While there are lots of interesting and beautiful cats of every shape, color, and size, There is something about the exotic look of the Bengal cat that catches the eye and invokes images of wild leopards in the minds eye. Not only is the Bengal cat stunning and captivating to watch, their personality can be very inquisitive, endearing, and adventurous. Living with a Bengal cat can be a very rewarding experience for those looking for a social and active cat with an outspoken personality.
The Bengal cat is a relatively newer breed, with the Cat Fanciers Association allowing the breed to be registered as a domestic cat in the early 1980’s, and was registered by Jean Mill in 1983 as a new breed with TICA. By 1986 it was recognized as its own new breed by The International Cat Association.
The Bengal breed was originally developed by crossing the wild Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat, and those offspring eventually led us to the Bengal cat that we are familiar with today. Stanford Medicine recently released a 15 year study of the Bengal cat genetics, and after sequencing the genomes of 947 Bengal cats they surprisingly found that there were no parts Asian Leopard Cat genomes that were found in all Bengal cats! This research suggests that the appearance of the Bengal comes more from variations of genes that were always present in the domestic cat. While the Bengal definitely has an exotic appearance, they have very little wild genetics left over from the Asian Leopard Cat. In fact, the Bengal must be at least 4 generations removed from the from the Asian Leopard Cat to be considered the first generation of purebred stud book tradition (SBT) according to TICA (www.tica.org). As one would assume, the closer in relation to the Asian Leopard Cat the more wild the cat will be, and the further away on the family tree, the more domesticated the cat will be.
The most distinctive trait of the Bengal cat at first glance are its exotic looking rosettes that are not found on any other domestic cat, and are only found on cats in the wild. They are generally medium in size, weighing anywhere from 8 to 15 lbs, and have a muscular agile build. Their back legs are slightly longer than their front legs to aid in running, jumping, and climbing. The Bengal comes in different colors and variations of those colors but the three most common (and the only 3 accepted by TICA as purebred) are brown, snow, or silver. That said, there are many striking variations of the Bengal.
Outside of the Bengal’s exotic appearance, these cats have a personality that can be more like a dog at times than a cat. While every cat is different, and environment plays a role in how a cat presents itself, overall these cats are very energetic, playful, and inquisitive. They tend to be fascinated by water, splashing around in unattended water cups or bowls, and may even hop in the shower with you. They love climbing and exploring, finding the highest places in their kingdom to perch. They are very playful cats and enjoy playing with toys, other cats, and of course their human. It is very important to give these cats ways to exhaust their energy and curiosity through daily interaction and play. A bored Bengal will find ways to entertain themself and can resort to less than desirable destructive behavior if not provided with appropriate avenues to channel their energy! Bengal cats are also known for their intelligence, often figuring out how to open cabinets and drawers, turn on water faucets, and even open doors.
The Bengal cat average lifespan is 12-16 years, and generally they are a very healthy breed, but there are some health concerns to watch for. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease that is found in cats, and is basically a thickening of the muscle around the heart. A responsible breeder will provide genetic testing of the parents upon request, as this can be inherited by the offspring. Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is another common genetic disorder that can lead to anemia or other blood related issues, but will again be tested for by a responsible breeder mitigating this issue. All cats are at risk of developing cancer, but the Bengal can be more susceptible to lymphoma than some other breeds. Lymphoma effects the lymphatic system and is generally treated by the vet with chemotherapy, radiation, and or surgery depending on where it is found. Fortunately many of the health concerns found in Bengals are genetic and can be minimized by choosing a reputable breeder who genetically tests their breeding cats, as well as provides them with regular wellness vet visits.
Overall, the Bengal cat is an amazing breed that has so much to offer. The majestic appearance of a wild leopard roaming your home with the personality of a domestic cat! They are very high energy with an amazing personality that can lead to a very rewarding long lasting companionship. If you think the Bengal cat is the right fit for you, I encourage you to do as much research as you can, find a reputable and ethical breeder, and make sure you check your local and state laws concerning keeping a Bengal.
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