IS THE BENGAL CAT RIGHT FOR YOU?
- 1Bengal cats are an active cat breed who love to play.
- 2They are highly energetic and especially enjoy playing in water.
- 3Bengal kittens and cats get along great with their owners and do well with children and other animals.
HISTORY
Thought to be a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and domestic breeds like the Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese, and/or Egyptian Mau, the Bengal cat exemplifies humanity's yearning to tame and assimilate wild cats. Their name is a derivative of the Latin Feline Bengalensis, which translates roughly to Leopard Cat.
Quick Facts
Size
Medium, Large
Lifespan
12 - 15 years
Hair Length
Short
Litter Size
4 - 6 kittens
Male Weight
10 - 18 pounds
Female Weight
7 - 12 pounds
Personality
A smart, fun loving breed, the Bengal cat is always active and are known to grow close bonds with their owner. They get along great with kids and are accepting of other pets. Unlike most domestic breeds, Bengal cats are not only unafraid of water, but they revel in the opportunity to take a dip..
Color
The Bengal Cat can have a base coloring ranging from grey, golden, bronze, copper, or mahogany, and is covered with spots or a marbling ranging from light brown to black.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of the Bengal cat is 10 15 years. The breed is prone to:
- progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
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- /c/608/dogs/health/heart-disease-in-dogs-and-cats
Appearance
The most notable characteristic of the Bengal cat is their short, soft coat that has the appearance of a wild cat, with their spotted patterns and rosetta markings, like a Leopard. Their face is covered in stripes, giving them the markings of a genuine wild animal. A medium to large sized breed, they can grow up to 15 pounds, and are athletically built, lean, and muscular. Outside of their coloring, their features are all fairly standard as far as domestic cats are concerned.