These magnificent felines are both striking in appearance and extremely playful by nature. The high energy Bengal cat may not be for everyone but, those who have chosen to bring one into their family, fall in love almost immediately.
These are very social felines who love to be around their human companions. Bengals are incredibly smart, fiercely loyal, and genuinely affectionate. If you decide you may want to purchase one, please find a reputable breeder and thoroughly research this breed before making a commitment. Also, make sure they’re legal to own in your area.
Bengal Cat Facts
- The coat of a Bengal cat can appear somewhat iridescent at times as it looks like it may have been sprinkled with glitter.
- This is one of the breeds who actually likes water. You may find them fishing in your aquarium or possibly even trying to join you in the shower.
- Bengals have been described as being slightly dog-like. They enjoy playing fetch with their toys and outdoor walks on leashes. Because they’re incredibly intelligent, learning tricks comes quite easy for them with the proper training.
- Beware that Bengal cats have legal restrictions in some parts of the United States. Hawaii, New York City, Denver, and Seattle are a few places where it may be illegal to own them. Be sure and check your local guidelines before attempting to purchase one of these beautiful cats.
- While the Bengal may work well with other cats and dogs, this breed has a natural hunting instinct. Animals such as birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and mice could be a target for this predatory feline.
- The origins of the Bengal cat are traced back to 1963, when Jean S. Mill crossed an Asian Leopard cat with a domestic breed. While Mrs. Mill continued to enhance and refine their characteristics, it wasn’t until the early 1980s when the modern Bengal we know today was born.
Physical Features
- Lifespan: 10 to 16 years and sometimes a bit longer in a healthy environment.
- Weight: Generally from 6 to 15 lbs with males being larger than females.
- Body Type: Long and lean with an athletic build and muscular frame.
- Eye Color: green, gold, yellow, and blue (rare)
- Coat Color: tan, beige, cream, tawny, cinnamon, taupe, honey, caramel, golden, rust, orange, cocoa, black, silver, or ivory with either spotted or marbled patterns
- Shedding: Their soft coat has minimal shedding with minor seasonal increases.
Personality Traits
- Activity Level: Being a high energy cat, the Bengal is widely known for being very playful and always on the move. They will normally mellow a bit with age. Loving high places, this breed will also seek them out on a regular basis.
- Breed Intellect: Their intense curiosity constantly keeps them thinking and problem solving. Bengals are highly intelligent which enables them to learn quickly. Teaching these cats tricks is actually very easy.
- Temperament: Even though Bengals look wild, they are really friendly and sweet. They are typically quite affectionate with their owners
- Attention Needs: While the Bengal can entertain itself, they become extremely attached to their humans and may follow you around the house. Longer than average play sessions are recommended with this energetic breed.
- Caring Nature: When you can get these cats to slow down a bit, they are purrfectly lovable and will enjoy cuddling up with you, especially if they are tired and ready for sleepytime.
- Vocal Tendency: For the most part, the Bengal cat is relatively quiet however, there are times you may hear them such as feeding or greeting you at the door.
- Kids Compatible: Bengals are great with children providing they know their feline etiquette. You may want to supervise the younger infants at first.
- Tolerates Pets: Being an active breed, the Bengal welcomes other animals for playtime as long as they’re cat-friendly and gradually introduced.
- Stranger-Friendly: Most definitely, as they are very social and crave interaction with humans. Invite your friends or family over with no worries whatsoever.
Health and Well-Being
Ideal Living Situation
Because the Bengal is energetic and very social, the best enviroment for this breed would be an active family in a large home. If you’re living alone, you should have a lot of time for attention since this cat craves human interaction.
Possible Health Problems
Bengals can have hereditary health issues such as polycystic kidney disease so be sure you are working with a reputable breeder. Having them vaccinated will help eliminate the possibility of bacterial and viral infections.
Other concerns may be pancreatitis and lymphosarcoma (cancer of the lymphoid tissue).
Annual Vaccinations
There are four core vaccines and one non-core option available for all cats.
The first essential vaccine would be Rabies which is a fatal disease if exposed to it.
The second inoculation (FVRCP) is a combination of the remaining three core vaccines in one. This covers Feline Herpesvirus 1 or FHV-1 which is an upper respiratory infection, Feline Calicivirus or FCV which attacks the upper respiratory tract, and the final is Feline Panleukopenia Virus or FPV (also known as Feline Distemper) which is life threatening and extremely dangerous for young cats and kittens.
You can get the optional non-core vaccine Feline Leukemia Virus or FeLV. This is considered a core vaccine for every kitten. Make an appointment with your local vet to discuss and schedule all these vaccinations.
Grooming Routine
When caring for cats, there are four specific areas which need regular attention.
Weekly brushing is the minimum required to keep their fur healthy and shiny. This also helps distribute natural body oils, remove dead hair, and eliminate matted fur.
When the nails are getting a little too sharp and ripping furniture or carpet, it’s time to trim them. Be sure not to trim off too much of each nail as this can cause pain.
Cats are prone to periodontal disease and gingivitus so brushing their teeth with veterinarian-approved toothpaste once or twice a week should suffice. You can also give them dental treats to clean their teeth in between brushing.
Finally, you’ll want to address the ears. While cats have a built-in mechanism for cleansing their inner ear canals, the visible portion of their ears should occasionally be very gently swabbed to remove foreign matter.
Please consult a veterinarian for the proper procedures when grooming your cat.
Feeding Advice
Cats are known as obligate carnivores or strict meat eaters. Their diets should primarily consist of high protein and a few fats.
While carbohydrates are not usually a part of feline nutrition, scientists have concluded they are able to be used for energy in small amounts. On the other hand, if a cat is continuously fed too many carbs, diabetes can actually develop later in their life.
When choosing a wet or dry food, you need to read the caloric information labels to ensure your cat is being fed the appropriate nutrient levels.
Normally, wet foods should contain around 70% to 80% moisture as cats from past feral generations obtained most of their liquids from the animals they killed and ate.
Proteins are ideal when they’re between 10% and 20% in grain-free wet food. Seafood varieties are typically the highest in protein.
Two of the best dry food formulas on the market would be Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diet with High Protein and Orijen Biologically Appropriate Cat Food. These specially made dry food products include healthy amounts of prepared raw meats, some needed fats, and minimal carbohydrates.
Exercise Tips
You should plan to play with your cat at least 15 minutes everyday, although, more is encouraged with certain active breeds.
Feather toys and laser pointers are a great choice to keep them moving. This helps relieve their boredom and reduces the chance for depression as well.
For a really cheap play session, simply buy a ball of string. Cut off a ten foot section at a time and drag it around the house behind you. Your kitties will love attacking the end of the string! Big fun for a small price.
Catnip is another way to offer an edible distraction in their lives. Don’t worry, the effects typically wear off in about 15 minutes or so.
One of the best items you can acquire for exercise would be a cat tree or cat condo. This is basically a jungle gym for cats which provides a place for climbing, relaxing, and sharpening their claws instead of using your furniture.
There are a couple other alternatives including an exercise wheel, which can be somewhat expensive, and a simple body harness with a leash for outdoor walks. Your cat may or may not like this option but, you can give it a try.
Bengal Cat Price
Expect a Bengal price to be from $1000 on the low end for a purebred to over $2500 for a kitten with champion bloodlines from a well-known breeder.
The average cost for a quality Bengal runs around $1500 to $2000.
It is possible to adopt a Bengal cat for standard fees somewhere between $30 and $175 however, they will most likely be a mixed breed.
Registered Bengal Breeders
LittleWolf Cattery – Arizona
Arkham Bengals – California
CoolSpots Cattery – California
Exotic Bengals of San Diego – California
Fractal Bengals – California
San Diego Bengal – California
San Jose Bengalcats – California
Simply Blessed Bengals – California
Urban Exotic Cats – California
Beautiful Bengals – Colorado
Bengals Pride – Colorado
Colorado Bengals – Colorado
Evans Ranch Pride Cattery – Colorado
S & ST Bengal Legacy – Colorado
Thunder Cat Bengals – Colorado
Borough Bengals – Connecticut
Bengals by Aluren – Florida
Florida Bengals – Florida
Valleykatz Bengals – Florida
Belrouge Bengals – Georgia
Boyd’s Bengals – Georgia
Lap Leopard Bengals – Georgia
Foxcreek Bengals – Illinois
Purrfect Dreams Bengals – Illinois
Regal Bengal – Indiana
Dentons Bengals – Iowa
Hypnotic Exotics – Iowa
Wild Prairie Rose Cattery – Iowa
Wonder Spots Bengals – Kentucky
Belle Ami Bengals – Louisiana
Snow Tundra Bengal – Maine
LittleJaggers Bengal Kittens – Maryland
Colby Bengals – Massachusetts
Savimbi Bengals – Massachusetts
Adore Cats Bengals – Michigan
Lots of Spots of MI – Michigan
Bengal Buddies – Minnesota
Stillwater Premier Bengals – Minnesota
Ozark Bengal Cats – Missouri
Jumanji Bengals – Nevada
Alayna Bengals – New Jersey
Anjou Bengals – New Jersey
Astoria Bengal – New Jersey
Giannis Bengal – New Jersey
StarAngel Bengals – New Jersey
Bengals Embrace – New York
Panache Bengals – New York
Pawsabilities Bengal Cats – New York
The Bengal Cats – New York
Bengal Lily Cattery – North Carolina
Bobs Den Bengals – North Carolina
Carolina Bengals Cattery – North Carolina
Queen City Bengals – North Carolina
A-Kerr’s Bengal Cats – Ohio
Land of Bengals – Oklahoma
Luna Katz Bengals – Oklahoma
Cascades Nirvana Bengals – Oregon
Ladd Hill Bengals – Oregon
Rogue Bengals – Oregon
Indian Creek Bengals – Pennsylvania
Willow Dream Bengals – Pennsylvania
Palmetto Bengals – South Carolina
Katzmeow Bengals – Tennessee
Lava Peak Bengals – Tennessee
Prince Royal Bengals – Tennessee
AloraCats – Texas
Amarillo Bengal Cattery – Texas
Bespoke Bengals – Texas
Clarkstone Bengals – Texas
Jungle Cat Bengal – Texas
Jungleyes Bengals – Texas
Lots of Spots Bengals – Texas
Katznjamr Bengal Cats – Texas
Spotagious Bengals – Texas
Texas Star Bengals – Texas
Liberty Bengals – Virginia
Wild Country Bengals – Virginia
Bengal Music Cats – Washington
Divinus Pride Bengals – Washington
Exotic Legends Bengals – Washington
Registered Bengals – Washington
Shantum Cattery – Washington
Traipse Bengals – Washington
Cynidon Bengals – Wisconsin
Dreamhaven Cattery – Wisconsin
Fairy Tail Bengals – Wisconsin
Underfoot Bengals Tache Cattery – Wisconsin
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