According to some U.S. state laws, Bengals can be considered exotic pets if they are too closely related to the Asian Leopard Cat. In New York State, Bengals can only be housepets if they are at least five generations removed from this ancestor.
What is a Bengal cat?
In contrast to the British Shorthair, which is among the world’s oldest breeds, Bengal cats are a relatively modern breed of cat. The domestic cat and the Asian leopard cat were crossed to create the Bengal cat breed in the United States in the 1900s. The Bengal cat breed gained official recognition in 1983.
This cat has a rather unique appearance, temperament, and personality because of its recent history and close kinship with a wild ancestor! Bengals are sometimes compared to small-sized wild leopards in terms of behavior.
Is it worth it to get a Bengal cat?
One of the priciest breeds to purchase is a Bengal cat, which can run up to $3,000. They can also be very costly to own and require a lot of maintenance. The average lifespan of a Bengal is between 12 and 16 years, so before you purchase one, be sure you can afford it.
But, if a high price tag and expensive upkeep aren’t a concern, a Bengal cat could be a wonderful furry friend for you.
- Highly affectionate. Despite their recent turbulent past, these kinds of animal companions typically develop close relationships with their owners. If your Bengal cat enjoys cuddling up in bed with you or going everywhere with you—even the bathroom—don’t be shocked!
- Gets along with other pets. Bengal cats get along well with other household pets, just as they do with their humans. They are the perfect breed if you currently own pets or want to get one in the future. Just remember to abide by the basic guidelines when bringing new cats into the home to ensure a healthy transition for your Bengal and your other pet.
- Dog-like traits. Bengal cats have a lot of personality traits in common with dogs! This means that Mr. Whiskers will enjoy going for daily walks if he is trained from an early age. Getting your Bengal to walk frequently outside the house with a harness and leash can be a terrific way to use their boundless energy. Bengals can also pick up tricks and quickly adjust to new environments, just like dogs.
- Entertaining. Bengal cats are very entertaining to own because they enjoy attention and giving performances for large crowds. This is one of the benefits of having a Bengal cat. You’ll be in constant interaction with Mr. Whiskers, and his antics will make you cautious.
Although owning a Bengal cat has many benefits, this breed is not for the timid. Before you consider buying one, make sure you do a lot of research and speak with an informed breeder.
- Gets lonely easily. This breed struggles when left alone at home for extended periods of time. Therefore, a Bengal cat might not be the best fur friend for you if you spend a lot of time away from home at work. If you decide to get a Bengal, be sure to arrange for a reputable cat sitter to visit your cat and spend time with it while you’re away on vacation. Seek out a nanny who can come over several times a day or even spend the night in your house. This will guarantee that your Bengal is well-cared for and does not become agitated due to loneliness.
- Mischievous. Bengal cats have a high level of energy, so they’re usually always moving. They will find their way everywhere, so make sure to clear your home of any hazards that could pose a risk to cats. Bengal cats are also more likely to scratch your carpets and furniture because they require constant stimulation. Don’t get upset if this happens. It’s just in their nature, so keep that in mind and give your Bengal lots of scratch pads, posts, and engaging toys to help them focus their energy in a constructive way.
- High energy. Bengals have an intriguing characteristic in that they are more active than other furry friends, despite the fact that cats are generally known for sleeping a lot. They thrive best in outdoor environments where they can climb trees and get lots of exercise, and they have a high demand for entertainment. Sadly, this also implies that these cats are unfit to live in apartments.
- Get bored easily. Bengals are also known for their high levels of energy, which makes them easily bored. You should not only provide them with lots of toys to play with (see this article about hazardous toys for cats), but you might also need to replace their toys on a regular basis with new ones. Since Bengal cats are picky about entertainment, this may put a strain on your finances. Additionally, you’ll need to allocate more time for daily playtime with your cat than you would with other cat breeds.
Ulcerative nasal dermatitis edit
The first description of a distinct type of ulcerative dermatitis that affects Bengal cats’ nasal planum (also known as rhinorium or nose leather) dates back to 2004. [30] The illness initially appears in children between the ages of 4 and 12 months. It starts as a dry scale and develops into the crusts and fissures that are characteristic of hyperkeratosis. Although the precise cause is unknown, the condition is thought to be inherited and incurable but can benefit from topical steroid treatments like tacrolimus ointment and prednisolone. [30].
FAQ
Is a Bengal cat exotic?
Why are Bengal cats special?
Are Bengals illegal in some states?