The Bengal: a spotted cat that looks like a leopard but in mignon size
Big cats fascinate because they are magnetic, elegant and imposing but as is well known, they must live in their natural habitats and it is not possible (fortunately for them) to keep or breed them indoors.
However, there is a compromise: the Bengal, a spotted-coat kitten that looks like a miniature leopard.
The Bengal is a hybrid born from a cross between a black domestic cat and a leopard cat.
What breed is the Bengal
The leopard cat(Prionailurus bengalensis) is an ancient wild cat native to southern and eastern Asia, the most common of all Asian small felids.
The first attempt to cross an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat dates back to 1963 when American geneticist Jean Mill set out to obtain a cat that traced the features and charm of Asian big cats.
Bengal o Asian Leopard Cat was later officially recognized by TICA (The International Cat Association) in 1983.
What Bengal cats are like
The typical Bengal leopard coat is the best-known feature of this feline.
The basic colors range from orange to golden, from dark yellow to sand, illuminated by golden highlights called “glitter” while there are two coat designs:
–marbledcalled “marbled“
– rosette called “spotted.”
The eyes, lips and nose are outlined with thin black lines just as the tip of the tail is also black.
As much as in DNA and appearance it possesses the characteristics of its wild relatives, the Bengal is an extremely friendly cat and not at all shy.
What is the character of the Bengal
Extremely lively, the Bengal is a cat that does not tolerate boredom and loves to climb and explore.
Unlike most cats, he also enjoys being in contact with water: if he has a small pool with a water bottom of a few inches, he has a great time.
And it’s not out of the question that you might find yourself in the shower.
As an inquisitive cat, he is capable of putting himself in risky situations: a great balancer and exceptional jumper, you have to make inaccessible to him anything that may pose a danger to his safety.
Identifies sources of danger to prevent any possible accidents
By virtue of these inclinations, it is good to remember that the indoor and outdoor environments in which it moves must be made more than safe and escape-proof: therefore, gardens, balconies, and windows should be properly equipped with fences, nets and mosquito nets..
Ideally, he should be paired with another kitty with whom he can play and have fun together: although friendly and sociable with humans, he suffers from a lack of company when he finds himself alone in the house, and a few cuddles on the way home from work are not enough to make him feel fulfilled.
The most frequently encountered diseases in Bengals.
Some hereditary issues have been identified in the breed:
- Anemia caused by a deficiency in the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which is necessary for the normal functioning of red blood cells
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) caused by a recessive gene that can cause blindness
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, generally hereditary
Remember that periodic checkups allow you to monitor your cat’s health, detecting any diseases early.
Regular vaccinations are another crucial aspect of cat health management, and finally, a balanced and nutritious diet promotes growth, development and disease prevention.
To refer your Bengal cat for a checkup, to set up the correct vaccine prophylaxis, or for a tailored feeding plan, contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always available to you.
We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.
