Does anyone have a Bengal cat or know something about them?

Question

I would like to get one and was wondering about their personalities. They have been bred down generations with wild cats, right? So, are they completeley domesticated now and friendly? And what were they bred with to get those cool markings? Should the kitten have the markings it'll have as an adult or can it change? And what is the average price for a non show quality (but still one with nice markings) Bengal and are cat breeders usually helpful? I know a lot about the dog breeding world but nothing about cat breeding. I already have 3 domestic shorthairs that are quite old (13,14, and 17) so I may just wait till they are gone so I don't upset them or would they be accepting? They are all fixed of course, two males and one female.

Answer 1

Hi there... Bengal cats get their markings from the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) bred with a domestic. After 4 or more generations of Bengal to Bengal breeding the cat has more of a domesticated house cat temperament with the wild-like markings.

A with any other cat it's difficult to tell how the personality will turn out once the cat matures moreso in Bengal Cats.
Bengal cats "CAN" be great house pets, however there are some important things to note about their temperament and personalities. They prefer the company of other cats with equal energy levels and most do get along with cats IF/WHEN the introductions are done correctly as this applies to ANY cats who meet for the first time. However, there are some who are the exception to this rule.

The average weight of a Bengal cat is 10-12 pounds for females and 15-18 pounds for males. 22 pounds is not common for a Bengal cat unless they are overweight which presents another host of health problems.

Prices for quality Bengals as pets will average between $500-$850. Show quality Bengals even higher.

Bengals are a very hyperactive breed of cat well as extremely vocal and loud cats much more than Siamese cats. They are very demanding for attention and interested in everything their owners are doing. They certainly enjoy affection however only on their own terms as they rarely like being held or are lap cats. However, some are an exception to this rule. Ideally, they may not be a good fit for young children, because children want to cuddle and Bengals are far from being such a cat who likes to be restrained. If they are left alone for long periods of time it's best to have the company of another cat or dog, which is preferable or they can be quite mischevious as well as destructive as a result of loneliness and/or from boredom.

Please consider speaking with various Bengal breeders before purchasing one because these cats are very demanding in general. Some important information about Bengals. They should never be declawed as it leads to overcompensation with vicious biting since they have larger canine teeth than a typical domestic cat as well inappropriately soiling (urinating/defecating) around the home. Something we have witnessed too frequently with the rescues we take in.

Bengals should never be allowed to roam freely outdoors as they are apt to be stolen and later sold sometimes for profit. However, they will take to leash training easily and it is the safest way to give them some of the outdoor enjoyment. In some regions the Bengal cat is outlawed as a pet so be sure to check with your local humane society in your region to learn if they are legal. Georgia, Hawaii and a few other states have banned Bengal cat ownership.

Many Bengals require a healthier diet of closer to raw as many suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)--loose stools syndrome. Royal Canin 27 is generally what Bengal breeders use to feed their cats since this is highly endorsed with The Int'l Cat Assoc (TICA). There are premium brands such as Innova EVO or Nature's Variety Prairie (see other diets listed below) that help easy the problem with IBS. Any of the cat foods that contains the ingredient corn, corn meal (e.g. Iams, Science Diet, Purina, Whiskas, etc) causes severe bowel distresses so it's best to choose cat food products that steer clear of these ingredients.

To learn more about Bengals consider joining the Bengal Chat forum: http://www.chat24.oli.us/hdw/ or http://www.bengalcatforums.com/forums/ .

As a rescuer we always let new Bengal families know if in event there's a time in the future you are unable to keep your bengal perhaps to allergies, medical illness in the family or moving overseas, etc all responsible Bengal breeders WILL take their cats back (no questions asked) as it is their ethical agreement with TICA in the sale of the kittens. There are also Bengal rescuers located all over the world and we are also willing to help with rehoming if necessary. We try to keep Bengals from ending up in the shelters as many euthanize them quickly believing they are a wild cat and not safe as a pet, when in fact they are domesticated since they are four or more generations removed from their wild relative the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC).

Diets for Bengals:
Their diet should consist of very high protein rather than the usual commercial cat food, which contains corn, corn meal and preservative fillers... for example those would be: IAMS, Science Diet, Purina, Whiskas and many others...essentially, anything from the grocery store and pet stores. The reason being is that Bengals commonly suffer from lifelong Irritable Bowel Syndrome so if you live in a large metropolitan city look for a specialty pet store that carries any of the following products to help minimize his bowel distresses:
Innova EVO and/or California Natural: http://www.naturapet.com/
Nature's Variety Praire: http://www.naturesvariety.com/
Wellness: http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/
Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul: http://www.chickensoupforthepetloverssou...
Life's Abundance: http://www.healthypetnet.com/

Answer 2

The wild cat in Bengals comes from Asian Leopard cats. Depending on how far back (how many generations) the cat's been bred, he/she may act more like a domestic cat or more like a wild cat. They can be a bit unpredictable in this sense.
Price range for a pet quality Bengal would be anywhere from 300 to 700 dollars.

Their coat markings as a kitten will generally stay the same...they may darken up a bit though.

I'd also wait until your other cats pass on...most older cats wouldn't be pleased with a spunky new kitten placed in their face. However, that also depends on your cats' personalities more than anything. Are they still active? Do they do well when introduced to other cats? If they are good natured, it probably wouldn't be a bad thing to have them around to get the new cat used to how things work in your house and to make sure the kitten learns to deal with living with other cats, in case you get any more in the future.

I have a friend who has a Bengal (paid $500 for her--pet quality), and she has several behavioral issues. I haven't had any other experience with the breed, so I don't know if that's just this specific cat or perhaps caused by bad breeding.

The cat I know is so skiddish that she is often really hard to find and doesn't enjoy human affection at all. She pees on everything, even though she is spayed. And she cries...a lot. Part of me feels bad for her because she seems to want attention--she slept tucked in behind my knees one night when I stayed over there--but she seems unable to enjoy it. Like I said, I don't know if this is because of her breeding, upbringing (2 rough kids in the family as well), just her personality, or perhaps her wild cat instincts in her driving her up the wall.

I would do a lot of research first, to make sure you are certain about this breed. Then I would take my time and find a very good breeder (a good breeder will most certainly be very helpful and willing to take the time to answer any questions you have as well as let you visit his/her cattery and that kind of thing) and a kitten you feel you'll bond with really well.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I am a pet-care provider and have the pleasure of looking after two Bengal cats that live in the same house. They differ from your average house cat and even other purebred cats in a few ways. They are extremely active and a bit bold. Also they need a bit more mental stimulation than most cats demand. They climb,(anything and everything) and are up for all manner of games and challenges. For these reasons, I wouldn't suggest introducing one into a home with older cats. As far as cost, you would have to research breeders. I'm sure there is a waiting list at most. As for cat breeders being helpful? I guess it will all depend on the individual you talk to. I do know that there are various patterns and coat colors and that they become more vivid and distinctive as the kittens become adults.

Answer 4

Ok lets get rid of the CFA stuff that is their rule and thats how its been for years. Tica and U.F.O. both allow Bengals in for showing. I'm sure there are others around the world that allow Bengals. I have seven bengals not all are vocal I have 4 that are. They do fine with kids as long as the kids are nice to them. I have 3 sibilings one mother daughter pair and 2 non related bengals. Now I didn't get them all at the same time and in the begining there was fighting but it goes away. If you get 2 kitties at the same time there shouldn't a issue. My largest Bengal weighs 16 pounds. I have talked to breeders who have had 28 pound Bengals. IMHO Bengals make great pets they are very smart and full of energy.

Answer 5

Hi,
I am a Bengal Breeder and have almost all generation Bengals here from the ALC, first generation offspring to much later generation cats. They are ALL wonderful cats with great personalities! They are highly intelligent cats that can be extremely active, demanding and spoiled:)! They get along just great with other cats, dogs, ferrets etc and often times act more dog-like than cat-like. If you have any questions at all about this breed, please feel free to email and ask me!
Pet prices are usually much lower than breeding kitten prices with any breeder you wish to purchase a kitten from. If you contact me, I can set you up with a good, reputable breeder in your area.

Answer 6

I just got myself a Bengal, she gets along great with everyone and my other 3 cats, she is sitting on my lap right now, the only thing I find different that she does is shred paper. She is 12 weeks old and has wonderful big rosettes. I was told by the breeder that some colors of Bengals will lighten with age. She was spendy $1000.00 and seems to have a sensitive digestive system. requiring high protein food.
I am very happy with her.

Answer 7

I had one that I found as a stray, believe it or not, .. so, here's the key.. They find certain people they like.. but if you are not one of them, they make your life hell.. (the one I found loved my best friend, her daughter, and me.. but HATED my roommate)

They are hunters, but she showed no interest in my caged rodents.. (at the time I had a hamster, a rat, and a guinea pig).. any wild mouse in the house was terminated and left by my bed however..

She marked territory.. (only once in my part of the house..) but my roommates room she did it twice a day...

She could be agressive, but normally wasn't.. however, she did NOT get along with other cats at all..

I'm sure not all of them will be the same.. but, I actually enjoyed having her in the house.. (my roomate sold her while I was at work.. I was ticked off as you can guess.. I had no proof who she sold it to however)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a37/kaijawitch/scan0001.jpg
It's hard to tell in the pic.. but she was huge.. (not overweight. TALL) You can tell that she was not one of the original lines from the cross, but she still had beautiful markings.. The gray/black spots and bars on top, and underneath she had a creamy colored fur with golden spots throughout.. She was absolutely gorgeous..

Answer 8

i worked at a cattery that bred bengals. i found them to be a verry affectionat cat but were vocal and had a tendancy to jump on you and climb a lot. in fact i like them so much if i ever get a cat i want a bengal.

hear are some breed clubs.
http://www.bengalcatclub.co.uk/
http://www.bengalcat.org.uk/

Answer 9

Only that they are beautifully marked, I would love one, Good luck if you get one.