you may have even seen a Bengal cat swimming alongside its owner! Or at least playing in the sink. If you’ve ever owned a Bengal cat, you might not ever consider owning a different breed due to their unique and exciting nature.
Pretty Kitty
One of the prettiest cats you’ll ever see, the Bengal has gorgeous fur that can be spotted or marbled in colors that include silver, brown, snow, and blue as well as the newer colors of chocolate, cinnamon, and charcoal. There are even black Bengal cats (known as melanistic) who have markings that are just as intricate, but can only been seen in the right lighting conditions.
Though you might think that Bengals are named after the Bengal tiger, this is not so. The Bengal cat is actually named after the Latin name of the Asian leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis, which is a very timid creature who is relatively small in the wild world.
The Traits
A Bengal cat can be a true joy to have in your life, though don’t expect to find them lounging in your lap. Bengals are indeed loving and loyal, but they prefer to stick close by their owners; not stuck to them.
Looking for more facts and figures about the Bengal cat before you decide if he’s the right fit for you? Here’s the Top 10 things you might want to know before you search.
10) They Are A Wild Breed. The first Bengal cats were bred by Jean Sudgen (later Jean Mill) who took in a group of Asian leopard cats that were used in experimental genetic testing. Mill found a male mate for her female felines through the New Delhi Zoo, which offered her a feral male who had leopard-like markings. It was the first, and only, successful breeding of a domestic and wild cat.
9) They Are Water-Lovers. Your Bengal might follow you into the shower or bathtub due to its innate water-loving nature. Turn on the tap or purchase a cat fountain and you’ll keep your Bengal happy as a clam.
8) They Are Not Laid-Back. Bengal cats are very active and adventurous. If you don’t provide them with items to stay entertained, the Bengal will entertain herself. They can be seen as naughty, but really, they just need to stay occupied. Toys are a must, but so are cat puzzles, and even playmates.
7) They Love The Thrill of the Climb. Don’t bother to put your prized possessions on a high shelf in the hopes that Mr. Bengal won’t get to it; he will. This cat can jump up to three times his own height and will find a way to get on up.
6) They Can Learn Tricks. Bengals are very smart and they love to have the spotlight. They are one of the easiest cats to train, despite their adventurous nature. They can learn to play fetch and you can even teach them how to operate light switches!
5) They Shine. Not only do their personalities shine, but so do their coats. Many Bengals have a glittery shine to their fur which can make them sparkle in the sunshine.
4) They Are Pick-Up Artists. Bengals love to play hide-and-seek; with your possessions! Keys, receipts, even cash might find its way under the couch, behind the bed, or ripped into tiny pieces on the dining room floor.
3) They Love Walkies. Though some cats do well on leashes, some detest it. Bengals are of the former category and can be trained to walk on a leash relatively easily. Since most Bengals are indoor cats (as they should be due to their fine looks and amazing hunting abilities) harness-training gives them an opportunity to explore the outdoors.
2) They Are Chatty. If you want a quiet cat, consider a different breed. Bengals love to talk it up, letting you know when supper is late, when it’s time to play, or when you need to clean the litterbox. Many times they like to chat just for the fun of it so be sure you’re willing to listen.
1) They Can Be Pricey. Bengals can cost quite a pretty penny, from $500 to $5,000 depending on the breeder, the pedigree, and whether or not they are spayed or neutered. Bengal rescue groups do exist, so if you just want a great cat who needs a home, check them out to lessen the financial load.
Top 10 Cat Foods For The Bengal
If these wondrous and wonderful qualities of the Bengal inspire you to seek one out, you’ll want to check out one of the top 10 cat foods that will meet her nutritional needs. Real meat is in the top 5 on the ingredient list, the formulas are low on items that can cause allergies in some cats (such as corn meal, wheat gluten, or soy), and these brands are free from dyes, colors, and illness-causing preservatives like BHT and BTA. These brands are not listed in a particular order.
10) Artemis Fresh Mix Feline Formula
9) AvoDerm Wild Caught Swordfish
8) By Nature Adult Cat Food
7) Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Chicken and Brown Rice
6) Solid Gold Katz-n-Flocken
5) Wellness Complete Health Chicken & Herring
4) Nutro Ultra Adult Minced Cod
3) Nature’s Variety Duck Meal and Turkey Meal
2) Science Diet Adult Grain Free
1) Orijen Regional Red
Your cat is an important investment in companionship and love. Feed him what he needs and wants, especially catering to his wild bird-loving nature.
