Bengal cat: description of the breed, care and feedback

Bengal cats are very interesting representatives of cats. The breed was bred in America by crossing a leopard cat with such domestic cats as Abyssinian, American short-haired, etc. As a result of crossing, a loving and at the same time slightly wild Bengal cat turned out. Description of the breed to know is very useful, especially if you decide to get yourself such a favorite. Let's take a closer look at all the features of the Bengal character and talk about how to take care of them.

Let's go through the history

In the distant 1961 a leopard kitten from Bangkok was brought by an American woman. Since at that time there was a special demand for this breed because of valuable skins, poachers actively killed them. Over time, there was a crossing with an ordinary domestic cat. As a result, a kitten was born with a unique spotted color and wild character. However, most of these individuals died from leukemia. Therefore, after 15 years in California, research began, and over time, the crossing was more successful. At the present time this breed is recognized by all associations of the world. It is safe to say that the Bengal cat, the breed description of which we now consider, is considered the most intelligent domestic breed.

A little bit about appearance

A muscular body of medium and large size indicates that the beast is very mobile and perfectly adapted to survival in extreme conditions. The paws are round, the tail in diameter is quite large, but not long, but the middle one. Bengals - owners of a pretty wide muzzle and long neck. The ears are usually medium in size and slightly tilted forward. The cat's eyes are wide, oval and large. As for the acceptable color, then there are almost all colors except blue and aquamarine. However, there is an exception - it's a snow bengal with pronounced blue crystal-clear eyes. The wool of all individuals is short and shiny. It is worth noting that the Bengal cat, whose colors can be almost any, always has distinct oval brown or black spots. Great popularity among fans of Bengals is enjoyed by marble and silvery colors, as well as snow.

What about the character?

Bengal cats are animals that combine a lot of qualities. The high activity of the beast is due to a well developed hunting instinct. If the house has a place where to run and jump, then your pet will be only grateful to you. It is desirable for cats to devote at least a little time each day to games. Caress bengal also loves. If you do not have time for such entertainment, then you can be sure, the cat is fading with time.

It is noteworthy that wild origin does not prevent them from making friends with children. This is one of the most curious and trusting cats who are very fond of spending time near their master. Experts note that the character completely lacks the share of aggression. Cats are very fond of conquering new heights, so regardless of age, the individual will explore all the peaks: cabinets, armchairs, shelves, etc. Very fond of water, therefore, problems with bathing should not arise. Although too often to bathe the beast is not necessary, a maximum of a couple of times a year. By the way, the breeders say that if you want to accustom your pet to the toilet, then the Bengal cat will suit you perfectly. Description of the breed on this is not finished, let's consider some more features.

Common standards for Bengals

Pure breed must meet a number of requirements, based on which, the price for a kitten will be added. For example, the size of the individual should be medium or large. At the same time the weight of an adult cat should be about 4 kg, a cat - 6-7 kg.

We have already talked a little about the color, but it is worth saying that scientists have come to the conclusion that it is best if the beast has a brown coloring in all its diversity. "Snow leopards" are Bengals, having a silver color. They are the most expensive and rare, so not everyone can buy such an individual. Wool of a cat is a separate conversation. With proper care it has a stunning appearance: shiny with a low tide and very thick. The fur is short and tightly attached to the body. For kittens average length is acceptable, in due course it will become somewhat shorter, but thicker. In the south-east of Asia there are also wild Bengal cats. They are somewhat larger than their domestic counterparts. The length of an adult male can be up to one meter, females - 75 centimeters. In principle, Bengal cat sizes may vary, it all depends on the environment of existence and activity of a single individual.

Bengal cat: care and its features

This breed is very unpretentious to the habitat. Of course, like other representatives of felines, any self-respecting bengal likes purity. Of the characteristics of care is to provide a regular clipping of claws. This is due to the fact that nature endowed this breed with very powerful paws and sharp claws, so do not forget to place 1 or even 2 nails in the house.

Each month, it is necessary to shear the sharp tip of the claw. So you not only keep your furniture in integrity and safety, but also do not bring any inconvenience to the pet. Of course, the Bengal cat, snowball in particular, needs combing during moulting. As for bathing, it has already been noted above that it should be done several times a year. In some sources you can find information about bathing every month. But this is strongly discouraged. Due to the fact that during the bathing natural protection of the skin of the cat is removed, as a result of which the body becomes vulnerable. Please note that Bengals in the wild are visited very rarely by the pond. The tongue of these animals acts as the main cleaning agent.

Bengal cat: reviews of the owners

It is possible to read endlessly joyful responses of people who have a young Bengal running around the house. Completely all celebrate friendliness. By the way, this, rather, depends not on the nature of a particular individual, but on the breed as a whole. The lack of aggression allows you to keep these animals, even if the family already has a dog or a bird. Children also love cats very much. If too much attention is soon fed up with the pet, it will not hiss and scratch, but will simply find a secluded place to rest. Bengal cats love their masters very much and are always near them. Also these animals are very curious, so they can follow you from room to room and watch you open and close doors, windows or blinds. What is most surprising, they remember all this and then try to repeat it. Of course, cases with blinds mostly fail, but sometimes the doors are even opened by the handle.

Many people say that the best pet is a Bengal cat. Feedback from owners about them is positive, and it is unlikely that you will encounter any negative.

Useful Expert Tips

Most professionals who have linked their work with the study of cats, recommend checking the pedigree of the future pet. Acquisition is best done by a licensed nursery or a breeder. So you can not be afraid of being deceived. For example, if the character of a kitten is found at least a drop of aggressiveness, then it is rejected and is no longer sold as pure bengal. Absence of excretions near the mouth and eyes, as well as beautiful and thick fur shows the good health of the baby. Experts draw your attention to the fact that a Bengal cat, whose size in 2-2.5 months may differ by 5-10 centimeters, should have a leopard color, sometimes somewhat faded. The final formation of the coloring occurs at the age of 3-4 months.

What you need to know about the health of a kitten?

The immunity of the beast in most cases is pretty good. But the diseases that often occur in this species of animals, are sick and Bengal kittens. Bengal cat, for example, is prone to leukemia, bowel disease and heart problems. A sensitive stomach needs proper nutrition, otherwise it is quite possible for frequent poisoning and frustration, and this is not good. All vaccinations must be made before the purchase, at about the 12th week of age, when the kitten is taken away from the mother. Another reason for the disease and the deterioration of the general condition of the Bengal cat is the lack of physical activity and activity. For this simple reason, it is recommended to play with a pet or buy him a sports ground where he can play and develop.

What to feed the Bengals?

By this time it is necessary to take very seriously. Do not forget that because of malnutrition, the pet can get sick (frustration, poisoning). Therefore, if you can afford to buy a Bengal cat, then take care of a quality daily diet. However, in practice, Bengals can eat almost everything, although the preferences of a particular food depend on the characteristics of the individual.

In any case, experts recommend giving dry and wet food for food. They are balanced in such a way that the animal receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals. With improper diet Bengal cat, whose weight will pass for 7-8 kilograms, will suffer from obesity. Do not ration raw meat. For example, venison or rabbit in raw form at least once a week will greatly please your pet. It has been repeatedly noted that cats of this breed like to drink running water. But the animal does not need to drink from the tap, especially if the quality of the carrier is low. It is desirable to equip a special fountain, in which bengal can quench your thirst at any time.

How much does such a pleasure?

This breed is not considered to be one of the most expensive in the world, but Bengals are not as cheap as we would like. Much depends on the so-called class. Individuals of the show class have a high cost, pet-class - a little lower. The high price of the breed is due to several factors. Firstly, it is the difficulty of reproduction, as well as the small number of pedigree material. Offers from the best nurseries in Moscow or St. Petersburg start from 15,000 rubles and end with 30,000 rubles. If the pet is purchased for exhibitions, then it will have to pay for it much more than for a domestic kitten.

Conclusion

Now you know the interesting Bengal cat. Marble, snow, brown - any coloring of this animal attracts the eye. But this is not the main thing, because the color of your Bengal practically does not matter, the main thing is that he will give you affection and love. These animals are very kind and sympathetic, and they also understand the mood of their master well. That's all that can be said about what a Bengal cat is good at. Description of the breed will help you understand whether to buy a "clean" individual or not. As a confirmation, you must submit documents (a veterinary passport, a pedigree).