Bengal Characteristics
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A Bengal cat is a little wonder of nature! He is a hybrid cat, a cross between the domestic cat and the Asian leopard (Prionailurus Bengalensis), a small wild cat found in Asia and more particularly in the Bengal region. The result of this fusion is spectacular: a mini leopard with the exotic look of the Asian Leopard and the loving temperament of the domestic cat!
Despite how wild a Bengal looks on the outside, he's soft and sweet on the inside. These affectionate little leopards love companionship, although they may christen a lucky family member as their favorite "human". Bengals do great with children, other cats, and with family dogs. The key, however, is early socialization and exposure to household members at a young age. If you try to introduce a new pet to older Bengals already set in their ways, you might have a challenge on your hands.
Because Bengals are an intelligent and curious breed, they need constant stimulation to keep them engaged. They love playing with toys and also love playing in water! It is not unusual for a Bengal to jump in the shower or enjoy a shallow tub bath. Bengals can be taught tricks, such as: how to walk on a leash for outdoor adventures and how to understand & follow verbal commands.
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Bengal cats also love to talk especially to their owners. They won't meow excessively, but they are pros at communicating exactly what they need, especially if it is food or play time. One of the most important times of the day for a Bengal is when their "human" comes home from work. A Bengal will be ready to socialize with their "human" when you return home from a long day of work. You can expect a royal greeting, complete with a serenade.
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Bengal cats are a graceful and agile breed and generally weigh between 8–15 pounds. They are prized for their dense, short coats that are boldly patterned in different shades of brown, snow, and silver. Their fur is super soft and silky to the touch, feeling a bit like bunny hair. The most common eye colors found in Bengal cats are brown, yellow, blue, and green.
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A Bengal cat's coat is one of the primary characteristics that sets him apart from all other felines. In fact, Bengals are the only breed that can have rosette markings that directly reflect their wild Asian Leopard ancestry. Spotted or marbled coats are also popular and just as gorgeous. A Bengals fur is so short, it only requires brushing to remove loose hair and dead skin cells once weekly.
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Although Bengal cats weigh about the same as a typical house cat, they're generally larger in size because of their long, muscular bodies. Their lengthy legs make them excellent jumpers, so don't be surprised if you find your Bengal staring down at you from shelves and countertops.
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