Bengal Cat (Domestic) The Cat that Looks Like a Leopard

The Bengal cat (Domestic) is a breed of cat that was created from hybrids of an Asian lepard cat and a another domestic cat. They a very sought after cats and are going to be an investment for any large cat lover.

History of the Bengal Cat

The Bengal cat breed started in 1963. Jean S. Mill began the breeding program in that year. Most Bengals today descend from cats that were bread by her in the early 1980s

The Bengal as developed because people wanted a wild looking cat without the wild nature. That is why the Bengal was bred using small wild Asian Leopard Cats and Domestic Shorthair cats. This pairing created a wild-looking domesticated cat.

Bengal cat Physical Attributes

Bengal cats have amazing spots that make them look similar to Leopards, Ocelots, and Jaguars. They have a long torso and sturdy yet frim boning. They are also very muscular.

Heads

Their heads are broad with rounded contours and are longer then it is wide. The head is slightly smaller in proportion to the rest of its body. They also have a strong chin and pronounced cheekbones.

Ears

Their ears are small to medium and are short with a wide base and rounded tops. They are closer to the side of the head then the middle and usually point forward when seen in profile.

Eyes

Bengal’s eyes are oval yet almost round. They are also large and set wide apart. Eye color is independent of coat color except in the lynx points.

Coat

The length of the Bengal coat is short to medium. The texture is dense and luxurious. The coat is usually soft or silky to the touch. The patterns are spotted or marbled. Their coats can be many colors from a brown tabby to a seal mink tabby to a silver lynx point.

Other Features

A Bengal cat’s legs are medium length and slightly longer in the back then in the front. Their feet are large round and have prominent knuckles. Their tails are a medium length and are thick with a tapered end that has a rounded tip.

Bengal Cat Personality

Though Bengal cats may look wild, they are actually a very lovable and friendly domestic cat breed. They are very people oriented and love playing. In fact, they are extremely energetic cats and since they are also full of curiosity they will spend time exploring and getting into your stuff.

Bengal cats are also very athletic and will climb to a high point in any room. You will want to invest in a good sturdy cat tree so that your Bengal can get up high without destroying your furniture.

Bengal cats also learn very quickly and can be trained to do tricks. You do want to be careful about how you train them as they have been known to learn how to turn on and off lights, open doors and some even can flush a toilet. This last trick may come in handy if you train your cat to use the toilet instead of the litter box, something some Bengals have been known to do.

Cost to adopt a Bengal Cat

Bengal cats are expensive; they can range from $1,500 to $3,000. The most costly Bengal cat costs $41,000. Her name is Cato, and her owner is Cindy Jackson.

Though you can adopt a Bengal for a little less than $1,500 you do want to be on the lookout for a good reputable breeder. Most good Bengal cat breeders will ask you a lot of questions, they want to make sure that their kitten is going into the right home. You should also be prepared with questions. If your not sure how to care for a Bengal cat, don’t be afraid to ask.