Bengal cats are incredibly curious about the world around them. As you read this article, you’ll learn all about their characteristics, colors, habits, and more. Read on to discover more about the Bengal cat and how you can care for one. It may surprise you to learn that they’re quite easy to train. If you’re looking for a cat for a family, a Bengal may just be the right choice.
Characteristics
One of the most distinguishing characteristics of Bengal cats is glitter, which is present on their coat from infancy until the age of sixteen weeks. The glitter is long guard hair that protects the kittens from predators. This fur also helps the cats camouflage in the wild. Bengal cats enjoy swimming and spending time in the water. However, they need a lot of care. Here are some tips to care for your Bengal cat.
Colors: Most Bengal cats are multicolored, but there are two basic patterns. These patterns are marbled and swirled. Marbled markings are characterized by multiple shades and can be as large as eight inches in length. Large, oval-shaped eyes are common among Bengal cats and have a sharp nocturnal vision. Dark spots are similar to leopard or jaguar spots but do not have a black outline.
The Seal Lynx point is the lightest of the three color variations. It is the result of the presence of two copies of the Siamese albino gene in their parents. Seal Lynx kittens are born white but develop contrast and dark coloring between two to three weeks. They have striking blue eyes. They can be any color, though some cats are white with brownish-pink patches. Some Bengals may also have white eyes.
Colors
The primary colors of Bengal cats are ivory, cream, or marble. They can have a mixture of colors, including black or white spots. They usually turn fully color at about 1.5 years of age, but some are also shown in black or tan color. This is an unusual color, and breeders must show caution if considering purchasing a black Bengal. This color is not approved by all association breeders.
The brown tabby Bengal cat is considered the original. This breed is a descendant of a wild cat in Malaysia, crossed with a black Abyssinian cat. This color is considered to be a rare, noble breed. It is also one of the most popular colors. Listed below are the four different colors of Bengal cats. You can also find kittens in a mixture of two colors. You can also find cats in all three of these colors.
Snow-colored Bengals come in three shades, seal mink, and ivory. Although it can be difficult to tell the difference between the three shades, a genetic test will help. The Snow Bengal has blue eyes, the seal mink has aqua-green eyes, and the other two have gold or green eyes. Interestingly, they also have copper-colored eyes. It’s important to remember that different Bengal breeds have different eye colors.
Habits
The common myth about Bengal cats is that they are aggressive. This is a misconception because Bengals are very playful, and their destructive behavior is usually the result of boredom. However, you can change these behaviors by offering your Bengal a toy or cat wheel to play with. Even better, you can get another cat for your Bengal to play with as well. Here’s how. Read on to learn more about Bengal cats’ common bad habits and how to handle them.
A Bengal cat enjoys the water, so if you have a bathtub, it will no doubt jump in. If you have a kiddie pool, you can even let your Bengal take a swim if you’re not careful. It doesn’t have to be a big pool, but it will have plenty of room to play with. If you don’t want your Bengal to get into the tub or shower, you can buy an enticing cat tree or purchase an aluminum foil cover.
If you have a Bengal cat, it may act out from boredom or loneliness. This is their way of entertaining themselves. They may claw on furniture or tip things off the counter. Even when they’re not acting out, they can become demanding and noisy. If you don’t take action right away, these problems can escalate. For example, your Bengal may be territorial and want to chase small animals. If you have a Bengal cat with this type of behavior, consider getting another cat.
Care
Taking care of a Bengal cat can be a difficult task. This exotic breed is not particularly fond of water, but once it gets used to it, they are surprisingly easy to bathe. Using damp cotton balls, gently dab your Bengal cat’s ears and eyes until they are clean. Afterward, rinse them off. Bengal cats can also be prone to developing parasites, so it is vital to take care of your pet regularly.
Despite their wild looks, Bengals are domesticated animals. In their wildest form, Bengals resemble a mix of a domestic cat and an Asian leopard. The breed is not commonly found in the wild and is a result of selective breeding. In the U.K., the breed is one of the most popular pedigreed felines. Listed below are some tips to care for your Bengal cat.
Introduce a Bengal cat to a companion. Bengals are highly social creatures and love to play with other cats, so it’s important to introduce your new pet carefully. You should feed your cats separately in separate rooms, and alternate them periodically so they can sniff each other’s scent. However, it’s important to avoid giving your Bengal cat a toy, as this will only stimulate his or her natural hunting instincts. Keeping these three tips in mind will help you provide the best possible home for your Bengal.
Care for a Bengal cat
When you choose a Bengal cat for your home, you are making a big commitment. This breed is intelligent, highly active, and extremely social. But you also have to be prepared for some challenges. Though Bengal cats are playful and intelligent, they can be very demanding about their diets. For this reason, you should make sure to provide plenty of playtime for them. Bengal cats love to climb and are fond of high places. They also like to play fetch and chase a ball. You can also take them on a leash walk. Bengals enjoy the water and will require an outdoor cat condo, catio, or cat tree.
However, Bengal cats should also have annual exams, as many breeds are prone to health problems that affect their eyesight. Among these health issues is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes the gradual deterioration of the cat’s retina. It eventually results in blindness, but there are no tests for the disease in Bengal breeding stock. Researchers have linked this condition to a lack of the chemical taurine, which Bengal cats need in higher amounts than other domestic cats.
A Bengal cat should eat a variety of foods, ranging from raw to cooked. As they like to explore and play, a Bengal cat will eat small amounts of food several times a day. A balanced diet of high-quality cat food will keep your Bengal happy and healthy. Feeding your Bengal cat four to five times per day is sufficient for normal activity, but remember to reduce their portions. If you can, consider purchasing a cat feeder.
Health concerns
Some health concerns of Bengal cats are inherited and can’t be avoided. Hereditary conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can cause premature blindness. However, responsible breeders take steps to detect problems early. Cataracts are opacities of the lens in the eye. Cats affected by cataracts can undergo surgical treatment. They may also develop cataracts if they are harmed by eye trauma or another disease.
Other common health problems include luxating patellas. This is a common disorder affecting Bengal cats. In a healthy cat, the kneecap sits in a groove called the trochlear groove. But in luxating patellas, the kneecap pops out of the groove, which results in lameness. In severe cases, it can progress to degenerative arthritis. Treatment for luxating patellas may involve surgery or an anesthetic.
Feline Bengals are especially susceptible to inherited genetic diseases. A genetic disorder called feline leukemia is also a concern. Although it is curable, it is impossible to eradicate the gene pool of Bengal cats. Cats with this disease must be vaccinated against it before adoption. Breeders are also required to test their Bengals to prevent them from contracting the disease. As such, it is important to research and understand the potential health concerns of Bengal cats.
Aside from being allergic to some of the common foods, Bengals are also prone to certain medical conditions. One such ailment is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which affects the left ventricle of the heart. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including death. Unlike dogs, Bengal cats don’t suffer from heart disease, but they do have a higher risk of developing kidney failure. These diseases can also lead to a poor appetite and several other symptoms, such as dermatitis.
