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The Bengal Cat: Unveiling the Unique Traits, Care Guide, and Pricing of the Bengal Cat

The Bengal cat is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and expensive cat breeds in the world today. With their exotic looks and captivating presence, these felines have captivated cat enthusiasts and breeders alike. But what exactly is a Bengal cat? Join us as we explore the origins, unique characteristics, and specific care requirements of this extraordinary breed.

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12 July, 2024

Nowadays, pet ownership is not just a hobby, but also a way to express one’s class and wealth. Bengal cats are known to be one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world due to their distinctive leopard-like appearance.

To own a Bengal cat, one must spend a significant amount of money. If you also want to own one of these noble cats, don’t miss out on the following article.

1What is a Bengal Cat?

Bengal cat, also known as the leopard cat

The Bengal cat, also known as the leopard cat, originated in the United States in the 19th century and is the result of crossbreeding between the Asian wildcat and the American domestic cat. The name “Bengal” is derived from the scientific name of the purebred Asian cat – Felis Bengalensis.

2Physical Characteristics of Bengal Cats

Bengal cats have a muscular and robust build, with a long body, small legs, but large and thick paws similar to their ancestors. In contrast to their plump body, the head of the Bengal cat is slender and small. Their eyes are large, round, and usually a shimmering emerald green. The ears are large and erect. The tail is long and slender.

The unique feature that adds to the value of Bengal cats is their leopard-like coat pattern. The fur is short and very soft. There are three common colors: black marble, brown, and silver. However, through crossbreeding with other cat breeds to create gene mutations, Bengal cats can also have white or silver fur, but these colors are rare and the cats may not be as purebred.

When fully grown, Bengal cats can reach a length of 45 to 60 cm (excluding the tail) and weigh between 4 and 7 kg, specifically:

Male Bengal cats weigh between 4.5 and 6.8 kg.
Female Bengal cats weigh between 3.6 and 5.5 kg.

3Personality Traits of Bengal Cats

Despite their wild origins, Bengal cats have been domesticated and are very affectionate. Like other cat breeds, Bengal cats enjoy being petted, cuddled, and played with by their owners. They are also friendly towards other animals and gentle when playing with young children.

Inheriting traits from their wildcat ancestors, Bengal cats are very agile, intelligent, and tend to be mischievous at night.

Despite their fierce and unapproachable appearance, Bengal cats have a very intelligent, clever, and extremely affectionate personality.

4Classification of Bengal Cats

In the market, Bengal cats come in many colors, but only three colors are recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA): brown, white, and silver.

5Bengal Cat Price and Where to Buy

How much does a Bengal cat cost?

In Vietnam, Bengal cats are not common, so to own one, you need to spend a minimum of 7 million VND for a cat born in Vietnam.

For imported breeds, the price is higher, usually not less than $1000. The price also depends on the color of the fur, with rarer colors demanding a higher price.

Currently, in Vietnam, Bengal cats are quite rare, mainly found in the northern provinces like Hanoi. In Hanoi, you can refer to Dogily Petshop Tay Ho (209 Nuoc Phan Lan Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi) for purchasing a Bengal cat, or if you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you can check out Dogily Petshop Phu Nhuan (63/14 Le Van Sy Street, Ward 13, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City).

6How to Care for a Bengal Cat

What do Bengal Cats Eat?

Similar to other cat breeds, you can feed Bengal cats with a combination of wet and dry food, adjusting the portions according to their growth stage to avoid overweight issues.

In a daily meal for a Bengal cat, meat should make up about 80%. In addition to meat, it is necessary to supplement their diet with seafood such as salmon, cod, and dairy products like yogurt.

However, you should avoid feeding Bengal cats sugary foods, fish and chicken bones, and uncooked eggs, as they can affect their digestion. It is also important to regularly clean their eating utensils to ensure a healthy digestive system.

How to Keep Bengal Cats Active?

Bengal cats love climbing, so create a space for them to climb and explore, or they will find their own places to climb, which may not be to your liking. Install a cat tower near a window so they can climb up and observe the world outside for entertainment.

Bengal cats do not enjoy being alone

Bengal cats are beautiful, expensive, not picky eaters, and do not shed excessively. However, when considering getting a Bengal cat, you should take into account their personality traits and whether your living conditions are suitable, as not every cat breed is suitable for everyone. Specifically:

If your family has very young children, a Bengal cat may not be the best choice. Young children may unintentionally harm the cat, making it uncomfortable, and the cat may react negatively when feeling bullied.

If you are a busy person and don’t have much time to play with a Bengal cat daily, it is not advisable to get one. Bengal cats can get bored and destructive if left alone for extended periods as they are affectionate and crave attention. They do not enjoy being alone.

You should play with them or provide toys to keep them entertained and ensure they get enough daily exercise for their overall development.

In the 1960s in the United States, the crossbreeding of wildcats and domestic cats by Jean Mill and Dr. Wilard Centerwall resulted in the birth of leopard-spotted cats. These cats were named Bengal cats, derived from the scientific name of the Asian wildcat, Felis Bengalensis. In 1983, the Bengal cat was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA)

I hope this article has provided you with valuable information about this unique cat breed, and I wish you luck in finding your perfect feline companion!

Frequently asked questions

Bengal cats are known for their distinctive coat patterns and vibrant colors, ranging from brown to silver, charcoal, and even snow. They have a muscular build, with strong, powerful legs and a long, sturdy tail. Their heads are often characterized by a distinct ‘M’ pattern, and their eyes can be green, gold, or a vivid shade of blue.

Bengal cats are highly intelligent, active, and playful, making them great companions for families with children and other pets. They thrive on human interaction and can be easily trained to do tricks or walk on a leash. However, due to their high energy levels and natural hunting instincts, supervision is recommended when introducing them to smaller pets or young children.

Bengal cats require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath will keep their fur healthy and shiny. They are generally a healthy breed but, like all cats, benefit from regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet. Providing them with plenty of toys and opportunities for exercise is also important to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

The price of a Bengal cat can vary depending on several factors, including the cat’s lineage, coat pattern and color, and the breeder’s location. On average, you can expect to pay between $1500 to $3000 for a well-bred Bengal kitten. Show-quality cats or those with rare coat patterns may demand higher prices.