The Bengal Cat

Personality: Very intelligent, demanding, active, agile
Suits: Lively families, experienced cat owners
Other: Very vocal, need lots of attention and stimulation

Breed Information

1) What are they like as pets?

They are very active, vocal, intelligent, alert and agile. They'll watch humans do certain things and then copy them. It's not unusual for these clever kitties to learn how to open doors, cupboards and windows. They love water and some enjoy playing in water dishes, bathtubs and paddling pools. They also enjoy being taken for walks on a leash, once they've got used to it.

These cats aren't suitable for everyone. They need lots and lots of attention and stimulation from their owners. They generally suit experienced cat owners who are prepared to play with them every day.

They are good with lively families - the more stimulation, the better. They're also good with other pets, including dogs. They are very vocal like Siamese cats, so if frequent meowing drives you crazy then they're probably not the best breed for you. They thrive in lively, energetic environments where there are lots of different activities going on all the time.

Show-quality Bengals are very expensive.

2) Looks, build, colors and markings

These cats are stunning to look at, with their wildcat markings, huge oval eyes and agile, muscular bodies. They come in various colors and may have tabby and / or marbled markings.

3) History

The breed was created in Japan in the 1940s by crossing the wild Asian Leopard cat with a domestic cat. The Bengal cat didn't appear in America until the 1970s.


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