Bengal Cats as Pets: Benefits and Advantages
Bengal cats are a beautiful and unique breed that can make amazing pets for any type of family. One of the best things about Bengal cats is their outgoing nature. They tend to be much more social and interactive than other breeds, making them a great choice for families with lots of people who love cats. They even have been known to interact with owners like a dog would!
Not only do Bengal cats have an awesome personality, but they’re also incredibly gorgeous. Their wild-looking spots and glimmering coats will add personality to any home. Plus, they tend to enjoy water – which is not something that many cats do – and love to play in it or take a swim here and there! Bengal cats also develop strong bonds with their owners, often becoming quite loyal companions and cuddly snuggle buddies. Of course, these active cats don’t just sit around all day; Bengals are known for being intelligent animals that can learn tricks. With the right amount of training, your Bengal could even take walks with you on a leash!
- Bengal cats have amazingly sweet and outgoing personalities.
- Bengal cats interact with people more like dogs than cats.
- Bengal cats have distinct intricate patterns and a glimmer to their coats when illuminated by light.
- Bengal cats tend to be drawn to water and may enjoy playing or swimming in it.
- Bengal cats are loyal companions and great snugglers.
- Bengal cats are known to be intelligent, capable of being taught tricks and being walked on a leash.
- Bengal cats are very low shedding and hypoallergenic.
- Bengal cats typically have a life expectancy of 15-18 years and tend to be relatively healthy.
Personality and Temperament
The Bengal cat is a special breed, like lynx kittens, that originates from the Asian Leopard Cat, but has been domesticated by man. With its wild roots, one may think this cat would be difficult to tame and handle but Bengal owners often find it quite easy to train them. In fact, they are typically very affectionate towards their human companions and particularly with children. This is the primary reason why waiting lists for these quality Bengal kittens are so long.
Bengals were able to retain some of their wild traits while they were being domesticated such as their energy level and love for hunting. They require lots of playtime for them to stay occupied mentally and physically as well as keeping their inherent tendency to jump very high in check. This energetic kitty also loves water, whether it be taking a bath or just playing around in the sink. Although these cats do not fill the lap-cat role like others, they still provide a unique experience that only a Bengal can offer!
6 Common Health Concerns for Bengal Cats
Bengal cats are often desired not only because of their iconic looks but also because they tend to be an incredibly healthy breed. Despite its positive reputation, Bengal cats can still suffer from a few hereditary diseases that all breeders should be aware of. The most commonly seen issues include the following:
1. PK-Def (PK Deficiency) which causes anemia.
PK Deficiency is a genetic condition that affects the red blood cells’ ability to metabolize, resulting in anemia and other serious complications. Symptoms of this anemia range from severe lethargy, weakness, and weight loss to jaundice and abdominal enlargement. A genetic test of the DNA can be done to determine if an individual cat is a carrier or will be affected by PK-Def. The results of this test have three possible outcomes: N/N which means no copy of the gene, N/K which means one copy, indicating normalcy but with carrier status and K/K meaning two copies and hence, the cat will or is already affected.
It is important for breeders to screen their cats for PK Deficiency before breeding them as it will help ensure that cats are not passed on any undesired genes to their offspring. Also, detecting it early on may prevent the development of debilitating symptoms associated with the disorder for both adults and kittens. To further reduce the risks of producing PK-deficient kittens, breeders should breed cats with non-carrier parents together exclusively before opting for a mating between one carrier parent and a non-carrier parent. Before buying a Bengal kitten for sale, make sure the breeder has done a complete health evaluation to make sure the kitten is healthy. And when you go to see the kittens in person, ask if the breeder will give you a health certificate.
2. Bengal PRA, which causes blindness.
PRA, or Bengal Progressive Retinal Atrophy, is a genetic condition that affects a cat’s vision. It is caused by the gradual destruction of cells in the back of the eye that are necessary for registering light, and it usually begins around 7 weeks of age. As time goes on, this can lead to complete blindness if left untreated. Breeding cats should have their DNA tested for genes associated with PRA to prevent any future kittens from inheriting the condition.
The test for PRA has three possible results – N/N (no copies of PRA), N/PRA (1 copy of PRA but not affected) and PRA/PRA (2 copies of PRA with high likelihood of being affected). With proper testing, breeders can ensure their cats would pass on healthy genes and avoid the suffering associated with sight loss due to progressive retinal atrophy. Of course, those who already have Bengal cats that developed the condition can still enjoy them and provide them with appropriate care and environmental enrichment to maximize their quality of life.
3. HCM, which causes heart failure.
HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) is an often-fatal heart condition that affects cats, leading to the thickening of the wall of the left ventricle. Once HCM has been identified in a cat, it can lead to numerous problems—including heart failure, sudden death due to abnormal electrical activity in the left ventricle, and a blood clot that will cause sudden onset paralysis and severe pain of the rear legs. These can all have devastating consequences for cats and their owners.
Unfortunately, there is no reliable genetic testing that can be used for HCM which would make early detection easier. Instead, an echocardiogram is required from a cardiologist to properly diagnose this condition in cats – an expensive and sometimes difficult procedure depending on one’s geography or access to specialized care. As such, it’s important now more than ever for cat owners to familiarize themselves with the potential symptoms of HCM to identify it quickly if it does occur in their pet. Ultimately, if HCM is detected early it may still be possible to manage its effects and keep your beloved pet healthy and safe.
Fortunately, these diseases are typically relatively rare within the breed and the breeders who participate in proper testing can help to reduce the number of incidents further. When testing for these conditions, cats should be tested twice – once at youthful age and again at an adult age. This helps to provide a more complete picture of the cat’s health as well as any genetic markers that could cause possible health concerns down the line. Ultimately, by taking proactive measures and maintaining ideal husbandry practices for your Bengal cat or kitten, you can help promote their longevity and keep them free from disease.
4. Lymphosarcoma (cancer in the lymphoid tissue),
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that primarily affects white blood cells called lymphocytes, hence how it gets its name. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in Bengal cats, and an unfortunately frequent claim for pet insurance companies. Lymphoma can appear anywhere in the body and primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Symptoms to watch out for include weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting or other changes in appetite. Other symptoms are related specifically to the location of the tumors themselves such as enlarged lymph nodes, a swollen abdomen and other changes depending on where exactly they’re located.
Treating this illness can involve surgery or chemotherapy depending on what works best with your pet’s situation. Treatment needs to be managed carefully because lymphoma can spread very quickly if it isn’t controlled properly. Furthermore, lifestyle changes such as exercise modifications or dietary changes might make it more difficult to treat certain symptoms associated with this cancer. It’s important to communicate closely with your vet about any updates about your pet’s complete health records since some treatments will only work for so long before relapsing again either due to underlying conditions or genetic predispositions that may exist.
5. Chronic renal failure (kidney disease),
Kidney disease is a common but serious health condition in Bengal cats. It is characterized by kidney impairment or failure, which can lead to poor quality of life, and even death. In some cases, the condition is present from birth – cats may have abnormal kidneys that develop renal failure early on in their lives. For most cats however, poor diet and chronic dehydration are the trigger for kidney disease, leading to irreversible damage and eventual complete renal failure. Human-grade raw food is the best for Bengals, as this mirrors the food they would eat in the wild.
Sadly, there is no cure for kidney failure once the condition has reached its final stages however there are treatment options available to extend your cat’s life. Specialized diets are necessary to manage the condition, and medication can help reduce levels of toxins in their body. Some veterinarians even offer transplant services as an option too. With proper medical treatment and care at home, a cat with kidney disease can still enjoy a few extra years of life before they eventually succumb to the illness.
6. Upset stomach – GI Disorder
Gastrointestinal disorders are any kind of health issue that affects a cat’s gastrointestinal system, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Occasional upset stomachs are normal for cats, but when these issues become regular occurrences, it could be indicative of a more serious problem. To adequately address the problems associated with gastrointestinal disorders in cats, it is important to schedule an appointment with a licensed veterinarian to access the symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
One way to tell if your cat is suffering from GI problems is to look out for signs of lethargy, lack of appetite, abdominal swelling, and difficulty in swallowing. Untreated gastrointestinal issues can cause severe dehydration and malnutrition in cats – so if you notice any of these symptoms or suspect your cat may have a GI disorder, be sure to take the necessary steps to get them checked out by a professional before their condition worsens.
These diseases must be managed properly with veterinary care and by providing high, quality raw food nutrition and a stress-free environment for your Bengal cat. Owners should also keep up on regular check-ups to detect the signs of any illnesses early on, as this will make all the difference when it comes to administering effective treatment. In addition to these common health problems, Bengal cats should receive vaccinations as recommended by their veterinarian for preventative measures against certain viruses and illnesses such as feline distemper or rabies.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Bengal Cats
Bengal cats are a unique hybrid breed that has become increasingly popular as a pet in recent years. This medium- to large-sized domestic cat is known for its exotic coat pattern resembling that of a wild leopard, along with their outgoing and playful personalities. Although their overall look may be impressive, there are still some surprising facts about Bengal cats that not many people know about.
For starters, Bengal cats actually do not originate from Bengal tigers like many believe. Instead, the first recorded hybrids were created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic shorthair in the late 1960s. They also have some unusual physical features – Bengals usually have bigger than average eyes and their hind legs are longer than the front which gives them extra agility, making them superb climbers and jumpers!
Another thing you might not know is that Bengals love water! These curious felines often enjoy bathing or playing in shallow pools. Moreover, they don’t need to groom themselves as often as other breeds do due to routine licking of their coats which keeps them looking clean and shiny. Lastly, if you happen to own a Bengal cat, you’ll quickly see how intelligent they can be – Bengals can often times be taught tricks.
Other Fun Facts About Bengal Cats
Bengal cats have a reputation as the luxurious cats of the pet world, and it’s easy to understand why. Sporting a wildcat look with vibrant, spectacular colors and patterns, these cats were originally known as Safari Cats until the 1970s when their name was changed to reflect their scientific name, Prionailurus bengalensis. Such striking looks have earned them a high status among cat owners, and one particular woman in London paid an exorbitant $50,000 for her Bengal. This hefty price tag has since granted Bengals the nickname “the Rolls Royce of cats” due to their extraordinarily expensive cost.
These playful felines have another unique feature which not many cats can proudly claim – they love water! With energetic curiosity that reaches far beyond a typical cat’s stature, Bengals often find themselves chasing after toys or jumping into swimming pools and fountains. With bravery well-beyond their diminutive size, they will never turn away from an intriguing opportunity no matter how wet it is! Many Bengal owners are just delighted at this interesting quirk displayed by their pets and can spend hours entranced by its downright delightful behavior.