Bengal
History and Origin: The Bengal cat breed was developed by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, a wild feline, to create a cat with an exotic look but a domestic temperament. The breeding program that created the Bengals as they are known today started in the 1970s.
Physical Traits: Bengals are medium to large cats with a muscular build, broad head, and pronounced whisker pads. Their most notable feature is their beautiful, richly colored, highly contrasted coat with a distinctive leopard-like patterning.
Temperament: Bengals are energetic, playful, and highly interactive cats that require a lot of stimulation. They are known for their love of water and can often be found splashing in ponds or drinking taps. They are intelligent and can learn tricks and commands.
Care Requirements: Bengals have a short, dense coat that is easy to care for. They thrive on interaction and activity, so access to toys and space to climb and explore is beneficial. Regular health checks are important as some may carry genes for heart issues like their wild ancestors.
Fun Facts:
- Bengals are one of the few cat breeds that enjoy water.
- Their coat can glitter in the sunlight due to a unique fur structure.