Let’s weigh the pros and cons of the Bengal cat breed. If the difference compared to a regular cat? 4.5 years experience
Good day to you all! ☼
A little backstory:
I wanted a cat for a long time. But somehow it did not add up. And now, on the eve of my next birthday, I clearly decided that I wanted to have such a miracle at home!
Searching the Internet, I came across a then unknown to me breed – Bengal cat.
Bengal cat, Bengal is a hybrid of domestic and wild Bengal cat. Today, the Bengal cat breed is recognized by almost all felinological associations, and Bengal catteries are spread all over the world.
After reading a little about this breed, I decided to price and find out how much you can buy a kitten of this breed on Avito.
There were not many offers, starting around $500 and above. The price seemed to me more than adequate and after contacting the breeder I went to get my gift.
It took a long time for the cat to get used to its new home and new parents. The first night he cried a lot and called for his mother.
It was not until the third day that he came out of hiding and decided to meet the residents of the house.
I didn’t even have to think about a name. The cat has already been given the name Ocean Erix Remy Martin (at home he just calls himself Martin). By the way, Ocean Erix is the beginning of the nickname of his father, grandfather and great grandfather… The breeder in question had his trademark so that the litter could be traced.
A vet book was also included with the kitten.
Since, the cat at the time of purchase was already 4 months old, all the necessary vaccinations by this date have been put.
The appearance of the Bengal breed
Bengal cats, larger than the average cat. Have long paws and torso. Males look significantly larger than females, and the weight class, as they have different. Our cat is considered to be petite, its length, almost minimal for this breed, only 72cm. And weight is 4,5 kg. But all the same, he moves around the house as a “sausage”, on long legs 😆.
The color of the Bengal breed
The main distinguishing feature of the Bengal is considered – its unusual color. On the yellow-brown coat, there are dark rosette spots, which are individual for each cat/cat. There are no 100% identical specimens. It’s like a human fingerprint.
The coloration is very similar to that of a leopard.
Rosettes (black spots) are located absolutely all over the body. And even if the cat is shaved, dark spots will still be visible on the skin 😏.
Hair in the Bengal breed
The hair of the Bengal breed is shorter than that of regular cats, very thick and silky, and burns like gold in the sun.
The appearance of the Bengal breed
- The head is wedge-shaped. Highly planted large ears, which are rounded to the end. And long vibrissae (whiskers).
- The eyes are large, round. Most often found in yellow, or green. But in nature there are also blue-eyed. I have not seen these (only in photos).
- The body – long and muscular, the cats of this breed are unusually strong (apparently affected by genes of wild ancestors).
- Paws are long, so that cats look unusually tall.
Hind paws slightly longer than front. - The tail is very long. And with dark rings along its entire length, the tail tip is always black. Another peculiarity, in Bengal cats, the tip of the tail is broken (always curved to one side).
Character of the Bengal breed
Bengals are very social, and even though they are naturally fearful, we should not forget that this is still a wild cat.
Our cat, as soon as he hears that guests have come, immediately runs to find a secluded place, sits and listens for a long time, whether the person is a danger to him? As soon as the danger is over, he curiously goes out to get acquainted. And to scratch his face.
Bengal cats are insanely curious. They accompany their owner absolutely everywhere. It is impossible to do a single thing where Martin has not stuck his nose.
That’s how I take my bath. Martin always makes sure that nothing happens to me.
But something interesting appeared on his way, and he immediately stared at it with curiosity – the gaze of a hunter.
This must be the only breed of cat that is not afraid of water at all. Rather, it enjoys taking a bath.
He will not dive into the bathtub full of water, but will cautiously creep up to the desired goal. Carefully moving his paws to a safe place.
Bengal cats are absolutely not tame. If you expect to “cuddle” them, expect the cat to let you know right away that it is better not to do so. No, they are not aggressive, but they will not sit in your arms. This is a proud and freedom-loving animal.
The main characteristic of the Bengal cat is extraordinary playfulness and energy. To some extent, even hyperactivity.
Playing with a ball or kicking off, on all fumes, is a favorite pastime. While playing, it is advisable to get all the bumpy things out of the way of this mini Horse! 🐎.
Another favorite activity is to run after a piece of paper, waiting for the owner/mistress to throw the crumpled paper on the floor and drag it back in his teeth, reminding him of a dog.
Sometimes he takes up strange poses – trying to wrestle with the blanket.
Bengal breeds terribly do not like to drink water from small dishes. Apparently their long whiskers (vibrissae) get wrapped up and make them uncomfortable.
You can’t cheat nature. There are no bowls in nature, only large and open bodies of water.
Advantages of the Bengal breed
- Cats do not have seasonal shedding. If you suddenly notice wisps of hair in a large volume, that’s a reason to see a veterinarian.
- Since the breed is carnivorous, hunting is an integral part of a cat’s life. Our Martin does not leave the house, but can sit for hours on the window sill and track pigeons outside the window. And if a fly flies into the house, it is better to hide valuable and breakable things far away, it sweeps away everything in its path. He also does not mind to hunt for a two-year old child sometimes, or jump out from behind the corner at the mistress.
- Bengals are unusually clean. The cat has three basic states: sleeping, playing, or washing. As soon as the cat gets into a quiet position, he immediately begins to clean his fur. It is extremely easy to train this breed to the litter box. They understand from birth where they can go to the litter box.
- Cats/Bengal breed cats are very friendly and devoted to their owners. They are good with children, but they do not allow themselves to be petted. They gladly play catch-up or hide-and-seek with children, but they won’t tolerate being dragged by the tail. Gently paw (without removing the claws).
Disadvantages of the Bengal breed
- High cost of the breed. The cheapest kitten, will cost you at least $ 500. Without pedigree and most likely not purebred.
- Not to say that the Bengal cats are fastidious in food, but at the expense of the weak gastrointestinal tract, food suits him only premium class (our Martin eats Landor or Farmina). The price of these foods, greatly affects the wallet.
- Cats love to dig in the litter box. Ours will not go to an empty litter box, apparently, again said his cleanliness and fear to soak his paws 😏. Because of this order in the house can not wait, all the stuffing cat scatters around the house, not forgetting to walk on the bed.
- The breed is very active, I would even say hyperactive. Therefore, the cat should diversify its leisure time. The house should have enough toys, otherwise the cat will get bored and begin to tear the furniture to get your attention.
- Cats are very jealous. When a small child appeared in the house, attention to the cat significantly diminished and he, offended, stopped “communicating” with us. But after some time he got used to the new tenant and began to play around with the child. Though he was offended at us, but never hurt the child, he could bite a bit the leg or hand of the owner/mistress, thus reminding him of himself.
- Bengals are highly susceptible to various diseases, in particular it is one of the breeds that is susceptible to allergic dermatitis.
Martin licks himself to bloody sores. I’ll put the photo away in quotes so as not to shock people.
P.S. In conclusion, our cat can not jump at all. The maximum height is limited to the height of the couch. A table or window sill for him not able to. (I have not decided whether this is a minus or a plus.)
Conclusion
Of course, it’s very hard to advise you to buy a Bengal breed, because we are all different. And then there were no nuances, such as “did not meet the characters,” you need to 100 times to weigh the pros and cons of the breed.
Yes, sometimes we want the cat to be tame, to put it on our laps and stroke or just to stroke this “soft cushion”. But we always remember that he is a member of our family and he has his own character and his own desires. And we can only help him be happy in our home.
