Want To Know About The Bengal Cat?

The Bengal Cat, contrary to belief does not originate from the Bengal Tiger species. Its name has come from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cat or ALC. This breed is unrelated to the Bengal Cats ancestry. They have been bred with a wildcat to produce this new breed. The Bengal Cat was first bred by Jean Sudgen Mills, the person who later became the greatest influence of the development of the modern Bengal, and Greg and Elizabeth Kent in the year 1982. This cat was bred by mating a domestic cat with a feral Indian Mau on one end and an Egyptian Mau on the other. The international Cat Association took some time to recognize it as a registered cat breed, but today it is one of the most popular registered breeds.

So What Makes The Bengal Cat Different?

These cats are not your domestic cat types. The Bengal Cat has a face filled with horizontal stripes, known as mascara that runs along from the eye to the back of the neck. They have jaguar like spots on their back and sides, and the rest of its body is marked with symmetrical stripes. They come in various color patterns, but the most recognized patterns and colors of the Bengal Cat are: the Brown Spotted Tabby, the Brown Marbled Tabby, Seal Spotted Lynx Point, Seal Marbled Lynx Point, Seal Mink Spotted Tabby, Seal Mink Marbled Tabby, Seal Sepia Spotted Tabby and Seal Sepia Marbled Tabby. They sometimes also have a gold dust known as glitter on their bodies. They are known to be very vocal, and they sound different from other cat breeds too. Since they were bred with a wildcat, some of the earlier generations inherited a ferocious temperament, but with efforts, nowadays gentler versions of the cat are being bred. Their nature is very typical to that of an active and lively cat, but it is known to remain happy on its own. They are known to live for about 12-16 years. Bengal cats are hybrid cats that have been crossbred for generations. This cross breeding always happens between domestic cats and wildcats from the ALC family. Breeders have been constantly trying to breed newer variations of this cat, which will have specific characteristics.

Diet And Maintenance Of The Bengal Cat

Proper care needs to be taken to ensure your pet Bengal Cat keeps healthy and well. A diet free from human food such as beef or chicken should be given to Bengal Cats who are less than four months old. This will prevent them from eating off your plate. They can be given dry or wet canned food. Also, cow's milk is not advisable for the kittens. Instead, give them specialized cat milk, available in pet stores. You should also not feed your Bengal Cat fish, especially tuna, as it is might cause him rubber-jaw, a form of osteoporosis, due to Vitamin E deficiency.

They are easy to maintain, but please remember not to force it to come inside the house when it doesn't want to, or give it a bath forcibly. These are the occasions when it might turn ferocious. Give it adequate love, and care. You will not be disappointed. Also, keep a note of diseases like FIP, and also Neutering and Spaying if required. A Bengal Cat can be your prized possession, if you take good care of it.