The Bengal:

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History of the Bengal:

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The origins of Bengal cats can be found in the 60s. They are descended from the smallest wild cat found in Asia and India. The Bengal Tiger Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) lives in a wooded area, preferably surrounded by water. These tiger cats like to swim in water. So they owe their love for water to their ancestors.

 

In the 60s, the wild Bengal tiger cats were used for experimental crossings. The goal was/is to develop the tame variant of the tiger cat. The underlying idea is that humans will leave the endangered felines more alone when there is a domestic cat with the same external characteristics of this wild feline.

 

Behavior and character:

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The behavioral differences between the cats stem from conscious breeding for certain character traits. The way of socialization and the living situation of young kittens also play a major role in the behavior and character of the Bengals in later life. Bengals have about 10% wild cat blood which you can see in the coat but of course also in the character and behavior.

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- Intelligent and inquisitive:

A character trait that a Bengal as we know them today still has in common with the Bengal tiger cat is that it is a very intelligent cat. Bengalis are naturally very curious and are attracted to new things. For example, there are many Bengalis who know how to open doors and cupboards. In addition, training a Bengal with some effort is certainly possible. Simple "tricks" such as fetching a toy are quickly understood by most Bengalis.

 

- Affectionate: 

 

Bengalis like to be around people. Where there are people, there is always something new to see or experience and they like to be around. They don't want to miss anything. They are happy to help you with household tasks and everything you do. They may like to be near you, but sometimes they also need their time and space alone. They choose when they feel like lying on your lap, cuddling, playing or just sleeping. Every Bengal is also different, just as you have different characters in humans. 
 

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- Vocal:

 

Cats do not naturally use a voice to communicate with each other. Cats meow at people to get their message out. With specific movements during meowing, they try to clarify it extra. One cat meows/ chats little and the other more. Bengalis, however, are talkers. When they want something or do not agree with something, you will soon notice it.

 

- Active:

 

Bengals are playful and energetic animals. For example, they usually have their "crazy 5 minutes" a number of times a day. During those crazy minutes they often do not pay attention to what they do, they can walk all over the place, so unfortunately it also happens that they sometimes break something. In order to lose their energy, it is therefore also advisable to provide sufficient play and climbing facilities. Also make sure that you play with your sweetheart on a daily basis. This can be with a ball, a fishing rod or something else.

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Characteristics of a Bengal:

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- Weight:   female between 3 and 5 kg

                  male between 5 and 8 kg.

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- Head: is small in relation to the body. The head is less wide than long and has rounded lines. They often call the shape of the head a wedge shape. The muzzle is wide with beautiful whisker cushions. The nose is long and wide and extends above the eyes. A Bengal has a firm clear chin. 

     

- Ears: are wide and continue the lines of the head. The ears should be short and have round tips. They should not show plumes. 

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-Eyes: large oval eyes that are wide apart. The eyes are slightly slanted. Bengals can have different colors of eyes.

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- Body: .the neck is long and muscular, in relation to the head the neck is large / wide / clearly present. Their body is very muscular. The legs are muscular and sturdy, the hind legs are longer than the front legs. The feet are nicely round and has beautiful soles. The tail of a Bengal is medium length, towards the end it becomes narrower and ends round

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- Coat: short, soft and thick. It happens that some kittens have a longer coat, this is called the "fuzzy" period. The long hairs disappear the coat/pattern then becomes clearer. The coat can have different colors and patterns.

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- Patterns: ​spotted, marbled, rozetted, ​​​pawprint, doughnut, arrowhead, clouded​​

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- Colors: brown, snow, silver, charcoal, blue, melanistic, smoke and combinations like silver charcoal, silver mink and so on

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