Have You Seen A Cat That Looks Like A Mini Leopard?
If like us, you
thought wild and exotic jungle Cats are absolutely cool, how would you feel to
find out that there is a perfect breed that specifically developed for that
reason? Okay let’s be real, to have the wild and untamed nature of a jungle Cat
instilled within a domestic sized feline would be insane to have as a Pet, but
this breed has been developed to a docile, friendly and furry companion, with
the beauty of a jungle Cat’s coat.
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Bengal Cat
The first recordings
of a domestic sized “leopard” was in a book, written 1889. Sightings in the
Malay Peninsular were mentioned in 1927 of a nursing Asian Leopard Cat. The
only true definitive moment of crossbreeding Asian Leopard Cats with Domestic
Cats were recorded in a scientific journal, published 1934. Thereafter a
Japanese Cat Publication released an article on the crossbreed as a pet in
1941. In 1946, Jean Mill became a major contributor to the development of the
Bengal Cat. She was studying Genetics and submitted a paper on crossbreeding.
Asian Leopard Cat |
In 1970 Willard
Centerwall conducted a study on crossbred Asian Leopard Cats and Domestic Cats
for their apparent immunity to Feline Leukemia, but he soon got ill and the
Cats were handed over to Jean Mill. The ACFA (American Cat Fanciers Association) was the first registry to accept
the Bengal. As opposed to keeping the hybrid status, Jean Mill further bred the
Bengals, to create a very domesticated breed. This happened 1983, when she was
in TICA (The International Cat
Association).
Fun Fact Bill Engler was the man to chose the name “Bengal” for
this feline breed, in close relation to Bengalensis,
also known as the Asian Leopard Cat. The modern developed Bengal breed now
has no ties to the Asian Leopard Cat ☺
What Does A Bengal Cat Look Like?
Bengals were
distinctively developed to look like Margays, Leopards or Ocelots (all of which are exotic large jungle Cats).
To be even more specific, it is their plush, soft coats that look like those of
a jungle Cat! Bengals have long bodies, similar structures to that of an Asian
Leopard Cat. And their coats are usually spotted/rosettes or a marbled look (like blurred markings of a Cloudy Leopard).
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Bengal colours
include bright orange, light brown to off-white or cream (Snow Leopard alert!) and they have large oval eyes of either blue,
or green. Another obvious marking you could look out for are horizontal stripes
on their front paws, and also beside their eyes, this feature is fondly
referred to as “Mascara” marks. All in all, just picture a Leopard in a
domestic Cat’s size, and you got a Bengal!
Grooming Needs
The short,
plush smooth coat of a Bengal only requires brushing once a week, just to
minimise the furballs lingering in the home. And since they love water so much,
it doesn’t require a lot of convincing for them to take a bath!
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Other basic
care includes cleaning their ears, and trimming their nails when necessary.
Apart from those, you’ve got this sector covered, throw in more attention and
fun activities to keep your Bengal happy ☺
Bengal Cat Behaviour
Bengals
are a ball of energy and fun, and one of the Cats that love water. Don’t be
surprised or afraid to shower with your Bengal. That’s right, their curious
nature and intelligence adds to their fun. They do require a lot of human
interaction and attention, if you do not have that much time, have another Cat
to keep them company or try to avoid this breed.
Bengal Cat In Singapore
Bengals
are exquisite and beautiful, and we’ve also noticed how much more available
exotic Cat breeds are now in Singapore. Though we are unable to find or trace
the sources of these exotic Cats, we believe in sharing helpful tips and
insights to better care, and also reduce abandonment. Every breed has their own
unique sets of behaviours and personalities individually, so it is extremely
important to do your research before getting a pet.
It is not
the duty of the Pet to adapt to your lifestyle, but humans should ensure their
lifestyles suit the type of Pet they are considering instead. On a lighter
note, we were fortunate to see a Bengal at Pets Carnival @ Kallang Trivista,
its owner was gracious enough to let us hold it too ☺ Check out what you’ve missed!
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