Bengal: The Impressive Leopard Cat
Welcome to the fascinating world of Bengal, a breed of cat which seduces with its exotic beauty and its vibrant personality. Originally designed to look like wild felines while having the temperament of a domestic cat, this unique breed offers a rare combination of charm, energy and sociability. If you plan to welcome a Bengal to your home or if you are simply curious to know more about this captivating breed, you are in the right place.
- Origins and History
- Physical characteristics
- Character and behavior
- Maintenance and hygiene
- Food
- Bengal in the blink of an eye
Origins and History
Bengal is a relatively recent cat breed, which finds its roots in the United States in the middle of the 20th century. It was the geneticist and passionate of felines Jean Sugden Mill who initiated the creation of this unique breed. Its objective was to combine the wild and exotic appearance of the Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus Bengalensis Bengalensis) with the docile and affable temperament of domestic cats.
Jean Sugden Mill began his work in 1963 in California. She raised a female Asian leopard cat, named Malaysia, with a black domestic cat. The project was interrupted for several years, before being taken up in the 1980s with new specimens. The Bengal race was officially recognized in 1983 by the TICA (The International Cat Association) and by the LOOF (Official Book of Feline origins) in France in 1997. Today, the Bengal is appreciated for its dress like that of a leopard and for its affectionate and dynamic nature.
Due to its rarity, Bengal is not yet widely recognized by all international feline associations. The efforts to preserve and promote this race continue, but it is crucial to ensure that it maintains its genetic diversity to avoid health problems linked to consanguinity.
Physical characteristics
- Eyes : Large, round and often green or golden.
- Pelage: Short, soft and silky with spotted or marbled patterns.
- Pelage colors: Mainly Brown, Silver and Seal; blue is present but not recognized by certain federations.
- Body : Lying, muscular and athletic.
- Ears : Small to medium, slightly rounded at their end.
- Tail : Average to long, thick and often ringed.
Character and behavior
Bengal is recognized for its dynamic and sociable character. This breed of cat has an overflowing energy and great curiosity, which often pushes it to explore its environment. Bengal appreciates stimulating games and activities, making it an excellent companion for active families or for those who appreciate interactive cats.
Despite its life as a wild feline, Bengal is a particularly affectionate cat attached to its human family. It is known to be very talkative, often expressed with a series of chirping, meowing and purring to communicate with its owners. However, Bengal is also sensitive and may not appreciate sudden changes in its environment or its routine. He requires special attention and understanding to fully flourish. The fact remains that Bengal is a charming companion, who perfectly combines the exoticism of his appearance with the sweetness of his temperament.
Living conditions
Bengal is a dynamic and active cat, and as such, it needs a life environment that allows it to move freely and stimulate its lively mind. Spacious accommodation with secure access to the outside, such as a well -feared garden or a cat enclosure, would be ideal for him. If you live in an apartment, be sure to provide enough cat toys and trees to allow your Bengal to climb and play. This breed enjoying water, access to a source of water to play can be a plus.
Bengal is also a very sociable cat, which appreciates the company of humans and other animals. A home where it is not left alone for long periods would therefore be preferable. If you work outside the house all day long, plan to have another pet to keep it company.
Finally, as for any cat, Bengal needs a clean environment, with a regularly cleaned litter and a quiet place to sleep. Make sure to maintain a healthy and stimulating environment so that your Bengal remains happy and healthy.
Maintenance and hygiene
Bengal is a short and silky coat, which greatly facilitates its grooming and maintenance. Its dense and lustrous fur requires only weekly brushing to remove dead hairs and maintain its natural shine. Bengal is a breed that toilets regularly, which helps keep its dress clean and healthy.
Despite its fascination with water, an unusual line in cats, Bengal does not require frequent baths. An occasional bath can be envisaged if the cat is particularly dirty, but in most cases, its self-tolettage is sufficient to maintain its cleanliness.
The other aspects of Bengal maintenance are similar to those of any other cat. It is important to monitor and clean your ears regularly, brush your teeth with cat toothpaste to prevent periodontal disease, and keep your claws at a comfortable length. Overall, Bengal is a relatively easy -to -maintain breed, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a cat with exotic coat but do not want intensive maintenance.
The Bengal Food Guide
Bengal is an active cat with a well -developed musculature that requires high quality food to support its energy level and overall health. Its diet must be rich in protein, ideally from sources of quality meat or fish. Complex carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins and minerals are also important to ensure optimal nutritional balance.
Nutritional need
Bengal has specific nutritional needs to maintain optimal health:
- Quality proteins: Essential for muscle development and general health. Opt for protein sources such as chicken, fish or lamb.
- Healthy fats: Provide energy and contribute to healthy skin and coat. Omega-3 and omega-6 are particularly beneficial.
- Fibers: Help digestion and maintain good intestinal health. Warm vegetables and grains are good sources of fiber.
- Vitamins and minerals: A balanced diet must include vitamins and minerals to support the immune system and general cat health.
It is important to consult a veterinarian for personalized advice on the feeding of your Bengal.
Treaty recommendations
To complete the feeding of your Bengal, Marly & Dan offers a range of premium treats adapted to the needs of your feline companion. Here are some of the most recommended options:
- Hair anti-boules treats: Enriched with natural fibers and enzymes, they facilitate the passage of hair ingested through the digestive system, thus reducing vomiting and discomfort.
- Counts skin & coat 100% salmon: For a high quality protein intake, supporting healthy skin and shiny coat.
- Salmon oil: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6, is a first quality food supplement that contributes to skin health and the shine of coat in cats.
Marly & Dan treats are manufactured in France with natural and high quality ingredients, thus guaranteeing healthy and tasty snacks for your Bengal. Give him the best by choosing Marly & Dan, a brand dedicated to excellence in animal nutrition.
Price and budget
The purchase price of a Bengal is between € 1,000 and € 2500. The annual maintenance cost varies between € 300 and € 700.
Bengal in the blink of an eye
Faq
The Bengal is affectionate and likes hugs, but he also prefers to have space to explore and play. He is sociable and appreciates the company of his human family.
Yes, Bengal loses its hair, but in moderate quantity. Weekly brushing helps manage the loss of hair and maintain your dress in good condition.
Yes, Bengal can live in an apartment provided they provide enough mental and physical stimulation. Toys, cat trees and spaces for climbing are essential for its well-being.