First, they are quite smart and entertaining. Second, they are remarkably healthy and require little, if any grooming. Finally, they are actually more dog-like in nature than other domestic breeds. Bengals will walk on a leash, love to be trained, they love to take baths and play fetch! The beauty of the domestic Bengal cat is simply undeniable. Keep reading to learn more about this breed and how to care for a Bengal cat.
Bengal cats have such unique characteristics, both with regard to appearance and behavior, that you will want to ensure you get a Bengal from a reputable breeder.
How to Care for a Bengal Cat
When the coat of a Bengal cat does not come out at show quality, some Bengal kittens may be available at a much reduced price. If you are not going to show your cat, you can still enjoy the benefits of a Bengal's personality, provided that the breeding stock is of high quality. As you can see in the photo to the right, our Romeo's coat is not as rich and beautiful as the photo above. Yet, he has all the characteristics of a Bengal cat's personality and health. Be sure to research ahead of time to purchase only from a reputable Bengal cat breeder.
This person or organization will provide a written health guarantee, can demonstrate optimum cattery conditions, and should belong to professional associations. You can generally tell by the condition of the grounds and the breeder's personality whether they love cats and wish to ensure the highest quality kittens are available. Better yet, check to see if there are Bengal cat rescue organizations in the area. Volunteers are usually quite knowledgeable about the breed. Take added pleasure in knowing that you adopted a rescue cat. In a related hub, I set forth the following information about the Bengal Cat Breed, which has been recognized as a registered breed since The Bengal breed i s fully domesticated, although it was originally bred from a cross between an Asian Leopard Cat a small, wild cat that lives in forests and a "regular" domestic cat breed such as Abyssinian, American Shorthair, or Burmese.
Now, only its markings are wild-looking. Despite their name, Bengal cats are not related to Bengal Tigers. They are not unusually large, wild or dangerous. Heritage is one aspect of Bengal cats.
Not only do they generally have beautiful, velvet-soft coats, but they are more active, affectionate and engaged than other domesticated cats. Compared with ordinary domestic cats, Bengal cats differ in the following ways, which means that you must approach caring for this breed in a unique manner:.
Bengal cats are "made" differently than their other domestic cat cousins. The shape of their face and their ears have an exotic appearance. They are generally stronger and more athletic than other cat breeds, too. A cat that loves to play in water or even swim? Yet, Bengal cats are renowned for their love of the water.
They may even jump into the bathtub or shower with you! These cats are high energy!
The Guide to Owning a Bengal Cat: History, Character, Breeding, Showing, Health by Jean S. Mill
Plus they are extremely bright and engaging. Forget what you might think about lazy cats, lounging around all day. If you are thinking about getting a Bengal cat, be sure to plan to engage them so they do not get bored and potentially destructive! This is my favorite trait of the Bengal cat. They are very affectionate, friendly and loyal.
- Bad Girl (Teenage Blues Series Book 4).
- Participants Of SpiderLake;
- .
- ?
- Guide to Owning a Bengal Cat by Jean S. Mill.
Not your typical affective pet. A Bengal will greet you and interact with you much like a dog. Bengals are very trainable because they are smart, agile and loyal. Just watch the first video above. Can you believe a cat that can be trained to roll over, walk on hind legs and heel next to its owner? One look at a Bengal and you know you are seeing an exotic cat breed. Their amazingly soft coat is adorned with "wild markings" such as rosettes, sots and stripes. You are probably familiar with the different needs of various breeds of dogs.
For example, Labs need to run, Terriers are excitable and like to bark and dig, Beagles tend to howl and may be neurotic. Now, apply that thinking to various breeds of cats. Granted, there is not quite as pronounced a difference among domestic cat breeds. Yet, with a cat as unique as a Bengal, you will want to consider the following tips when integrating them into your home:.
Sign in or sign up and post using a HubPages Network account. Comments are not for promoting your articles or other sites. I have a Bengal who is not a full year yet and would love to train her is it possible or did I wait to long she was born last April? My Bengal listens better than my dog.
- Did You Know?!
- Why Not Me?.
- Guide to Owning a Bengal Cat;
- Make Sure you Get a Bengal Cat from a Reputable Breeder.
- How to Care for a Bengal Cat | PetHelpful!
She rides well in the car, comes w me on vacation, comes when I call, even taught her to run the bases on a baseball field. My son has one. Kindle Edition , 64 pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about Guide to Owning a Bengal Cat , please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about Guide to Owning a Bengal Cat. Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Pete Welsby lswpp lsinwp rated it really liked it Apr 07, Helen Salem rated it it was amazing Apr 10, Sathapanic Sriprom rated it it was amazing Jan 15, Caroline Wood rated it it was ok Mar 28, Trim the nails as needed, usually weekly.
Check the ears every week for redness or a bad smell that could indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Brush his teeth frequently at home with a vet-approved pet toothpaste and schedule veterinary cleanings as needed.
Start brushing, nail trimming and teeth brushing early so your kitten becomes accepting of this activity. You want your Bengal to be happy and healthy so you can enjoy your time with him, so do your homework before you bring him home. For more information on the history, personality and looks of the Bengal, or to find breeders, visit the websites of the Fanciers Breeder Referral List and The International Cat Association. Choose a breeder who has performed the health certifications necessary to screen out genetic health problems to the extent that is possible, as well as one who raises kittens in the home.
Kittens who are isolated can become fearful and skittish and may be difficult to socialize later in life. Red flags include kittens always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any kitten, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders.
See a Problem?
Disreputable breeders and unhealthy catteries can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. Put at least as much effort into researching your kitten as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Depending on what you are looking for, you may have to wait six months or more for the right kitten to be available. Many breeders won't release kittens to new homes until they are between 12 and 16 weeks of age. Before you buy a kitten, consider whether an adult Bengal might be a better choice for your lifestyle.
If you are interested in acquiring an adult cat instead of a kitten, ask breeders about purchasing a retired show or breeding cat or if they know of an adult cat who needs a new home. Check the listings on Petfinder , Adopt-a-Pet. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Bengals available on Petfinder across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a cat.
Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Bengal. That includes vets, cat sitters, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a cat, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Networking can help you find a cat that may be the perfect companion for your family.
Most people who love Bengals love all Bengals. A Bengal rescue network can help you find a cat that may be the perfect companion for your family.
The Guide to Owning a Bengal Cat: History, Character, Breeding, Showing, Health
You can also search online for Bengal rescues in your area. You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a cat. Wherever you acquire your Bengal, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a cat from a shelter.
Kitten or adult, take your Bengal to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and…. Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? Not sure about food puzzles? Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work. The friendly and inquisitive LaPerm has an easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more. Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash.