The Bengal cat is also referred to as a leopardette and, thanks to its fur markings, is reminiscent of a miniature leopard on the outside. Despite this similarity to wild cats, Bengal cats are lovable and cuddly pets that can bring a lot of joy to their owners.
For a harmonious coexistence, however, some breed-specific characteristics should be observed. This includes in particular the above-average urge to move that Bengal cats have.
Key facts at a glance
- Name: Bengal cat or Leopardette
- Life expectancy: up to 15 years
- Origin: United States
- Size: up to 40 cm shoulder height
- Weight: cats up to 4 kg/ tomcats up to 8 kg
- Fur: short and dense, different basic colors with marbled or spotted markings
- Character: spirited, intelligent, friendly, playful and cuddly
Origin and history of the Bengal cat
Although the Bengal cat has only been recognized as a separate breed by FIFe since 1999, its origins date back to the 1960s. In 1963, American geneticist Jean Mill crossed domestic cats with the Asian wildcat Prionailurus bengalensis.
This marks the beginning of the breeding of Bengal cats as pets, in which great importance is attached above all to the desired color of the fur. Today, the animals are only bred homozygous and are no longer crossed with wild cats.
Description of the Bengal cat
Bengal cats are particularly noticeable because of their fur markings, which make them resemble a leopard. Her physique is slim and elegant, but at the same time quite muscular. Female Bengal cats weigh around four kilograms. Male hangovers weigh 5.5 kg on average, but can also reach up to eight kilos.
The Bengal cat’s head is relatively small in relation to its body. The ears are medium-sized and rounded. The large, almost round eyes may be brown, green or gold in color and should have a black line on the inside of the eyelids.
The Bengal cat’s silky coat is short and dense and can be a variety of base colors with a spotted or mottled pattern that should provide a clear contrast to the base color. The dotted pattern can also appear in the form of rosettes (two-tone spots). On the other hand, striped fur markings are undesirable for Bengal cats.
Nature of the Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are extremely friendly and cuddly. They value extensive physical contact with their owner and enjoy being brushed from time to time. They are also extremely communicative and like to communicate with those around them by meowing and cooing.
They are also considered to be very intelligent and willing to learn and are quite capable of learning one or two little tricks. However, Bengal cats are also quite spirited and active. This often means that they clear out cupboards out of boredom, for example, or cause chaos in their home in some other way.
Keeping Bengal Cats
Bengal cat owners should ensure that their four-legged friend has enough to do and that the animal has enough suitable toys at its disposal. If a Bengal cat often has to be left alone at home, it is also advisable to keep it with a cat of its own species.
Bengal cats are very jumpy and have a high urge to move. A large house with a garden is therefore ideal for keeping them. A Bengal cat, on the other hand, does not feel comfortable in a small city apartment.
In order to offer them enough exercise and variety, Bengal cats should be kept outdoors whenever possible. It is not uncommon for the four-legged friends to disappear for two days and go on a discovery tour.
Diseases in Bengal cats
Although the breeding of Bengal cats was characterized by inbreeding in the early days, the breed is considered to be extremely robust and healthy. Nevertheless, Bengal cats can of course get sick. It is also known that they have an increased risk of certain diseases due to their genetic makeup. Bengal cats may be genetically predisposed to the following diseases:
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: PKD disease causes cysts to form in the kidneys, which can lead to fatal kidney failure.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: when contracting PRA, the retina gradually dies, eventually leading to blindness in the cat.
- Patellar dislocation: in the case of a luxated patella, the kneecap pops out, which is not only painful, but in severe cases even has to be corrected surgically.
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency: a PK deficiency leads to anemia in the affected cat and can, in the worst case, be fatal.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: HCM is characterized by thickening of the muscles in the left ventricle of the heart. The disease leads to cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac insufficiency and can sooner or later result in fatal heart failure.
Bengal cats love water
Apart from their eye-catching appearance, Bengal cats have another great feature to show for themselves. Unlike most of their peers, they love water, which is why a small paddling pool in the garden is usually very well accepted by Bengal cats.
However, when in doubt, they don’t stop at an existing aquarium in the living room. Owners of a Bengal cat are therefore well advised to secure it sufficiently.