Bengal Cat
The Bengal is a medium to large cat descended from the wild Asian leopard cat. Bengals are famous for their richly-coloured coat, with vivid spots like a leopard or having a swirling marble pattern. They are very energetic and muscular and like to be where the action is. A highly intelligent and inquisitive cat, they love to play, climb and look for stimulation. A Bengal cat usually gets on very well with other household pets and settles in as part of the family. An affectionate breed, once they get to know you, they get very attached to their owners. So it’s important to give them your attention and play with them when you can. To properly care for your Bengal cat, it’s necessary to understand their breed- specific needs.
Bengal Cat At A Glance
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Temperament | Energetic, intelligent, curious, and confident |
| Suitable | Best for active households; thrives with experienced cat owners who can provide mental and physical stimulation |
| Health | Bengal cats may be prone to heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), progressive retinal atrophy, and joint issues (patellar luxation) |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
Bengal cats are easy to train due to their intelligence and natural curiosity. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and many owners find success in teaching them tricks, like sitting, fetching, or even walking on a leash. Their active and playful nature means they thrive in environments where they are mentally and physically stimulated, making them relatively easy to train compared to other cat breeds.
Grooming
Bengal cats shed less than other breeds, which is good news. Regular brushing is recommended when your kitten sheds its longer guard hairs between four and nine months. After that, there might be some seasonal shedding, requiring a weekly brush to keep their coat healthy.
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Common Health Complaints - Bengal Cat
While some conditions, such as hip dysplasia, are fairly rare with this generally healthy breed, Bengals can be subject to health problems. So it’s important for your Bengal cat to have regular veterinary check-ups for conditions such as:
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A genetic heart condition that thickens the heart muscle, leading to heart failure if untreated
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which causes the gradual deterioration of the retina, eventually leading to blindness
- Patellar Luxation, a condition where the kneecap moves or is dislocated, causing pain, limping, and restricted mobility
- Flat-chested Kitten Syndrome, a deformity that can restrict the lungs and cause difficulty breathing in kittens
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a viral disease caused by a mutated feline coronavirus, which is fatal in most cases
- Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex, an allergic reaction that leads to skin lesions, ulcers, and raised plaques on the skin
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), which includes bladder inflammation, pain during urination, and a risk of blockages
- Chronic Diarrhea, often related to food allergies or digestive issues, which may require dietary adjustments or medical treatment
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a genetic condition that leads to the development of cysts in the kidneys, affecting kidney function
- Obesity, which can occur if the cat is not given enough exercise, as Bengals have a high energy level and need constant activity
Exercise Requirements
Bengals are a very active breed that requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They love to run, jump, and climb, so providing plenty of vertical space with cat trees or shelves is essential. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and even agility courses can help keep a Bengal cat occupied. Given their high energy, it’s crucial to ensure they get enough exercise to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.
Intelligence
Bengal cats are renowned for their sharp intelligence. They are quick learners, and their inquisitive minds mean they will often figure out how to open doors, drawers, or cabinets. Their high intelligence makes them excellent problem solvers, but it also means they need constant stimulation to avoid boredom. Owners should provide plenty of challenging toys, puzzles, and interaction to keep their brains engaged.
Family Friendly
The good news is that Bengal cats are family oriented and mix well with people, other cats and animals, especially when they are properly introduced. Because of their high energy, they need a variety of games and activities. A simple game of fetch might be effective, depending on whether your cat is interested in the object you throw. Because Bengals like to chase dangling or moving objects, you can place interactive toys around your home to keep them occupied. Given their ancestry, Bengals prefer to climb and take the high ground rather than lie around on the floor.
If you’re unable to spend enough time with them to keep them stimulated, it can be a good idea to introduce other pets into the household. Fortunately, Bengals usually get along well with other friendly dogs and cats, and they can keep your Bengal stimulated when you’re not at home. You’ll also find that, when gently introduced into the family, your Bengal cat will love your children because kids have high energy and love to play games too!
Indoor/outdoor?
As a descendant of the wild Asian leopard cat, the Bengal cat loves to be outdoors. However, being let loose outside can lead to problems with animals they haven’t been raised with. Bengals can be pretty territorial, even with larger animals, so it’s a personal decision whether to let them roam around unsupervised. Many owners prefer to give them some outdoor time by taking their cats outside for supervised walks on a harness or leash, especially in summer or spring.
A Bengal cat can be quite content with a completely indoor life provided the environment is set up to provide enough activity and fun to satisfy its playful, energetic nature.
Responsible Breeding
Responsible breeding is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of Bengal cats. Ethical breeders carefully select mating pairs to avoid passing on genetic health conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Additionally, responsible breeders will ensure their Bengals are well-socialized from a young age, preparing them for a happy life in a home environment. It’s important for prospective owners to choose breeders who provide transparency about their breeding practices, health screenings, and early kitten care.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Bengal Cats
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Bengal Cats. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
