Quick Facts
- Weight: 10 – 15 pounds
- Height: about 16 inche
The Bengal’s Appearance
The Bengal is coveted for its wildcat-like exotic appearance, and with its sleek, muscular frame, oval eyes, broad nose, strong chin, and wedge-shaped head, it prowls like a little leopard. It walks in a “stalking-like” gait because its back legs are only a little bit longer than its front legs.
With its short to medium coat that feels silky to the touch, TICA recognizes 13 various coat colors in competition, including brown tabby, seal lynx point, and spotted and marbled patterns.
Males typically weigh between 10 and 12 pounds, while females range from 6 to 12 pounds.
Traits
- Beautiful leopard-print coat
- Agile and athletic
- Very vocal
- Highly intelligent
- Demanding
- Loves water
Ideal Human Companion
- Busy, active families
- Experienced cat owners
- Households with other pets, including dogs
What It’s Like to Live With Them
Busy was given the “b” by the Bengal. These cats are vivacious, perceptive, and quick. They learn how to unlock cabinets, doors, and even windows by observing how their people behave. They can climb walls and roost atop refrigerators and other high objects in the house.
The Bengal cat, despite its increasing popularity, is unquestionably not for everyone. They thrive best in homes with seasoned cat owners who are prepared to set aside daily interaction time. Bengals are a focal point. They can make a variety of vocalizations, ranging from chirps and chortles to squeaks and howls, making them highly communicative. Some animals grumble as they eat.
Bengal cats thrive in busy homes. They enjoy playing lengthy games of fetch, taking walks on leashes, and having fun in baths and water dishes.
Things to Be Aware Of
Bengals of show quality can cost $2,000 each.
Bengals can mature after up to two years.
Bengals make excellent clicker training subjects.
They enjoy sparkling things and may steal and conceal them.
Bengal History
The Bengal is a new and contentious breed that is quickly gaining popularity, in part because of its wildcat appearance. The Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic cat were crossed to create the first hybrid breed known as the Bengal. Bengal cats originally appeared in the United States in the 1970s, while the first “pet leopard” can be traced to Japan in the early 1940s.
Bengal cats were first displayed in cat shows in 1985 as a breed. With more than 60,000 Bengals registered with TICA, the Bengal is currently the breed that the International Cat Association considers to be the most popular. Ragdoll came in second. The Bengal cat is not recognized as a breed by the Cat Fanciers Association, the largest cat breed registry in the world.
The Bengal cat must be at least a fourth generation offspring of an Asian Leopard Cat hybrid to be eligible to compete in the show ring. The objective is to keep the “wild look” while having a charming home demeanor. Any Bengal that strikes out with their paws or exhibits other aggressive behaviors against a show judge is eliminated from the competition.
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