Striking yet balanced, the Bengal cat boasts a sleek, muscular physique. Their luxurious coat, adorned with bold marbling or spots, evokes their wild heritage. Despite this captivating feature, their build remains well-proportioned. Neat paws, a wedge-shaped head, and smallish ears complete their athletic form.

• Life Span  10 - 16 years.
• Average Weight   3.6kg to 7.7kg
• Colours   Bengal cats feature a spotted or marbled coat that comes in shades of brown, silver, and snow.

1. Benefits from having an experienced owner
2. Requires high levels of enrichment, including simulated hunting games and interactive play
3. Highly active and curious
4. Independent yet friendly
5. Moderately vocal
6. Lean and graceful
7. Requires weekly grooming
8. Needs ample outdoor space
9. Not ideal for family households
10. Can be left alone for several hours regularly
11. Prefers a calm environment

The Bengal cat breed is generally robust; however, they can be prone to the following conditions:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy¹: A disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, preventing the heart from beating effectively.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: An inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates, potentially leading to blindness.
• Feline infectious peritonitis²: An abnormal immune response to a viral infection.
• Flat-chested kitten syndrome: A condition where the chest does not develop properly, leading to breathing difficulties.
• Patellar luxation³: A condition where the kneecaps temporarily or permanently slip out of place.
• Hip dysplasia³: A condition where the hip joint does not develop normally.
• Pyruvate kinase deficiency: A disease causing anemia due to the death of red blood cells.
• Peripheral neuropathy³: A disease affecting the nervous system.

Testing available:

• DNA testing for pyruvate kinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy: This testing determines whether a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.

¹M. Longeri et al, "Myosin-Binding Protein C DNA Variants in Domestic Cats (A31P, A74T, R820W) and their Association with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy," 2013, Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine.

²L. D. Pesteanu-Somogyi, "Prevalence of feline infectious peritonitis in specific cat breeds," Feb 2006, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

³A. M. Martinez-Caja et al, "Behavior and health issues in Bengal cats as perceived by their owners: A descriptive study," 2021, Journal of Veterinary Behavior.

Bengal cats make excellent pets for experienced cat owners who appreciate an active, curious, and dog-like domestic cat. Originating from a cross between the Asian leopard cat and domestic cats, the Bengal breed is known for its lively nature. If you’re looking for a cat that lounges decoratively and stays out of the way, the Bengal is not the ideal choice. These cats, bred by pioneers like Jean Mill and recognized by cat associations and fanciers, are into everything, from playing with a dripping tap to knocking over water glasses.

They thrive on human company and require plenty of environmental enrichment to stay entertained. Bengals are not typically lap cats; they’re too busy exploring and engaging with their surroundings. While generally not noisy, a Bengal cat can produce a loud cry when things aren’t going their way or if they feel neglected. Bengal cats are highly regarded within cat fancier communities and various fanciers associations for their wild cat-like appearance and playful temperament.

• Family-friendly: 1/5
• Playfulness: 4/5
• Intelligence: 5/5
• Tendency to Vocalize:  3/5
• Likes Other Pets: 5/5
• Grooming needs: 3/5
• Shedding: 2/5

The Bengal cat is a relatively modern breed, developed in the USA during the 1990s by crossing the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small, strikingly marked wild cat from South West Asia, with domestic cats, including tabby cats and other short-haired breeds such as the Abyssinian, Burmese, and Egyptian Mau. The goal was to create a Bengal cat with a sweet nature that resembled a miniature leopard, providing an alternative to owning wild cats. Cat associations and cat fanciers recognized the Bengal breed for its unique qualities. Prospective owners of Bengal cats should understand the 'F number,' which indicates how many generations the kittens are from the original cross. In the UK, an F1 Bengal (the first cross between a wild cat and a domestic cat) requires a Dangerous Wild Animal License, while F2 and subsequent generations do not. Bengal fanciers know that these cats are a fascinating blend of wild and domestic traits, making them popular in fanciers associations.

The Bengal cat has a strong desire to explore the outdoors, given its territorial nature with unfamiliar animals, speed, athleticism, and taste for mischief. However, it's not safe to let your Bengal Cat roam freely outside or in your neighbors' yards. Instead, provide a secure outdoor space such as a cat-proof garden or a large outdoor cat enclosure filled with enrichment activities and various heights to satisfy your Bengal's need for outdoor time. This is especially important unless you reside in a secluded rural area without nearby neighbors or busy roads. Bengal fanciers and those familiar with the Bengal breed recognize the importance of providing a safe outdoor environment for these cats.

These active and intelligent Bengal cats require plenty of mental and physical stimulation; otherwise, they will find their own ways to entertain themselves, which you may not appreciate. A bored Bengal may engage in hunting and predatory play, sometimes involving other animals and even humans as unwilling participants! To keep your Bengal engaged and satisfied, provide cat trees for climbing opportunities, ensure access to windows for supervision, use food dispensing toys and puzzles for feeding, and be prepared to engage in extended play sessions with your Bengal. While Bengals can be social with other cats and family pets when properly introduced, it's essential to note that having two Bengals doesn't necessarily mean less work; in fact, it could result in absolute mayhem with a side order of chaos!

Each Bengal cat is unique, with its own distinct likes, dislikes, and dietary requirements. However, all cats, including Bengals, are carnivores and need to obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, it's natural that a growing, energetic Bengal kitten requires a different balance of nutrients in her diet compared to a less active senior cat. Other factors to consider include feeding the appropriate quantity of food to maintain an 'ideal body condition' as per feeding guidelines and catering to individual preferences regarding wet or dry food options. It's also crucial to be aware of health concerns such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition Bengal fanciers associations are well acquainted with, ensuring that dietary choices support overall feline health.

Low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, the Bengal cat requires a weekly brush-through, providing an opportunity to inspect for minor wounds, parasites, and the overall condition of the coat. Regular grooming sessions not only help keep your cat clean but also strengthen the bond between you and ensure their well-being. Greasy, scurfy coats may indicate that your cat is unwell or has stopped grooming themselves. As with all cats, this breed requires regular vaccinations, parasite control, and annual health checks to maintain optimal health.

If you have a good sense of humor, a spacious home, and older children who can respect a cat’s space, the Bengal makes for an entertaining companion. However, if you prefer a cat that lounges around decoratively, is quiet, and undemanding, then the Bengal is not the ideal choice for you!