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Bengal
Featured Breed
Prudent Pet Loves Bengal
Appearing similar to the Leopard, the Bengal cat derives from the wild Asian leopard cat and the Egyptian Mau.
The Bengal is a surprisingly new breed, they were first bred in the 1970s by Jean Mill, a professional cat breeder. She created the first known Bengal cat after studying genetics at the University of California, Davis. After Mill’s creation, other breeders began creating Bengal cats.
Earlier generations of Bengal cats are often considered foundational cats, thus leaving them often infertile. Undesirable qualities are bred out of the foundational Bengals, and generations later, they can finally begin to reproduce. Because of their close distinction to the wild Asian leopard cat, the Bengal cat is prohibited in Washington and Colorado, while some generations are illegal in New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, and Indiana.
bred for:
Domesticated cat
origins:
California, USA, 1970s
A fluffy kitten
About Bengal
Despite being bred with a wild cat, the Bengal is a tamed house cat.
They love to run around, chase toys, and climb the most impossible structures. It’s also no secret that they’re mischievous little creatures, Bengal cats can easily create disaster around your home. You always have to keep an eye on these little fellas at all times.
Oddly enough, these furry little cats act similar to dogs and can be seen on a leash. Many owners have trained Bengals to walk on a leash to explore the great outdoors without escaping into the wild. Due to their energetic nature, Bengal cats must continually need food to nourish their bodies. Burning calories running around the house for 45-minutes can have an effect on an animal.
Owning a Bengal
Bengal Health
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Major Bengal Health Concerns
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Minor Bengal Health Concerns
Cataracts
At a glance
Bengal Characteristics
Height
Females: 8-10 inches
Males: 8-10 inches
Weight
Females: 6-12 lbs.
Males: 10-18 lbs.
Very Active
These leopard kitties may even live as long as their fully domesticated counterparts - approximately 12 to 16 years.
Pet insurance for Bengals is generally comparable in price to pet insurance for Siamese cats.
Since this breed could develop health issues over time due to their longevity, it is important to get pet insurance for Bengals within the first year.
Looking to rescue a Bengal cat? Here are some of the top Bengal rescues in the country:
