Essential Bengal Cat Information, a Majestic Spotted Breed What Makes This Distinctive Breed Unique

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Bengal cats photo
Small Breed Cataract Bengal

IS THE BENGAL CAT RIGHT FOR YOU?

  • 1 Bengal cats are an active cat breed who love to play.
  • 2 They are highly energetic and especially enjoy playing in water.
  • 3 Bengal 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

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    Size

    Medium, Large

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    Lifespan

    12 - 15 years

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    Hair Length

    Short

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    Litter Size

    4 - 6 kittens

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    Male Weight

    10 - 18 pounds

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    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 โ€“ 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.

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