Creature Companion February March 2019 | Page 26

Feline BENGAL CAT I f you love a cat with an exotic look but without the size and danger of a wild cat, the Bengal was developed with you in mind. Created by crossing small Asian Leopard Cats with domestic cats, this large-boned, shorthaired cat stands out for his spotted or marbled coat of many colours. Breed Characteristics Adaptability Energy Level Shedding Level Aff ection Level Grooming Social Needs Child Friendly Health Issues  Stranger Friendly Dog Friendly Intelligence Don’t get a Bengal if what you’re looking for is a sweet, gentle lap cat or a living sculpture that requires little interaction. Th e intelligent, curious Bengal is highly active. Constantly on the move, he loves climbing to high places, enjoys playing fetch and going for walks on leash, and thrives best when he has access to a large outdoor enclosure where he can indulge in the favourite feline hobby of bird-watching. Some Bengals are fond of playing in water, and you may fi nd yours fi shing out of the 26 aquarium if you’re not careful. Th is is a happy, entertaining cat who wants lots of attention. He does best with a person who spends a lot of time at home and will enjoy playing and interacting with him. Th e short coat is easy to groom with weekly brushing. Trim the nails as needed. Other Quick Facts • Th e Bengal's beautiful coat comes in many background colours, ranging from golden, rust, brown and orange to sand, Creature Companion | February - March 2019 • Vol. XII • Issue 2 • Noida buff and ivory. Bengal spots also vary in colour, from rust or cocoa and chocolate brown to charcoal or black. • Some Bengal coats have striking rosettes or spots made up of more than one colour, usually a secondary colour forming a dark outlining to the spot. Bengal coats also come in a marbled pattern: one or more colours swirled into the background colour. While most commonly seen in the brown spotted tabby pattern, they may also be found in the marbled pattern (classic tabby). • A Bengal’s coat can have hair with an iridescent sheen, making it look as if it has been sprinkled with glitter. History of the Bengal People have always been attracted by the beauty and independence of wild cats and have even tried to keep wild cats such as ocelots, cheetahs and lions, usually with little success and a lot of heartbreak. Th e