Bengal Cats Care Info

The Bengal cat breed was initiated by breeding a domestic house cat, such as an Egyptian mau or Abyssinian, with an Asian Leopard cat. Bengal cats are wild-looking, smart creatures that are increasing in popularity due to their eccentricities. This hybrid cat breed has various interesting personalities and patterns.

Overview of Bengal Cats

Bengal cats are very similar to domestic house cats when it comes to weight and length. They typically weigh between 8 and 15 pounds and are longer than a foot. Even though most Bengal cats have short-haired coats, there is also a long-haired variation of this breed.

With deep green or shiny gold eyes, this adorable pet has a life expectancy of 10 to 16 years. Apart from its gorgeous eyes, Bengal cats stand out for their marbled and spotted fur coats that have patterns outlined in gray, silver, or black.

What Makes Bengal Cats Different?

Bengal cats require additional care compared to ordinary domestic cats. Since they differ from typical cats in more than one way, you need to approach caring for Bengal cats in a unique way. Here are a few factors that will help you better understand this special cat breed.

Appearance

This breed of cats is visibly exotic. Not only do they have a super-soft fur coat, but the wild markings on the coat, such as stripes and rosettes, really set them apart.

Physiology

Bengal cats have certain different physical features compared to their domestic cat cousins. The shape of their face and ears is quite exotic while their physique is stronger and more athletic as well.

Level of Activity

Bengal cats have raging energy levels and generally very engaging creatures. This cat breed will definitely change the general perception of cats lounging around all day. So, if you do get or already have a Bengal cat, you need to keep it engaged. Otherwise, they will get bored and destructive.

Loyalty

Loyalty is one of the best traits of this adorable cat. Much like dogs, Bengal cats are super-involved, friendly, affectionate, and loyal towards their owners.

Trainability

Bengal cats can be trained easily, considering they are smart and loyal. Moreover, their loyalty and determination make it even easier to train them.

Things They Like

It may seem quite impossible to picture a cat happily playing or swimming in water. However, Bengal cats are widely recognized for their love of water!

Caring for Bengal Cats

If you are planning to adopt a Bengal cat, here are a few things you need to know about caring for it to ensure that you give it the best of the best!

Groom them Regularly

Just like any other cat breed, Bengal cats need to be groomed regularly. They need weekly combing to get rid of dead hair and prevent hairballs. Also, it’s important that you trim your kitty’s nails after every few weeks, and provide it with a scratching post to avoid injuries. Make sure to clean your Bengal cat’s litter box since it won’t use a dirty or smelly one.

Engage Them in Interactive Activities Frequently

Since Bengal cats are very active, you will need to ensure that you challenge them by providing them with super-interactive and engaging toys. You can give your cat a climbing tree with an appropriate height or give it other options. Moreover, you can train your kitty to fetch or stimulate its mental capacity by playing games such as ‘catch the laser dot.’

Allow Them to Do Things They Love

Unlike any other cat breeds, Bengal cats hold a massive love for water. So, if you want to see them happy, you can play with them in the pool, tubs, bucket, etc. However, at the same time, you need to be careful in ensuring that your aquarium doesn’t turn into a fishing pond.

Keep Them Indoor

Just like any other cat, Bengal cats are best kept indoors only. Keeping them indoor saves them from catching any diseases, being attacked by predators, getting into fights, or being hit by vehicles. Even though they require quite a bit of exercise, it isn’t safe to let them roam freely outdoors. So, the best thing for you is to keep them indoors, and even if you plan on taking them out, don’t forget a leash and harness!

Keep Them Away From Other Animals

Bengal cats typically get along pretty well with dogs and other felines. However, certain animals, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils, can often be stalked by your cat. Therefore, it is recommended to keep your kitty separate from its natural prey.

Maintain Their Diet and Nutrition

Bengal cats eat cat food just like other cats. While many cat owners feed their kitties a raw or grain-free diet, especially if they are of the first three generations of the breed, other owners feed them a formulated, grain-free diet. The latter is considered to be better, effective, and practical way to feed Bengal cats.

Take Preventative Health Treatments

As with any animals, you want to ensure that your pet remains free from any health problems that it is prone to. Bengal cats require all of the same immunizations and health treatments as a regular indoor cat. This cat breed isn’t immune to feline leukemia virus like their ancestors. Moreover, they are prone to some other health conditions that need to be catered to, including autosomal recessive disorder and Entropion. 

Train Them

Bengal cats are very intelligent and smart creatures that can be trained very easily. It is imperative that you either train your feline friend by yourself or with professional instruction. Either way, you need to help meet their intelligence and activity needs.

Caring for Bengal cats isn’t as hard as you think. Once you adopt a Bengal cat, the love, energy, and intelligence that this feline breed will display, will make you believe that all its maintenance is worth it!