Bengal Cat

The Bengal is a relatively modern cat, developed in the 1990s in the USA by crossing the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis; a small, strikingly marked wild cat from South West Asia) with the domestic tabby cats and other short haired breeds such as the Abyssinian, Burmese, and Egyptian Mau. The original objective was to produce a pet cat with a sweet nature and resembling miniature leopard, as an alternative to dissuade people from keeping wild cats as pets. Prospective owners of Bengal kittens should note the ‘F number’, which indicates how many generations the kittens are away from the first cross. Be aware that a F1 (first cross between the wild cat and the domestic cat) requires a Dangerous Wild Animal Licence in the UK, however F2 onwards does not.

The Bengal would love to be an outdoor cat, however given their territorial nature with animals they have not been raised with, their speed, athleticism and taste for mayhem, it isn’t safe to unleash your Bengal on the wider world, or your neighbours. Provide a cat-secure garden or large outdoor cat run full of enrichment and various heights to give your Bengal some outdoor time unless you live deep in the countryside without close neighbours or busy roads.  
 

Such active and intelligent cats need to be given plenty to do, or they will amuse themselves in ways you may well not appreciate. A bored Bengal can easily turn to amusing themselves with hunting and predatory play - with other animals and humans often becoming their unwilling entertainment! Provide cat trees to give climbing opportunities, allow access to windows so they can supervise what is going on, feed from food dispensing toys and puzzles, and be ready to play with your Bengal for long hours. They can be social if introduced to other cats and family pets but do beware that two Bengals does not equal less work – if one Bengal can cause a bit of drama, two could cause absolute mayhem with a side order of chaos! 

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes. 

Easy to keep clean, the Bengal needs a brush through once a week as an opportunity to check for minor wounds, parasites and the general state of the coat. Doing this regularly is a good chance to bond with your cat and ensure they are fit and healthy. Greasy, scurfy coats can be the first sign your cat is unwell, and has stopped grooming themselves. As with all cats, this breed needs regular vaccinations, parasite control and annual health checks. 

If you have a good sense of humour, a large home and older children who can respect a cat’s space, the Bengal makes an entertaining companion. If you prefer a cat who lies about looking decorative, is quiet and undemanding then the Bengal is really not the cat for you!