The Bengal cat breed has been registered in the International Cat Association since 1983 under the name bengal cat. Experiments on crossing wild Bengal cats with domestic species have been carried out since the 70s by the American breeder Jean Mill. Despite the great efforts made to breed, the origin of the Bengals was associated with difficulties, since it was required to cross different types of animals.

The first results of the introduction of genes from the Far Eastern cat led to the appearance of kittens with poor health, but at the moment the domestic Bengal cat is distinguished by excellent indicators. Today there are a large number of varieties of this breed. Bengal F1 is considered the most beautiful.

Bengal cat standard

Body: massive, muscular. The neck looks in proportion to the body parts and is muscular. Bengals vary in height from 33 to 37 centimeters. Weight: up to 4 kg females and up to 8 kg males.
Head: wedge-shaped, which greatly affects the fit of the ears; The pads are massive, this gives the cats and cats of this breed a resemblance to the related “tiger” ones.
Ears: Set on high, rounded, wide base.
Nose: large, with a characteristic curve.
Eyes: almond shape; green, gold or blue.
Feet: Muscular, round legs, hind legs longer than front.
Coat: soft, smooth; color similar to a leopard, the spots are evenly distributed over the coat. Basic shades of wool: silver, gray, gray-blue, white, red, brown and black. The most popular color is rosette on gold.

There is a special distribution of the pattern on the wool:

Spots.
Marble.

Types of outlets in Bengal cats:

donut;
chain sockets;
clusters of outlets;
paws;
smoky sockets;
Arrowhead.

Colors of Bengal cats with photo:

Interesting fact! Snow Bengals are born white, without spots or patterns on their fur.

brief information

Breed name: Bengal cat
Country of origin: USA
Birth time of the breed: 1983
Weight: 4-9 kg
Life expectancy: 12-15 years, sometimes up to 21 years

Highlights

Bengal cats are representatives of an elite breed.
They are distinguished by their visual appeal, grace and recognizable color.
They are loyal and responsive pets that easily adapt to the rules of life in a permanent family and do not show unmotivated aggression.
Ideal for experienced owners who are ready to pay a lot of attention to the cat and be a companion in active games and walks.
They stand out among others with a sharp mind, training potential and developed communication skills.
They are clean, appreciate comfort and friendly atmosphere.
Animals of this breed are highly valued by experts at international exhibitions. So, in the top 25 of the overall rating of the “best cats” according to The International Cat’s Assotiation, there are two Bengals in 2016, and four a year earlier.

The Bengal cat is a rather rare and therefore especially valuable specimen. The beauty, strength and grace of large predators are truly mesmerizing, but, of course, few people would think of keeping a tiger or panther in their apartment for reasons of humanity and elementary safety. But a small domestic “leopard” is a very real alternative. The Bengal breed combines the best features of ancestors: not only an attractive appearance, but also intelligence, curiosity, activity, friendliness.

Bengal cat personality

Bengal cats are confident but obedient. They are a people-oriented breed and enjoy time with their owners. They form close and loyal bonds with their bipedal family members, with great love for the entire family.

The Bengal cat is playful and curious, and can often be found following its owners around the house in search of new adventures. Daily play sessions are important because Bengal cats need exercise to exercise both their body and mind. Bengalis also love to climb, so having vertical obstacles in their home is a must.

Bengals are a very intelligent breed and can be taught to pick up a toy or sit on command. Many Bengalis can be trained to use the human toilet, in part due to the habit that their leopard cat ancestors developed of urinating in water to dilute the odor. Most Bengal cats also love water. They can jump on the counter to help you wash the dishes, or join you in the shower.

The Bengal cat is unique in the cat show world in that the breed standard includes a description of the cat’s ideal temperament. If the cat shows any signs of a problem, it will be disqualified to prevent temperament problems in the breed.

Bengal cat

Bengal cats love to hunt and will look for opportunities to tap into this natural instinct. They love to hunt small animals such as birds, but they also hunt for prey in the water.
The Asian leopard is known for its fishing prowess, and Bengal cats often seek water as part of their instinctive drive to fish for food.

The Bengal cat often swims or plays in the water, which is the complete opposite of normal house cats. It is important for potential owners to understand that a Bengal cat is definitely a mix of a wild and domestic cat.

While they undoubtedly carry the traits and personality of domestic cats, they display their wild pedigree very strongly due to their high energy needs and an innate drive to hunt. Failure to do so can lead to the development of a Bengal cat with personality problems.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is a viral disease caused by the feline coronavirus. In some cats, an aggressive inflammatory response creates clinical signs. FIP is a complex disease with no reliable test or treatment. Signs are usually vague and include fever, weight loss with decreased appetite, and a pot-bellied appearance.

Entropion of the century

Entropion is a condition that affects the eyelids of some Bengals when the eyelid rolls inward towards the cornea. It usually affects the lower eyelid, but sometimes it can affect both. Hair on the inner eyelid irritates the surface of the eye, causing discomfort and corneal ulceration, and requires surgery to correct the affected eyelid.

Progressive retinal atrophy

The retina is responsible for transmitting light to the brain, where it is interpreted as an image. When progressive retinal atrophy occurs, retinal cells begin to break down, eventually causing blindness.

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Feline cardiomyopathy is the most common heart condition affecting cats. With it, the walls of the muscular heart muscle thicken, which makes it difficult for the heart to work effectively. Cardiomyopathy can lead to congestive heart failure, fatal arrhythmias, and blood clots, and sudden death can occur without any prior signs of heart disease.

The average life span of a Bengal cat is 14-16 years, which is the same as that of a normal feline. Bengal cats are generally healthy. However, they are more susceptible to certain diseases due to the genetics of Bengal cats. If you intend to buy a Bengal cat kitten, then be sure to check the presence of a health passport, and also get to know the parent of your kitten, make sure they are healthy. Bengal kittens are very cute, so it can be difficult to recognize a sick kitten.

Bengal cat may have other health problems:

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome
Hip dysplasia
Dislocated patella
Deficiency pyruvate.

Description of the Bengal cat breed

The basic description of this breed includes its appearance, color, behavior, weight and height. The size of the Bengal cat is quite large. An adult cat weighs 7–8 kilograms. Features are noticeable even to an amateur.

Bengalis are very similar to their wild brethren. However, by nature, a leopard cat is more cute and domestic than it looks at first glance. Most kittens inherit from their wild ancestors only 3-5 percent of genes, everything else is taken from pets. Consider the pros and cons, as well as the breed standard and appearance:

The breed is distinguished by its size. The size of an adult is up to 80–90 centimeters in length.
The color of the coat is the most diverse, they can be coal-black, marble, blue.
The eyes are large, the shape of a rounded oval.
The head is medium in size, rather broad, with rounded contours. Ears, as a rule, are not large, rounded.
The feet have a wide base.
The breed is shorthaired and hypoallergenic. Allergy to Bengal cats is extremely rare in people with hypersensitivity.
Another distinctive characteristic of this breed is its high intelligence. The pet has a good memory, is very attached to its owner. The Thai cat breed has similar character traits.

Bengal cat colors in the table

According to the established standard, it is customary to distinguish between two background basic colors. In addition, the colors of Bengals have three types of pattern:

Spotted. Marks are located evenly throughout the body of the animal.
Rosette on gold. Light shades of spots are bordered by a darker color.
Marble. One of the most beautiful views. Drawings of different shapes are located all over the body. Bengal marble has a unique set of spots that is not repeated even in direct offspring.

What colors are found among Bengal cats:

Silver Bengal. The main color is silvery gray. The spots have a rosette color on silver, and there is also a marbled color. Silver cats have green or gold eyes.
Leopard print is the most popular option. The main color is red. Differs in well-visible dark spots.
Snow Bengal. This type is considered the most original and expensive. Snow Bengals have a different base color. It can be golden, cream or beige. Depending on the snow color of the coat, the pattern also differs. Snow Bengals usually have blue eyes.
Ash or charcoal color. The main color of the skin is usually black. The spots are usually gray in color. The charcoal color has a distinctive feature in the form of glasses on the face. The black color is not included in the standard but is very popular with this breed.
Blue color. It is the rarest and most expensive type of Bengal cat. The body coat is usually white with blue. On the belly of the pet, golden or beige blotches may be noticeable.

Bengal phasing is a natural camouflage technique that hides the natural color. A common occurrence in small kittens, when the color scheme of the fur coat is almost indistinguishable. It may seem to some that a special shade will never appear. The first signs of color appear only by the 7-8 month of the pet’s life.

The nature of the Bengals

The character of the Bengal cat is highly dependent on the upbringing and the amount of time that the owners are willing to devote to their pet. Although in Bengals the share of wild blood is no more than 20-25%, a cat can easily turn a house into a branch of the jungle, thanks to its irrepressible energy. Other pets can live with them only from virginity.

It is worth noting that Bengal cats are attached not only to the place of their owners, but also to the family, to which she refers all household members. Will find a master everywhere. Even a small child can play with them.

It should also be remembered that Bengals consider all animals smaller than themselves to be prey. You may need to change your favorite hamster frequently. Due to the instinct of protecting the territory, some people believe that Bengal cats are evil, but in fact they are beautiful, highly intelligent and quick-witted creatures, moreover, they adore water. It is also worth buying a few scratching posts in the house.

Interesting facts about Bengal cats

Bengal cats have many interesting characteristics and habits that are extraordinary and different from other feline breeds. Let’s try to compile a list of some of the uniqueness of Bengals, listing them by number.

Amazing facts about them include their love of bathing, which is not typical of other domestic felines. Activity is the strong point of Bengals, they are ubiquitous and always mobile, so there should be plenty of toys and fun in the apartment.

Mountaineering is second nature to them, they will climb wherever others cannot climb. The leash does not bother them at all, they easily adapt to it, although for other breeds this is problematic. Loyalty and boundless devotion to their master, for whom they are ready to go, even to the ends of the world.

Bengals are not ashamed of friendly relations with dogs, but, on the contrary, greet them, because this is another reason to play with a friend. In many ways, their character traits are similar to those of a dog. These cats, like magpies, like to take shiny things (jewelry, hairpins, keys) and hide them in secluded places. So, the right thing can be found unexpectedly in a place where it was even difficult to imagine it.

Hunting can never be eradicated from the temper of mustachioed creatures, so you should fear for birds if they live in your home. Having purchased a little Bengali, do not be discouraged by the dull color of his coat and a completely faded pattern – this is a temporary phenomenon, which is called “fuzzing”. Usually it is observed up to five months of age, then the color appears clearly and richly. This property comes from feline ancestors, it helps small kittens better camouflage in the wild;

Sociability is the main feature of animals. In their arsenal there are many diverse sounds with which they express their feelings. It can be either a gentle purr and a soft meow, or a loud call and even a roar. Good nature, boundless tenderness, friendliness – these are the striking features of the beautiful Bengali nature.

Pros and cons of Bengal cats

Almost every breed of pets has its own advantages and disadvantages, so those who are thinking about starting a pet for themselves should think about all these nuances and weigh the pros and cons so that there is no doubt about the choice. Bengal cats also have their own positive and negative habits and characteristics that cannot be ignored.

Pros of the Bengal cat breed:

A good-natured character is the key to a good upbringing;
The intelligence and resourcefulness of the animal;
Bengals do not cause allergies and do not shed;
They adore their master;
Easily trainable and accustomed even to an ordinary human toilet;
Enjoy water treatments than they are like Maine Coons
The beauty of their appearance can cover all the existing imperfections;
The shiny sheen of the silky coat is simply enchanting;
They bring a lot of games, fun and great mood to their owners.

Cons of Bengal cats:

Excessive activity, especially young animals, can cause significant damage to an apartment, so many acquire a special aviary where the animal is temporarily placed while no one is at home;
If a Bengal kitten has not been instilled with proper upbringing, then it can be wild and not make contact, it is very difficult to tame such an animal normally, it can remain a savage forever;
Almost all males put their fetid marks, so it is recommended to resort to castration if you are not going to breed Bengal cats, otherwise life will be simply unbearable, the cat can happily mark the owner, designating him with his property;
Females also put tags during estrus, so many resort to sterilizing them. Labels can be avoided by having two Bengal pets of different sexes at once.

If you are determined to make yourself such an unusual exotic pet, then be fully armed, having studied in detail all the positive and negative aspects of communicating and living with them, then your ward will be easy, cozy and comfortable with you. Think in advance about how much time you can devote to your mustachioed pet, because it will take a lot, carefully calculate your strength.

What Bengal cats look like

Domestic Bengals are a hybrid of wild cats, native to Asia, and common domestic purrs of various breeds. Their history began in the United States in the 20th century, and now they are popular all over the world.

Bengal cats combine the traits of wild and domestic cats.

These animals in many ways resemble their free relatives and look like miniature copies of leopards and other predators. The body of domestic Bengal cats is elongated, muscular and strong, the paws are powerful, and the head is large with expressive eyes and not very large and rounded at the tips of the ears.

The color of these cats is different. The main background is most often golden or silvery with a spotted, rosette or dark marble pattern. At the same time, animal hair is short, dense, soft, silky and pleasant to the touch.

What is the character of Bengal cats

Bengals are quite active, curious and playful animals. Moreover, this character is manifested in them not only at a young age, but throughout their lives. Therefore, it is necessary to raise a kitten from childhood so that over time it does not turn into an uncontrolled pet.

Bengal cats are very lively and playful.

Animals of this breed are very smart. So, after special training, Bengals can perform simple commands, for example, sit, give a paw, and even bring objects. They are able to “learn” themselves, so they easily open the doors of cabinets and nightstands.

How Bengal cats get along with adults

Such pets are sociable, attached to people and willingly make contact. They love to be in human society, follow the owner around the apartment with interest and do not disregard everything that happens.

Alone, these cats are bored and quite sincerely rejoice at the return of family members home. And if you just ignore the pets for a long time, they will surely remind you of themselves by meowing and will persistently demand attention to their person.

How Bengal cats get along with children

Playful and affectionate cats get along well with younger family members and often act as companions in their games. They are not inclined to show aggression and are more likely to withdraw if they are not in the mood for communication. Although with children who do not yet understand that they are not a living toy, it is better not to leave them. After all, Bengals can, for example, scratch their young owners, trying to escape from too tight embrace.

How Bengal cats get along with other animals

Bengals get along well with dogs.

Bengals are born predators. Therefore, they will not be able to make friends with parrots and hamsters, but will simply perceive them as potential victims. As for dogs and other cats, representatives of this breed get along well with them and practically do not conflict.

Maintenance and care

These graceful beauties do not require complicated care. Representatives of this breed are strong and active animals with strong physical health.

They love to climb up, the higher the better. Therefore, provide them with a tall scratching post to protect your furniture. The higher it is, the more interesting your pet is. In many ways, caring for a Bengal comes down to creating conditions for maximum activity. The health and mood of your pet depends on it. These cats are happy to walk outside on a leash – this satisfies their innate curiosity.

Despite the fact that Bengals are very fond of water, bathing them is often not recommended. They are very clean animals.

But the teeth should be given special attention. When feeding with natural food, deposits can appear on the teeth, as a result, an unpleasant odor from the mouth. It is necessary to regularly inspect the oral cavity of the animal. To eliminate plaque, it is important to include dry food in the diet, which also massages the gums well. It is advisable to use a special toothpaste for cats to brush your teeth, and regularly visit your veterinarian for preventive purposes.

The coat of Bengal cats is magnificent – short, silky, smooth. She practically does not need care – it is enough to comb her once a week. Trim your nails regularly (once a week). Clean your ears with a cotton swab as it gets dirty. Remember, the sooner you teach your pet to hygiene, the easier it will be in the future.

Ear care

You know that even though the Bengal cat loves to swim, water is not good for her ears. Try to dry your cat ears immediately after bathing with a warm towel. Blot with a cotton pad.

Eye care

It is necessary to show the cat to the veterinarian once a year due to possible eye problems in Bengal cats. But if your cat has a clear look, does not flow from her eyes, then nothing needs to be done.

How to wash a Bengal cat

How to clean a Bengal cat or how to wash it. How often should this be done. If you take your cat for a walk outside, then you need to wash its paws after the street, see if the fur is clean, whether your kitty has caught unnecessary insects. In general, it is enough to wash the cat once a month, especially if she is sitting at home. Bengals usually lick their lips and look very neat.

Maintenance and walking

Again, do not forget about the active nature of cats, so you should take care of entertainment in the apartment or house, which will provide the pet with a fun life.

We also note that the breed quickly finds a common language with older children, especially of school age, since the excessive activity and playfulness of the cat can scare the baby. Another feature is the intolerance of strong odors.

Training

Now it is worth acquainting with the topic of training, it is an integral part of the upbringing of a kitten.

Bengals can rightfully carry the title of one of the smartest individuals in the feline family. Due to their mental abilities, they easily lend themselves to learning new commands, which is one of the ways to splash out inexhaustible energy.

The age to start training is 3 months, so the cat will get used to the execution of certain commands from childhood. For each trick performed, it is recommended to reward with something tasty that your pet loves.

Do not rely on the fact that the kitten will listen to the repetition of the same command. The attention and interest of the kitten will last for 10-15 minutes, and then she will try to run away as quickly as possible about her business. If you are initially aware of this, then you will not immediately strain the animal with many hours of training. Gradually start adding time allotted to learning new commands.

Bengals are cats with a special character, so if they do not have the mood for studying and training, do not even try to train the pet at this moment. The best option in this situation is to postpone your training to the next day.

Classes should be held not every day, but two to three times a week. You will understand the frequency from the characteristics of your pet’s behavior in the classroom.

Breed card

Cat characteristics	Notes (edit)
General information	Very beautiful, large, athletic cats	The development of the breed of Bengal cats is associated with the study of a dangerous disease – feline leukemia
Character	Demand attention, not a couch cat. Very independent disposition	If you start training a kitten at the age of 3-4 months, then there will be no problems with the tray and behavior at home.
Appearance	Muscular body, thick tail, almond-shaped eyes, wedge-shaped head and massive pads Can be spotted or marbled with horizontal stripes	Cats are larger than cats and can weigh up to 7-8 kg Kittens’ hair and spots on it are not as bright at first as in adults
Home behavior	They are very playful, real hunters. Not suitable for a small apartment, as they like to run and need space to explore	Love water
Care	For short-haired cats, brushing once a week is enough	During the molting period, the spots fade.
Health problems	Genetically transmitted diseases: renal disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, leukemia

Food

Bengal cats are carnivores. Often, owners of cats (of any breed) forget about this obvious fact. Look at commercial feed and you will see that it contains very little meat, a lot of corn, wheat, soybeans, potatoes, rice. These types of feed have only existed for about 60 years. So why are they so in demand? The answer is obvious – they are cheap. Do these foods provide enough nutrients for the cat to survive? Yes. Will the cat thrive on these foods? No and no again. The most reliable alternative to such a diet is natural meat, fish, vegetables.

Give your Bengal cat plenty of natural foods. Sometimes the owners are perplexed: “How can you feed a cat only with meat or fish, and even raw?” This is the most natural food for her, we do not think that anyone believes that the previous 9000 years, the cat ate exclusively dry food and canned food.

Owner reviews

Most of the owners of these extraordinary beauties are very happy with this purchase. People like their cheerful disposition and playfulness, delight the mind and ingenuity, amuse ingenuity and search for solutions in an unusual setting. Hardly anyone can dislike their exquisite beauty.

But there are less optimistic reviews. Some point to the problem as with a small child. Others say that their pet constantly meows (and how he does it, we said above). Probably, such reviews are left by completely inexperienced owners. Your cat cannot meow constantly for no reason. Try to understand what he wants, and if you can’t do it, get a professional.

Diseases and health problems

It is believed that the Bengal cat breed has a fairly strong immune system, so their health is excellent, although there are some problems. Bengals are vulnerable to their weak stomachs, so their diet should be taken very seriously.

It is not necessary to mix natural products and dry food, this has a negative effect on the digestive system of animals. Even switching to another brand of dry food should be done smoothly and gradually so as not to harm a cat with a very sensitive stomach.

Recently, breeders have been complaining about other diseases that have become more common in animals. Kittens were born with flat chest syndrome, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is observed in adult animals.

The Bengals also have inherited diseases: leukemia, numerous growths (cysts) in the kidneys, thickening of the heart muscle. Owners should carefully take care of their pets and regularly undergo a routine examination by a veterinarian, so as not to start the disease if it is detected, and to start the treatment process in a timely manner.

Differences between a Bengal kitten and a normal one

Spotted animals very much resemble their direct relatives – real wild cats, leopards:

A strong elongated body, powerful paws, a large head with ears rounded at the ends give them the appearance of real predators.
The presence of a spotted color on a silver or golden background or a pronounced marble pattern on a dark color in the presence of a dense, soft and pleasant to the touch wool makes it easy to distinguish Bengals from representatives of other breeds.
A slender and strong figure completes the picture of a thoroughbred animal.
The activity and playfulness of the animal, its friendly nature. This makes it easy to raise a cat, instilling good habits and preventing uncontrolled behavior from the very childhood.
Inquisitive character. The Bengal cat can learn new commands and is very trainable.

The most popular for keeping at home are SBT Bengals, with all the characteristic features of the breed. Kittens are smart and playful, while their coat color resembles that of a leopard.

Important! Bengals are very smart, they can execute simple commands, give a paw and bring objects on command, and also learn to open cabinets and doors on their own.

How to choose a Bengal kitten

Before choosing a Bengal kitten, it is advisable to talk to the current owners and visit the breed exhibitions. A responsible breeder can also be found there.

To choose the right Bengal kitten, you need to pay attention:

for its compliance with the breed standard;
behavior;
health.

The mother cat should not show aggression during the examination of the litter. She may show displeasure, but in no case try to scratch or bite.

Choosing the right generation

Bengalis are a hybrid breed. Its progenitor is the wild Asian leopard cat (ALK). Therefore, before choosing a baby, you need to decide on his generation.

There are 2 main groups:

Basic Bengal F1 (early generation) – obtained by crossing with ALA.
SBT-Bengalis (Stud Book Tradition) are kittens whose parents were purebred Bengal for at least four generations. That is, the wild ancestor is in the fifth and further generations of the pedigree.

The main differences between representatives of different generations lie in character and purpose.

Basic Bengalis have retained more of the habits of their wild ancestors. Such a pet needs to be taught and trained from early childhood, otherwise it will acquire bad habits, and its character will change for the worse.

Choosing an F1 kitten means giving up the opportunity to make a show career. These cats are not allowed to participate in shows and rings. They are usually purchased by breeders to improve the breed’s gene pool or create a new breed line.

To participate in exhibitions, you need to choose a Bengali SBT. These kittens are easier to get used to the tray and scratching posts, require less rigid education. If desired, the pet can be easily taught to walk on a harness and bring toys on command.

Bengal kitten class

Depending on the severity of breed characteristics and exhibition prospects, all Bengal kittens are conventionally divided into 3 classes:

Pet-class – pedigree babies with serious defects or disqualifying defects. They are not of interest for breeding or an exhibition career. Such a Bengal can be chosen as a pet. To avoid accidental mating, the pet should be sterilized immediately.
Breed class – healthy kittens with excellent pedigree and good appearance. Small defects in the exterior will not allow them to build a brilliant career at exhibitions. But if you choose the right pair, such a cat will bring show-class offspring.
Show class – elite kittens received from producers with high show and breeding ratings. They most fully correspond to the breed standard, therefore they have great exhibition prospects. It is not so easy to choose such a pet. Show-class Bengals are often left in nurseries for further work.

One litter may contain kittens of different classes. A responsible breeder will definitely point out the characteristics of each baby and help you choose a pet that is suitable for certain purposes.

For your information. Experts rate Bengal cats with large closed rosettes (spots on the body) higher. If the parents have a small drawing, it is likely that the offspring will be the same.

The cost of a thoroughbred Bengali is 35-50 thousand rubles. For a show-class pet with an almost perfect exterior, you will have to pay 100-150 thousand rubles.

Choosing a kitten from an ad on the Internet or on the bird market is not the best idea. Yes, it will cost much less. But no one guarantees that this is a purebred representative of the breed and that he has no health problems.

Pedigree

To select a Bengal kitten, potential owners turn to pedigrees. This is a document on the origin of an animal, which indicates at least three generations of ancestors with information about their titles, breed and color.

For your information. The authenticity of the pedigree is confirmed by the emblem of the felinological system (WCF, TICA, CFA, etc.), the seal and signature of the authorized person of the organization that issued the document.

A kitten may not have a pedigree if the breeder has not yet applied for it. Then the metric serves as a confirmation of the breed of the baby. The document must indicate:

registration number in the stud book;
name, date of birth, gender, breed and color of the kitten;
names and colors of parents;
date of registration of the litter.

Pedigree does not guarantee that a Bengal kitten will have a perfect conformation. Even champion parents sometimes produce mediocre offspring. Therefore, do not rely only on documents. It is better to choose a baby after a personal examination of the litter and consultation with a specialist.

Step 3. Choose a reputable breeder.

There is always a lot of negativity towards breeders of any kind. Even the most trustworthy Bengali kennels face the same negativity thanks to the large number of dishonest breeders in the backyard. However, what many people do not understand is that choosing a Bengal kitten in an official cattery is not buying a “pig in a poke” as in the case of unscrupulous ones.

A reputable breeder is very attentive to the selection of breeding pairs. Their main task is to promote and improve the Bengal breed through genetic selection. They genuinely care about the health and quality of the cats they produce. When you start looking for a Bengali it can seem a little overwhelming. There may be many breeders in your area to choose from. Perhaps there is only one or two. You may find that there are no local breeders nearby and you have to take a trip. Here are some tips for researching breeders:

– Find out if the kittens you are considering in TICA or WCF are registered?
– Are they sold with full breeding and show rights, or are they only sold as pets?
– Will they be sterilized before leaving for their new home, or are they sold under a strict sterilization contract?
– Have the parents received genetic and medical screening such as PK or HCM screening, FIV / FELV tests, without FCoV, and were the kittens’ feces tested regularly? – Did the kittens have a health checkup with a veterinarian?
– Do they match the age of the photographs?
– Where do the kittens grow? At what age does a breeder release kittens into their new family? What kind of food do they eat? What kind of toilet filler is used?

These are all EXTREMELY important questions to ask a breeder prior to visiting his home or nursery. A responsible Bengali breeder does not hesitate to answer questions that may seem even the most intrusive in their breeding practice. This information will also help you weed out backyard breeders from reputable ones.

Reputable breeders most often sell their kittens as “pets only,” which means they will only be sold under a strict contract. Some kittens that are considered above average in quality may be sold for show or breeding.

Backyard breeders release their kittens without worrying about their future. Reputable breeders also regularly screen their mothers and sires for genetic and health issues prior to breeding to ensure that the kittens they produce are of high quality and genetically healthy. Backyard breeders don’t do this.

When you physically see cats and kittens, always watch out for issues like sneezing, runny nose, angry eyes, signs of diarrhea, and messy living conditions. These are unacceptable numbers for any principled breeder and could indicate a possible serious problem such as FCoV. (feline coronavirus)

Reputable breeders will always stay away from unscrupulous ones. They will abide by the TICA litter rules, limiting cats to only 2 litters per year. Backyard breeders will not be affiliated with TICA and will not follow strict breeding guidelines. When looking for a breeder online – reviews are always helpful. Look for a breeder with good reviews from past kitten buyers. Beware of breeders with multiple negative reviews, especially if those reviews mention health problems, illness or death.

Step 4. How to communicate with Bengali breeders

Once you have compiled a list of questions, you can email or call the breeder, depending on what information they have displayed on their profile. State your intention to buy a Bengal kitten and your preferences regarding generations, labeling and colors. Ask the breeder if he has kittens available or if he is expecting a new litter soon. Since the TICA rules guarantee that a female (Bengal mother) can only have 2 litters per year, it is often possible to reserve kittens even before they are born.

If the breeders on your list do not currently have Bengal kittens for sale, or do not currently have the kitten you were looking for, feel free to ask them if they can recommend another local breeder. This will expand your initial list and give you a few more options to choose from.

Step 6. Conduct a background check

As previously mentioned, it is not enough to find a litter that fits your criteria from a reputable breeder. To truly make sure you take the right Bengal kitten home, you’ll need all the parenting information. And you can only get it in person. Although a TICA certificate must be provided, it is not enough to help you choose a litter. This means that the breeder has registered the kittens and that they meet the criteria of the International Cat Association for Bengal cats. The only way to make sure you are picking the right litter is to meet both the male cat and the kittens.

This way, you will have your own impression of your future pet, and you can determine if the personality and appearance of the parents is what you would like to see in your Bengal kitten.

If you are not sure what to look for, here are three main qualities that you should pay attention to if you are going to buy a Bengal kitten: –
Behavior.
-Health.
-Compliance with the breed standard.

Behavior
Bengals are known for their energetic, playful nature and this is one of the reasons why people choose them as pets. However, if they are not socialized in time, or are neglected, they can become difficult to handle. When visiting a breeder and meeting with parents, pay attention to their behavior.

Naturally, a Bengal cat with her children will not be the friendliest, but you can nevertheless be able to determine if cats are socialized and what their personalities are. If you notice unusual aggression, erratic behavior, or a strong litter box odor, consider it a warning sign.

Health
While choosing a reputable breeder should minimize concerns about litter health, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t double check. Ask the breeder about vaccinations and worm records, as well as parental genetic screening results. This will help you determine if the kittens in the litter are susceptible to any disease and ensure that you are getting a perfectly healthy pet.

Breed Standard Compliance
Although Bengalis have similarities, no two cats are exactly alike. But all purebred Bengal cats with documented pedigree have similar traits that are the result of good parentage. Checking if the kittens (as well as their parents) meet breed standards is especially important if you plan to show your Bengal kitten. Each cat depicted should have typical Bengal traits, including markings and coat color, a slender body and a distinct head.

Step 5. Searching for a litter

Chances are, you won’t find the right kitten right away. Sometimes your chosen breeder will not have kittens that match your preferences, or they may not be available at the moment.

But once you find a Bengal litter that suits you, it is very important to make sure that the kittens are bred according to the basic principles of the felinology system in which they are registered. You will need to inquire about the parents of the litter and look at the latest litters from both parents to see what to expect, especially if you are booking kittens that have not yet been born.

Ask the breeder for pictures of the parents, or better yet, ask to meet with them. Genetic makeup should play a role in your decision making. In the end, kittens will get most of their traits from their parents. Depending on the breeder, cats can be kept at home or in a cattery.

In any case, they must provide adequate living conditions for their cats. If kittens arrive from a place where they are not cared for and communicated properly, you risk a lot of problems with your new pet. This includes various diseases and illnesses that a kitten can get from breeders, or behavioral problems that can be difficult to correct later.

Step 7. Choosing a litter

When you are looking to buy a Bengal kitten, it can be difficult to single out just one litter, especially if you have spoken with several good breeders who happen to have free Bengal kittens. If this happens, you must consider other aspects before making a decision. First of all, make sure the breeder is always ready to help. This can make a huge difference, especially during those first few days with your new kitten, if you have a breeder you can rely on for all your needs.

A good Bengali breeder should be on hand to answer any questions or advice you may have when needed. It is also important that the contract stipulates any terms if things don’t go as planned. Having the ability to communicate is very important, and in the beginning, a breeder can be indispensable. Of course, litter must meet the standards mentioned in the last few sections, from health to the environment. The breeder plays an important role in the further development of your Bengal kitten. If the kitten is socialized on time and receives additional care during this tender period of life, there is a high probability that it will grow up to be an attractive, healthy Bengal cat.

Cat or cat

To choose a kitten, a boy or a girl, the owner needs to understand his own desires and goals:

Males are often brought up for a show career. They are large and muscular, with excellent coats, and look very impressive.
For breeding, it is better to choose a female.

For your information. Keeping an uncastrated cat-producer in an apartment is problematic. It will mark the territory, and the acrid smell of cat urine is difficult to remove.

If a person just wants to get a pet, then he can choose any baby. The main thing is that he is healthy.

Outwardly, both cats and cats are equally attractive. There is an opinion that girls are more affectionate and patient, boys are wayward and harmful. However, this is not quite true.

Each Bengal kitten has its own unique character. Among the females there are cocky individuals, and among the males there are docile and unusually kind cats.

It is possible to study in detail the character of the baby only in the process of living together. But to understand whether he will grow up quiet or bully, it is not difficult already upon examination.

Health

Bengal cats are in good health. But their weak point is the digestive system. This breed has a very sensitive gastrointestinal tract, therefore, when fed on unsuitable feeds, they often develop intestinal disorders.

Other typical illnesses:

distal neuropathy – a hereditary nervous disorder characterized by weakness, stiffness of movements, impaired coordination;
dysplasia of the hip joint – pathology of the hind limbs, limiting the mobility of the animal and leading to lameness;
degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the eyes – they manifest themselves more often in old age, reduce visual acuity, and often end in blindness.

When choosing a kitten, you need to make sure of the health of its parents. The responsible breeder will provide the results of tests and examinations that confirm that the breeders do not have hereditary diseases.

Healthy kittens have a clear look, clean and shiny coat, moderately well-nourished physique. The baby should not have an unpleasant odor, discharge from the eyes and nose. Little Bengalis are curious, lively and playful.

For your information. On average, Bengal cats live 12-15 years. But among them there are centenarians who are over 20 years old.

Why you can’t pick up your kitten early

It is undesirable to wean Bengal kittens from their mother before 3 months. It is better to choose a baby who is 3.5-4 months old.

There are several reasons for this:

Bengal kittens usually have all the necessary vaccinations already done. The future owner saves himself the extra hassle.
At 7-8 weeks, the baby is not yet ready to eat exceptionally solid food, which can lead to digestive problems.
Bengal kittens raised on breast milk acquire excellent health and strong immunity.
The first months after birth, an adult cat introduces kittens to the world around them, teaches them how to wash themselves, use a tray and a scratching post. Babies are shaped mentally, emotionally, physiologically and mentally.
At 12-14 weeks, Bengalis are more likely to tolerate separation from their mothers and a change of residence.

Pets taken early from their mother often become distrustful. In this case, an adult cat does not have time to instill in them the correct model of behavior and teach them how to communicate with people.

Selection Tips

The basic selection rules will be as follows:

Choosing a generation of kittens. Basic Bengal cats of the early F1 generation are not recognized as pets – they are intended for breeding. Suitable SBT – Bengals, purebred animals, all of whose relatives in four generations were Bengal cats.
Determine which wool pattern you like best. The color of the coat can be rosette or marble, and the main colors of the coat are brown and white, there are golden and cream options, and the shimmering sheen is called glitter.
Breeder selection based on recommendations and feedback.
Examination of the litter, checking the biographical data of the parents.
Gender preferences – cat or cat.
Thorough examination of the future pet.

Compliance with the subtleties of choice will help you find the perfect pet and minimize the stressful period when adapting to new conditions of existence.

When all the requirements are met, follow intuition and sympathy when choosing a future spotted pet. Compliance with the rules of maintenance and care will significantly extend the life span, and the Bengal pet will spend years with you, filled with sincere friendliness and love.

How to raise a Bengal cat

Bengals-babies, in order for them to grow really “home”, from childhood need to be accustomed to hands – to communicate with them, caress, in a word, pay attention. Bengal cats run wild quickly without constant contact. This problem was relevant at the stage of breeding the breed, but the negative fame of “aggressive pets” is still exaggerated, it is even mentioned in the standards – the description of the breed contains behavioral standards.

Moreover, a cautious attitude towards modern, no longer hybrid representatives of Bengals is exaggerated for mercenary purposes – they say, you will have almost a real Asian mini-leopard at home. Also, publications often, especially in the early stages of breeding, wrote about the Bengal cat as timid and fearful. Now this can also be attributed to fiction – just a Bengal cat strives to hide if a potential enemy is larger than it. In general, Bengals are not conflicted, not vindictive, do not show deceit, quickly get used to and treat all household members well. They are rather proud, wayward, but not evil.

Possessing high intelligence, Bengal cats quickly learn the rules of living and can perform tricks if they correspond to their natural inclinations. These brave, strong, dexterous animals lend themselves to training and education only for encouragement.

It is pointless to scold and punish a pet for disorder – natural needs, even oppressed by the education of good manners, will remain stronger than the desire to please the owner.

If the wild leopard cat Prionailurus (Felis) bengalensis (ALC) is very shy, tries to hide away from strangers and bustle, then hybrids, starting from the fourth generation, have already socialized quite well. Careful work of breeders with the new breed diligently preserved their “wild” appearance with a “home” good disposition. Now Bengals are curious, active, friendly intellectual cats. They love to be the center of attention, making themselves known, in particular, with a wide “vocal” range of voices and a variety of sounds.

It is imperative for Bengals to walk on the street regularly in order to fully realize their active temperament, to satisfy their natural curiosity. Bengal cats are not against walking on a leash, they quickly get used to a collar or harnesses, and they can easily choose a dog as friends and companions.

Despite its growing popularity, the Bengal cat breed is not suitable for all ponytail lovers. Such a cat will get along better with an experienced owner who is ready to devote a lot of time to communicating with the pet every day. But a Bengal cat or a cat will surely fill the apartment with optimism, they will not let the household get bored. Joint games, walks – the favorite pastime of these pets – will make life brighter, richer with impressions and positive emotions.

Expert advice

Specialists and experienced breeders of Bengals advise buying a kitten only in a trusted cattery. It is also important to check the documents of the pedigree of the future pet. Bengal with sore eyes, aggressive, scratching and often sneezing should not be taken.

The color in babies may not match the adult. After a few months, he is gaining his contract and bright tone.

Elderly and calm people, as well as families where there is a nursing baby, it is better not to buy such an active breed. Sexual activity of cats and cats is solved by sterilization and castration, so that they do not mark their territory and sing their songs at night.

Energetic and active pets love to be the center of attention. They yearn if they are separated from the owner for a long time or if they do not have enough attention. For physical development and maintenance of muscles and joints in good shape, they need a sports corner.

Some members of the breed are overly jealous, selfish natures. They do not tolerate dogs or other cats in the house, although as a leader they can get along from an early age with other fluffy household members.

Cats of this breed protect their territory and distinguish strangers from household members. They are not given to uninvited guests.

Conclusions about the breed

The Bengal cat deservedly receives praise and admiration, but not only because of its chic external data:

the character of the cat is ideal for sociable and empathetic people. Both an adult and a child can play with a fluffy baby;
if the owner does not have time to care for the cat, then it is better to opt for a less demanding breed;
it is not worth breeding without experience;
a well-developed intellect only pleases;
the cat does not like to be squeezed;

In general, Bengals are in good health and delight with their intelligence.

Sources used and useful links on the topic: https://TvoiKoshki.ru/porody/bengalskaya-koshka/ https://kotoholik.com/porody/bengalskie-koshki.html https://lapkins.ru/cat/bengalskaya-koshka / https://aneco.ru/bengalskaya-koshka-opisanie-porody-harakteristika/ https://usatik.ru/porody-koshek/bengalskaya-koshka https://Lifehacker.ru/bengalskaya-koshka/ https: // www.syl.ru/article/199579/new_bengalskaya-koshka-harakter-opisanie-porodyi-i-otzyivyi-vladeltsev https://MoiKoty.ru/porody/bengalskie/kak-vybrat-kotenka https://litbro.ru/ porody-koshek / bengalskay-koshka / kak-vybrat-bengalskogo-kotenka https://suncattery.com/blog/9-shagov-kak-vybrat-bengalskogo-kotenka/ https://findanimals.ru/osnovnye-svedeniya-o-haraktere-koshek-i-kotov-bengalskoj-domashnej-porody/ https://mikrosovet.ru/bengalskaya-koshka-opisanie-porody.html https: // 101kote .ru / porody-koshek / bengalskaya-koshka.html

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