Bengal

Photo: adult cat of Bengal breed
© PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek / Shutterstock
Photo: adult cat of Bengal breed
© LElik83 / Shutterstock

These cats turn heads with their beauty and boundless energy. They combine grace and elegance and no one can ignore these beautiful cats. They are just like little leopards thanks to their physique and temperament. When you buy a Bengal, you have to be prepared to live with a small tornado! If you like peace and quiet, you probably shouldn’t buy a Bengal, because they will put you through the wringer! On the other hand, if you are prepared to face up to the storm, you’ll have an incredible time with this little leopard and they guarantee hours of play and laughter!

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Life expectancy

The Bengal has a life expectancy of between 10 and 16 years

Temperament

Adult size

Female Approximately 14 in
Male Approximately 14 in

Adult weight

Female Between 9 and 13 lb
Male Between 11 and 15 lb
Coat colour
Brown
Type of coat
Short
Eye colour
Green
Blue
Yellow

Purchase price

The Bengal costs between £400 and £1500

Good to know

Bengal are hybrid cats, that come from the cross breeding of a wild cat and a domestic cat. There are several generations (from F1 to F5) but F1 to F3 cannot be used in competition. Interestingly, the Indian (Bengali) Leopard (from the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent) was reportedly used for feline leukemia research. It appears that this breed is immune to the disease that is usually fatal in cats. Through the hybridisation process, researchers have been able to track the genetics of their immune systems.

More details about the Bengal

Bengal: Origins and history

Man’s fascination with wild cats has existed for a very long time. In 1963, a woman named Jean S. Mill decided to cross a domestic cat with a wild cat, an Indian (Bengali) leopard. Therefore the breed name was given to pay homage to the feline which made it possible to create the breed. The idea was to get a sweet and friendly cat with the look and physique of a leopard or jaguar. Dr. Mill was entrusted by Davis University in California with 8 hybrid females that had been used for feline leukemia research. Crosses with different breeds have also been made (eg. with Egyptian Mau and Burmese) to avoid incest. The breed as we know it today dates back to the '80s, (more precisely 1985) when Mrs. Mill entered one of her Bengals into a competition. It was obviously a great success and TICA recognized the breed that following year.

Bengal: Purchase price

On average, Bengal kittens cost between £400 and £1500. Their price varies depending on their lineage, age and even their sex. They cost around £35 / month to look after, in order to keep them in good health, and to feed them with good quality food.

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Frequently asked questions

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  • Anonymous user
    Anonymous user
    I love Bengal cats, I am enjoying my TigerLilly. She's talkative but cute, loving, intelligent, active, and playful. I just want another female kitten so my TigerLilly has a companion to play with.
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