Bengali

The Bengal cat originated in the United States,and is one of the most recognized cat breeds.It is the result of crossbreeding domestic cats and Asian leopards.It stands out for its wild-looking coat with spots on a golden background.They are energetic,curious,and playful.

General details

The Bengal cat is medium to large in size,with males weighing between 4 and 7 kg and females between 3 and 5 kg.Their height varies from 20 to 25 cm,and their body length from 35 to 40 cm.They reach their full size at 2 years of age.Their life expectancy is generally 12 to 16 years.This breed is recognized by associations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

Breed history in brief

The Bengal cat breed originated in the United States in the 1960s.It was created by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopards to combine the striking appearance of the latter with the docile temperament of domestic cats.The goal was to obtain a cat with a spotted coat and behavior suitable for home life.They were recognized as a new breed by TICA in 1986 and are now one of the most commonly registered and exhibited breeds.

Breed characteristics

Bengal cats are distinguished by their athletic and muscular bodies.The head has a broad,slightly triangular shape,with large,almond-shaped eyes that are usually green or gold.Their ears are medium-sized and rounded at the tips,and the tail is long,thick at the base and tapering towards the tip.Their coat is one of the most outstanding characteristics:short,dense and soft,with a distinctive spotted pattern that gives them a wild cat appearance.Coat colors vary,including shades of gold,orange,brown,and silver.They are confident,curious,and devoted companions.While they are extremely active,they are also very affectionate.

Common health problems

Despite generally enjoying good health,Bengal cats can be prone to certain diseases,such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,progressive retinal atrophy,and pyruvate kinase deficiency.