What could be better than coming home where a devoted and faithful furry friend will be waiting for you. Getting a pet is not as simple a decision as it seems at first glance. You need to weigh the pros and cons, but if you decide, here are some tips for choosing a Bengal cat that may be useful to you.
The first thing you need to mentally prepare for is the price. You need to understand that these cats are purebred, as it is now fashionable to say, elite, and the price for them is appropriate. The cost of Bengal cats in Russia varies greatly, and can range from 15,000 to 120,000 rubles . We'll come back to prices later, but for now everything is in order.
History of the Bengal cat
In 1961, genetic biologist from the USA Jean Mill, who was involved in the breeding of cats, was sent on a business trip. In Bangkok, at the market, Mill became interested in wild Bengal kittens, which were sold as living souvenirs for travelers.
To obtain the valuable skin of adult Bengals, they were hunted by poachers, and therefore the species was on the verge of extinction. The researcher bought a cat and brought her home, giving her a loud nickname - Malaysia. The majestic leopard-printed creature inspired Mill to found a completely new breed. As a result of successive crossings of domestic cats of various breeds, including Burmese and Mau with wild Bengals from India, a new variety was obtained with the disposition of a domestic cat and the magnificent appearance of a wild animal.
About representatives of light and black marbled subspecies of the Bengal breed
After numerous crossings, in addition to red Bengals, silver, snow, blue, and black types of colors appeared. They all have variations of marbled tabby. They are also subject to all the requirements listed in the previous section, but with some reservations. Light shades have objective features, when it is more difficult to achieve a contrast between the background color of the animal’s fur and the patterns on it. In addition, the opinions of professional felinologists from different international confederations do not always coincide. There are still some general characteristics.
- Silver marbled (code ns22): against a background with silvery shades, the range of marbled pattern is reduced to the definition of “much darker than the main one,” and all variations are not so pronounced. The categorical requirement for marble on silver is the absence of rufisms, that is, any areas with reddish-rusty shades on a silver or white-gray pearl background.
- The division of snow bengals - lynxes, sepias, minks - in marble are much less similar to snow leopards than their spotted counterparts. Taking into account color and genes, the lightest Seal Lynx accordingly has the weakest contrast, while Seal Sepia and Seal Mink have more expressive contrast. In sepia, the darkest type of snow color, the streaks are more pronounced, cinnamon-colored on a pale cream background.
- The subspecies of marbled blue Bengals, although officially recognized by felinologists in some federations, is still rare. On the gray-blue body, gray elongated patterns look especially elegant.
- Charcoal rocks with a marbled pattern are the most notable due to their very dark, charcoal-stained background and even darker markings. The color looks low-contrast, but attractive in its own way. The subspecies has not yet been separated into a separate division - it belongs to the brown tabby, but is characterized by cooler base tones. The use of other genes together with “charcoal” genes during selection helps to achieve good contrast - as a result, cats and “charcoal” cats look amazingly expressive.
- The still unrecognized melanistic color with marbled tabby (often considered a variety of charcoal) is also quite exotic. At first glance, the cats are absolutely and locally black. However, in the light and at a certain angle, an even darker pattern is visible. Animals of such a unique coloring are taken for the development of such a new breed as the “panteretta” - a Bengal, similar to a wild panther.
Marble in Bengal coat colors, which appeared thanks to the genes of a variety of breeds, has such an undeniably individual feature as a tendency towards the horizontal. Unfortunately, animals with such bizarre, certainly attractive patterns are less in demand than the classic rosette markings. However, in recent years, this type of Bengal cat has become more and more admirers, and therefore breeders. Work on the selection of these truly magnificent animals is in its infancy.
What does a Bengal kitten look like?
Bengals have an elongated body with well-developed muscles, with strong legs, and the hind limbs are somewhat elongated. The small tail has a rounded black tip. Bengal cats are distinguished by bright, beautiful eyes and short, widely spaced ears.
Bengals have short fur that is thick and silky to the touch. But the color can be different - from white to chocolate. However, a prerequisite is the presence of a leopard pattern in the form of stripes, spots and rosettes.
About the main patterns of marbled tabby in Bengal cats
Experts are confident that the less popularity among lovers of luxury home bens with marble patterns is a temporary injustice. It’s just that many people prefer the affectionate mini-leopard with clear rosettes, like those of wild forest cats, now listed in the Red Book. However, the subspecies in question has its own charms of design, which is described in the standards as follows:
- a pattern flowing horizontally with wide lines (Horizontal flowing marble) and the same with narrower sinuous figures (Reduced pattern horizontal flowing marble);
— marble pattern of small flowing spots “chaos” (Chaos pattern marble);
- closed pattern or “sheet” marble;
— a marked pattern, marked as not very desirable (Bullseye pattern).
According to other classifiers, names have been introduced: raincoat marble, patterned marble, strip marble. This division is by no means complete, but rather the simplest. The ribbon version looks the most impressive, especially when the cat stretches its body. The patterned Bengal is also beautiful, but the raincoat one is not so elegant, since the main color is simply black. But it is the raincoat cat that is valuable for two advantages - a beautiful glitter tint and usefulness in breeding work on a rosette pattern. It's a matter of genetics: the color of the Asian leopard cat, the founder of the entire domestic Bengal breed, does not differ in large expressive spots. To successfully transform small marks into a spectacular large rosette, “raincoat” cats and crampons are used.
Bengal character
The character of Bengal cats combines the emotionality of a wild animal and the friendliness of a domestic pet. In turn, Bengals have a pronounced hunting instinct, and therefore they are impressed by dynamic games. For example, they like to have fun with a bow, roll a ball, and keep an eye on their prey. They are easily able to catch mice, although they rarely eat such a catch.
If you raise a Bengal correctly, you will certainly grow up to be a sociable, affectionate and inquisitive cat. The latter can get along well with other animals, except rodents and birds, and adores children. By the way, Bengals are quick-witted and amenable to training. The Bengal cat loves water, and therefore there will be no problems with bathing the animal.
Domestic cat breeds
Of the most spotted and fluffy cat breeds, the tabby color is recognized as the only one in only three. It was obtained without the participation of wild cats.
Ocicat
Ocicats are the result of crossing 3 types of cats: American Shorthair, Abyssinians and Siamese. In their behavior, these cats strongly resemble nimble dogs. They become very attached to their owner, love road trips and are constantly on the move.
Due to its playful nature, the Ocicat should have as many toys as possible. Otherwise, he will definitely borrow your things.
It would also be a good idea to buy a play set that will allow your pet to stretch its legs and frolic to its heart's content. Thanks to its love for outdoor games, the Ocicat can be taught several tricks: overcoming barriers and jumping through a hoop on command.
Egyptian Mau
The graceful Egyptian Mau is easily recognized by its “scarab” - a black mark on its forehead in the shape of the letter W. This cat is endowed with an inexhaustible supply of energy and curiosity. She is especially delighted by clockwork mice and various hiding places such as a linen closet and cardboard boxes.
Curious:
The maximum speed of the Egyptian Mau is the same as that of the leopard, that is, 58 km/h.
To get rid of yellowness before the exhibition, the Egyptian Mau with a silver color must be washed with a special tonic. There are usually no problems with bathing, as these mustachioed pets love water. Until they dry completely, they should be protected from drafts, which can cause the development of a cold.
Pixiebob
The pixie-bob's ears are decorated with lynx tassels, and on their back side there are light spots. The main feature of this cat is its low-set, short tail. Its size is about 5 cm.
Like the Egyptian Mau, pixiebobs love water. Despite this, you should not abuse the frequency of bathing. This can thin the coat and lead to dry skin.
Pixiebobs have a patient and delicate nature. They are equally affectionate towards adults and children and are only wary towards strangers.
What you should know about caring for your Bengal
Bengal cats do not require any special care. It is enough to systematically trim the claws and comb the coat every month. It is advisable to purchase a brush with natural bristles. Since this breed has relatively short hair, the Bengal cat will not have to be bathed often, except during the period of molting and estrus.
Bengals are very active and playful, so it is advisable to buy the animal a special complex in which it will stay awake and sleep. Don't forget about the scratching post.
In order for the cat to be healthy, the owner must remember to periodically vaccinate and prevent helminths. Speaking about the diet of this breed, 2 options are allowed:
- professional food (premium class);
- providing high-quality nutrition, which includes thermally processed meat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements.
If you are in doubt which option to choose, you should contact your veterinarian. The latter will be able to select a balanced, optimal diet for your pet. In addition, you should remember: your Bengal should always have a bowl of water.
Note. There is a myth among Bengal cat owners that raw meat is a suitable food for them. We hasten to refute this statement: raw meat is harmful and dangerous to the health of your pet.
Bengal cats are clean animals, therefore, we must not forget about regularly changing the litter in the tray. The best option would be wood, which can mask the smell, and is also more pleasant for digging. It is necessary to buy a tray with high sides so that the filler and its contents do not end up on the floor. When you need to wash the litter box, you should never use caustic, odorous chemicals, as your pet may stop going in it.
Description of the breed
This species appeared in 1963 in America, thanks to the crossing of an ordinary cat with a leopard, hence the characteristic spotted color of the breed. It was the color that played its role in the popularization of these cats throughout the world. Many people want to get an exotic animal right at home, but they don’t always have the courage and basic space.
The Bengal cat is an ideal option in this sense, if not for its small size, it would be easy to confuse such an animal with a wild inhabitant of the savannah. Experts note several features of this breed:
- “Bengals” are very attached to the place and people with whom they are for a long time.
- The cat's friendliness and playfulness make it an ideal gift for children.
- It is quite easy to care for her, considering that she is a cross between a leopard and a cat, she has independence and a free character.
The characteristics of this breed are very noticeable. Firstly, the head is wedge-shaped and the placement of the ears is slightly different from what we are used to. There is an opinion that these animals are aggressive due to their origin, but this is not so. They have only 15–20% of leopard genes, and they are mainly reflected in the appearance of the animal. Also, unlike their counterparts, these spotted ones adore water.
Where to buy a purebred cat
When buying a kitten through an advertisement in a newspaper or the Internet, at a market or a pet store, there is a risk of acquiring a pet that is only approximately similar to a true Bengal, which in the future can turn into an ordinary yard cat.
This breed is quite rare in the Russian Federation. Breeding Bengals, due to genetic characteristics and the low number of necessary breeding material, will not be cheap.
So where to look for a Bengal so that it turns out to be real and meets the clear requirements of the breed? The best option is a cattery or breeder registered in the Russian Union of Cat Clubs. A conscientious breeder will not hide anything. It will not be difficult for him to demonstrate documents certifying the pedigree, and will be able to show at least one parent of the kitten.
An important factor is the cost of a Bengal cat. Selling at a reduced price will most likely turn out to be a deception, and instead of a real Bengal, a mestizo may be slipped in.
At the time of purchasing a Bengal cat, the breeder must provide documents for the animal:
- veterinary passport indicating the vaccination and deworming performed;
- pedigree (or kitten card), so that in the future you can get a pedigree from the club.
How to choose a Bengal kitten?
When choosing a Bengal pet, you need to keep in mind the following indicators:
- Kitten health. Of course, every owner wants to buy a healthy animal that will not cause big problems with the need for regular treatment. When you arrive at the nursery, carefully examine the kitten. Pay attention to its mucous membranes: the nose and eyes should not have any suspicious discharge. The baby's ears should not droop, and there should be no dirt inside the ears. Examine the kitten's fur, paws, tummy and butt. Check for dermatological diseases, parasites, bald spots, wounds, etc. Pay attention to his behavior. Healthy kittens are playful and active. If possible, look at the animal's mother. An adult Bengal cat should also appear healthy and neat.
Note! After the introduction of complementary foods, kittens may experience a decrease in immunity. If proper measures are not taken, then in the future the animal will be sickly and frail, and is unlikely to live the required 15-20 years. Therefore, we do not recommend purchasing a kitten that was removed from its mother too early and has not received enough mother's milk. Conclusion - buy small Bengals no earlier than 2-2.5 months.
- Cute dog breeds
- The richest animals
- Cat claw attachments
- Dog
- Long-eared cats
- Cat meowing
- The character of the kitten. Although Bengal cats are domesticated, there is still a bit of wild nature in their blood. Nursery workers claim that the character of Bengals can be divided into 3 types: talker, bully and cunning. Chatting cats are considered the most friendly, they often purr and show devotion and love to their owner. Pet bullies are distinguished by their activity and “cool” disposition; they do not tolerate any objections or educational moments. Cunning Bengals are inquisitive and cautious; if they misbehave, they will sit on the sidelines and pretend that they had nothing to do with it.
- Pet class. When choosing a top or show class kitten, ask the breeder to give you all the necessary documents (animal’s passport, its pedigree, vaccination information, etc.).
Note! Animals of this breed cannot cost less than 20 thousand rubles. If only because they require proper care, good quality nutrition, and veterinary care. Kittens are not cheap for the breeder, because the animals stay in nurseries for at least three months.
Decide what you need a kitten for: for exhibitions, breeding these animals or for home. Look for a cattery that is registered with a national animal club. Don't forget to ask the breeder:
- About the nutrition of a kitten in the nursery;
- About his habits;
- About hereditary diseases;
- About the character of the animal.
Bengal cat named Thor
Once you have acquired a charming kitten, you will no longer be able to part with it, because they fill the house with joy and warmth.
How many rubles does a Bengal cost?
On average, in Russia they ask for a Bengal kitten from 30 to 80 thousand rubles.
When buying a pet from a breeder, the latter must enter into an agreement. You should not purchase a Bengal earlier than 3-4 months.
The cost of a kitten is affected by its class:
- a show-class pet is the most expensive representative, and you will have to pay from 70 thousand rubles for it;
- a breed-class kitten has only minor deviations from the breed standard, costs from 50 thousand rubles;
- pet class kittens have a weak phenotype or disqualifying characteristics; if a show career is not important, this cat will make an excellent pet; cost – from 20 thousand rubles.
Other factors affecting cost
The class of an animal has a greater influence on its value than other factors.
However, these factors still exist:
- Choosing a nursery. It will be more expensive to purchase a kitten from reliable breeders, but in this case you can be sure that you are purchasing a purebred Bengal with excellent characteristics and a socially adapted character. There is no need to skimp on this point.
- The color of the cat is insignificant, but it affects the cost. Here it’s up to everyone whether to overpay for the desired shade (pattern) or not.
- Parents. The cost of their offspring depends on how many awards the parents receive for victories at exhibitions. Genetics plays an important role in this case. In purebred, clean and docile animals, the offspring will be appropriate.
What is “Fuzzy” in Silver Bengal kittens?
The term, translated from English either as “ugly” or as “vague or shaded,” explains the essence of the breed’s unusual natural tendency to camouflage spots. In light-colored kittens it is less pronounced than in brownie offspring. By about a month, the offspring sprout long, thin hairs designed to hide the bright markings from the eyes of predators in the Asian jungle. After a couple of months, phasing comes to an end - the Bengal kitten loses its “extra” fur, revealing a wonderfully beautiful pattern. All Bengal kittens are subject to the process, no matter how far they are from the ancestry of their forest ancestors.
The unusual silver of Bengal cats of this type of color fascinates with the contrasting patterns of their fur coat. Of course, the silver spotted variety is more similar to a snow mini-leopard, especially spotted-rosets, which determines the popularity of the “rosette on silver” color among lovers of elite cats of an elite young breed. However, marble ones also have many fans. Marble, when he stretches out, showing off his intricate patterns, is truly amazing.
Rare and hybrid breeds
This group includes experimental breeds that have not received official recognition, and hybrids - animals bred by crossing domestic and wild cats. The danger of the latter depends on the generation.
Bengal
Among the popular breeds of leopard-spotted cats, the Bengal must be mentioned. It was obtained by crossing an ordinary “Murka” with a Far Eastern cat, from which the “Bengal” inherited not only the original coloring, but also an unusually silky coat.
Aggression occurs only in the first three generations, that is, in kittens that are as closely related to the wild ancestor as possible. All other Bengals are very social and easily get along with people and other animals.
Savannah
Savannah tops the list of the most expensive mustachioed pets, because to get one you need a real African serval. The animal inherits the remaining genes from the Bengal. As with all hybrids, the character of the Savannah depends on its generation.
When purchasing such an exotic pet, it is important to consider its size, activity and sociability. If you don’t have your own home or are simply away from work too often, then Savannah is definitely not for you. Due to the lack of free space, she will definitely cause a pogrom in the apartment, and due to lack of attention, she will become withdrawn and aggressive.
Serengeti
Among the officially recognized “mustachioed animals,” the Serengeti has the longest and most powerful legs. She is not prone to cowardice and has great difficulty enduring loneliness. Thanks to its friendliness, the Serengeti quickly finds a common language with strangers and does not tend to hide under the sofa from them, like other mustachioed pets.
“ Despite its almost identical appearance, the Serengeti has nothing in common with the serval.
The Serengeti is not only large, but also fast growing. With a lack of phosphorus and calcium, she has problems with the musculoskeletal system. Also, these “mustaches” have a tendency to develop ICD.
Cheeto
The Chito is the result of crossing a Bengal and an Ocicat. From its parents, the animal adopted not only its appearance, but also the best character traits: playfulness, sociability and friendliness.
Interesting!
Male chitos take an active part in raising their offspring.
The Chito's thick and velvety coat practically does not shed, which is why he is classified as a hypoallergenic cat. The advantage is that the coat does not require special care. To maintain a neat appearance, the fur coat needs to be combed once a week.
Australian smoke (Australian mist)
The Australian Mist is a hybrid of the “Abyssinian” and “Burman”, which has not only spotted colors, but also aquamarine eyes. This cat has an independent character and friendliness. Mists calmly tolerate loneliness and do not impose their communication on everyone around them, but they have no problems playing with children or other pets if they do not mind.
These “mustaches” are prone to weight gain and have sensitive digestion. When choosing a diet, you need to carefully monitor the body's reaction to new foods and not deviate from the recommended daily calorie intake.
California radiant
More than 7 varieties of cats were used to create this cat, but she got the beautiful pattern from the Mau. In addition to its silky coat, it is notable for the unusual arrangement of its paws relative to its body. They are at right angles, so during any movement it feels like the animal is creeping up on its prey like a real predator.
Interesting!
The California radiant ranks 3rd among the most expensive and rare mustaches in the world.
California Shinings are prone to jumping and “climbing,” so they should definitely purchase large play sets to keep their closets safe.
“Mustachios” treat children condescendingly, but without angelic patience. If they don’t like something, they definitely demonstrate it with their clawed paws.
Kanaani
Kanaani was bred from the wild steppe cat and the European shorthair. From the first she inherited a proud and independent character, and from the second she inherited affection for her owner. Kanaani perceives man as her breadwinner, but does not consider him some kind of deity. She tolerates loneliness quite calmly and does not require attention 24/7.
When keeping a Kanaani, it is important to consider her love for her own space. The pet must have its own private corner, where it can easily hide from guests or too noisy and active children.