Bengal Information and History
Origin | Typical Appearance | Behavior | Diet | Breeding | Cat-Proofing Your House | Ideas for Housing and Play | Specific Coat and Color Patterns | Diseases and Health Conditions |
Bengal kittens are the result of cross-breeding Asian Leopard Cats and Domesticated Cats. This accounts for both their intense love of play and activity, and their odd sense of loyalty. This breed of cat is very close in relation to other Domestic-Exotic crossbreeds, such as the Savannah, a mix between a Domestic and a Serval, native to Africa. Do not confuse the Asian Leopard Cat with the Asian leopard, two similar creatures greatly varying in size.
Weighing in at an average of 9 to 12 pounds, with the males sometimes reaching up to 15 to 20 pounds, this beautiful cat appears to be a small predator, but its nature is actually quite gentle and loyal. The Bengal's breed standard asks for a cat that is large, but not one that is larger than the largest domestic breed. Bred to retain its wild appearance, however, it carries a long, sleek and muscular body with its hind legs resting slightly higher than its shoulders. The tail is rather short, with a black tip, and is carried lower than other domestic breeds. The head is longer than it is wide. The head is topped with short, rounded ears and well-spaced, ovular eyes, bright green or gold in color. The nostrils are rounder and somewhat wider than normal domestic cats, and its whisker pads are prominent, similar to wild cats as opposed to any domestic breed.
Bengals are said to be more like dogs than cats. These playful cats love to be the center of attention! Most have a fondness for climbing, and enjoy playing in water immensely, particularly running water. Some have been known to jump right in the tub or shower with their family. Bengal owners love the intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature of the Bengals and love to talk about their athleticism, leaping ability and the dexterity with which they use their paws. Their intellect lends to their dog-like behavior, some Bengals are known to play fetch with their owners and use their paws very much like hands. They are not overly vocal, but their voices sometimes tend to carry the mark of their wild origins. The Bengal is the perfect pet for someone who enjoys a pet who is a constant, inquisitive playmate. Most breeders suggest that Bengals make even more excellent pets when fixed, and that it will not hamper the breed's naturally active and curious personality whatsoever. Bengals are very adaptive to almost any family situation or environment, and make excellent, playful companions for children and dogs.
Due to being bred from Asian Leopards, the bengal often develops a taste for small mammals, such as mice, rats, moles, voles, and even the occasional bird. However, regular dry or wet cat and kitten food is more than enough to keep them purring.
Bengals must be four or more generations removed from their wild Asian Leopard Cat ancestor, and have three consecutive generations of Bengal to Bengal breeding in order to be eligible to be shown in T.I.C.A. Your registration paperwork will reflect "SBT" in the registration number, which means the cat has "studbook status". Currently, SBT Bengals can be shown in T.I.C.A., U.F.O., A.C.F.A., I.C.E. and a few other Cat Associations. The early generation Bengals, which we refer to as "Foundation or Filial Bengals", such as F-1, F-2 or F-3 (one, two or three generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat) are best left to specialized breeders or properly prepared and informed owners who are equipped to take care of them. F-4's and beyond, or SBT's, are the true domestic Bengal. Nearly all of the males are sterile until the F-3 generation and beyond, so there is no guarantee of fertility.
Bengals are particularly investigative cats; they like to nose around and find out how everything works. Be it an open door, an electrical wire, or a running stovetop, cats will generally use their noses and paws to test the object before investigating it further. In order to keep your home safe for your Bengals, there are a few simple precautions you can take. First off, either hide or double-tape any visible electrical cables, in order to prevent electrocution. Double-check all doors and windows to be sure they close securely and easily, in order to prevent an accidental escape. Do not leave any chemicals or other foreign substances open or within reach of the cat (which is anywhere). If you are cooking on the stove, in the oven, or have a fireplace active, do not allow the kitten within five feet of any of these appliances.
Being the creatures they are, cats are extremely playful, and need entertainment and occupation throughout the day. Some obvious ideas would be to purchase a cat tower, a device which most cats will love, especially with playmates. However, if you'd like to get a bit more creative, you could build a small ladder for them to climb on, or some kind of enclosure with branches and vines, allowing them to use their excessively playful nature.
Specific Coat and Color Patterns--
Bengal cats are either spotted or have marbled coat patterns. Spots with at least two colors present (rosettes) are particularly desirable. The following colors and patterns are recognized and eligible for competition: Brown Spotted Tabby, Brown Marbled Tabby, Seal Sepia Spotted Tabby, Seal Sepia Marbled Tabby, Seal Mink Spotted Tabby, Seal Mink Marbled Tabby, Seal Spotted Lynx Point and Seal Marbled Lynx Point. Silver was also recently accepted as a color variation eligible for championship status. Blue and Melanistic (black) are additional colors that occur, but are not yet recognized by most associations that accept the Bengal breed.
Diseases and Health Conditions--
FIV - FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS - Very Rare
This disease is also known as "Feline Aids". It is a viral infection which weakens the immune system making the cat vulnerable to more serious diseases. FIV does not pass to humans, so you are not at risk. The virus is found in the blood and other bodily fluids and it is spread mainly through cat bites. Once it is in the body, FIV infects cells, replicates, and spreads to new sites via blood vessels and lymph channels. The virus does not survive for long outside the body but shared feeding bowls is not recommended. Once the infected cat is removed from a household there should be no risk in fetching a new cat onto the premises providing it has been thoroughly cleaned.
FELV - FELINE LEUKAEMIA VIRUS - Very Rare
The Feline Leukemia virus is specific to cats only. It is the most common cause of serious illness and death in domestic cats. Like FIV it attacks your cats immune system. It is excreted in saliva and bodily fluids as well as feces. The virus does not survive for long outside of the body. The symptoms of FELV are so common that it may lead your vet to suspect FELV. These symptoms include, weight loss, depression, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, bloody stools and excessive thirst.
FIP - FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS - Rare
This virus is one of the biggest killers in cats yet little is know about the disease and there is no direct test to find out if your cat as FIP. It is caused when a cat reacts inappropriately to the Feline Corona virus (FCoV). Most cats have come in contact with the FCoV and a study recently held showed that 85% of show cats would probably have the Feline Corona virus. Most cats who have this virus will never become ill and will shed FCoV for a few months, eliminate the virus and then live a normal life. Some cats however instead of getting rid of the FCoV go on to develop FIP. The disease FIP causes inflammation of the blood vessels
URI'S - UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS - Common
This virus presents itself like a common cold and is highly contagious and affects the nasal passage and sinuses of cats and kittens, it can also cause a chronic eye infection and can be the sign of a further infection Feline Chlamydia or Feline herpes. Cats shed the virus through the air by sneezing, coughing, breathing or by contaminated cages, toys, bowls even hands and clothes of the owner. The illness can actually last from one to four weeks. Once your cat is showing no physical signs of illness it can still be a carrier and you will find that stress or illness will trigger the symptoms to start again. Good husbandry is required to keep your cat in a stress free environment.
Note: This page is not to be used as a substitute for veterinary experience and expertise. If you believe your cat may have developed an illness, visit your family vet at once!
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