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Bengal Cat – the Mini Leopard on the Sofa

The Bengal cat is also called Bengal Cat or Leopardette. It may look like a miniature cat of prey, but it is one of the particularly friendly pedigree cats. Not only is she beautiful, but she is also very cuddly and loves to play. Due to its clever and enterprising nature, the pedigree cat places very special demands on its owner. If you give your Bengal cat enough space, attention, and entertainment, you may find her the ideal roommate.

The character of Bengal Cat

Although their predatory exterior might lead you to believe you’re dealing with a snarling tomboy, Bengals prove to be particularly affectionate. The Bengal cat has a lot to “tell” you because it is extremely communicative and chats extensively with coos and meows. She also appreciates physical contact: she wants to cuddle all the time and accompanies her people everywhere.

Bengal Cat: Attitude

In addition, the Bengal cat is an active sportswoman well into old age: she is extremely strong in jumping. Doing nothing and lying around lazily is not for them. When it gets boring, the Bengal cat looks for something to do and doesn’t hesitate to open cupboards, clear out shelves, and “re-decorate” its surroundings. It is therefore not advisable to keep a single Bengal cat as an indoor cat. If the cat has to be left alone for a long time during the day, it needs a playmate. Anyway, the Bengal cat is not an animal for pure housing. She is happiest when she is outdoors, which is why at least one outdoor enclosure should be available.

As the owner of a Bengal cat, you are challenged: Your housemate always needs stimulation and action in the form of hunting games, skill exercises, and learning little tricks. Clicker training is usually a lot of fun for docile Bengal cats. You need varied and mentally demanding work to stay active and fit. A wide range of different toys and climbing facilities should be available.

Care of the Bengal cat

You don’t have to spend a lot of time grooming your pet. The Bengal cat is very clean and keeps its own fur in order. However, she enjoys being brushed, which is why you should treat the cat to this wellness once a week. Watch out for ectoparasites like ticks, mites, and fleas while grooming. However, one of the most annoying but not life-threatening pests that nests in the digestive tract of the Leopardette are an endoparasite: the “Tritrichomonas fetus”. It is transmitted through the feces of an infected conspecific and causes long-lasting diarrhea (tritrichomonosis). The cat usually shows no other symptoms. If diarrhea lasts longer than a few days, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian, as prolonged diarrhea can be life-threatening. The diarrhea is treated with antibiotics.

Bengal cat: colors

The most striking thing about the Bengal cat is its spectacularly patterned fur: it can be spotted or marbled; a tiger pattern is considered undesirable. This also explains the outdated name Leopardette. The permitted colors of the Bengal cats range from brown, snow, and silver.

History of the Bengal Cat

The Bengal cat has only been recognized as a separate breed by the breeders’ umbrella organization FIFe since 1999 but has been bred in the USA since the 1960s. Back then, geneticist Jean Mill was trying to save the endangered Asian leopard cat, a true wild cat. She crossed the wild cats with short-haired domestic cats and laid the foundation for Bengal cat breeding with these hybrids. Today, pedigree cats are only bred homozygous, no more wild or domestic cats are crossed. Bengal cats are slim and muscular and grow relatively large: tomcats can weigh up to six kilograms and reach a shoulder height of up to 40 centimeters.

Peculiarities of the Bengal cat

Bengal cats have a curious trait: they love water. So treat your room leopard to a paddling pool. Her fascination with water, inherited from her wild progenitors, goes so far that even bathtubs and aquariums are not safe from her.

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