Its beautiful coat is one reason why Bengal cats are so well-loved. Its muscular, slender body covered with unique spots, rosettes, or marbling patterns exhibits an exotic and wild charm. Their coat, which is similar to a leopard’s, can be brown, snow, silver, or blue in color.
The beginnings
It is not apparent what the goal of domesticating cats was. But domestication as a whole began in modern-day Egypt around 5,000 years ago.
The native wild cats in Egypt were domesticated by the ancient Egyptians because they preyed on the rodents and small animals that frequented their food stores.
As the Egyptians fed the cats as a means of controlling the rodent population, domestication mostly happened by accident.
There is little water and the desert is a merciless place. Our feline ancestors probably wouldn’t have grown acclimated to frequent dips in the water in this region, since it is far from a water park paradise.
Cats That Dig a Pool
The Bengal cat has a penchant for water, as do most cats. It’s not out of the ordinary for your Bengal cat to go along when you take a swim. When given the opportunity, this breed will happily swim, drink water straight from the faucet, and play in the water.Do you want to know the facts about cat water?Do Bengal Cats Like Water? Breed Interesting Facts
Reasons Bengal Cats Enjoy Being Wet
Bengal cats are well-known for sharing a lot of genes with feral felines. Domestic cats that look a lot like wild cats are the product of selective breeding. Bengal cats are so adept at getting their paws wet because of their strong relationship with their ancestors.
On hot days, you can observe numerous large cats cooling off in a nearby lake; this is because wild cats aren’t afraid of water.
Bengal cats are more receptive to the thought of being wet since they are closely related to their natural origins. As a means of subsistence, their forebears likely taught them to love water and to play in and around bodies of water.
Do Other Cats Enjoy Being Wet?
Some varieties of cats really like splashing around in the water. Abyssinians, Turkish Vans, Maine Coons, and Norwegian Forest Cats all have a reputation for enjoying the water.
Notably, these felines do not become soaked because their fur is water-resistant; rather, it sheds water. They aren’t as sensitive to water as other breeds because they don’t get soggy. Despite the lack of water-resistant fur, Bengals’ natural origin makes them more receptive to playing in the water.
Avoid Being Wet at All Costs
Wet fur is uncomfortable for cats, which is why they typically avoid water. Wet clothing isn’t fun for most people, and wet fur isn’t any better for cats. Because it is less comfortable and less aerodynamic, a cat’s movement and hunting become hindered when its fur is wet. Additionally, their defenses are compromised when their fur is wet, which makes them feel defenseless and frightened.
Upkeep
The beautiful coat of a Bengal cat needs frequent brushing to keep it at its best. The good news is that this is a breeze for a breed with short hair. Brushing them once a week will keep their coat in the best possible condition and cut down on shedding. Inspecting your cat’s skin for abnormalities like parasites and tumors is another benefit of regular grooming.
Important Things to Know About Bengal Cat Health
In 2016, the following illnesses were reported by policyholders of Nationwide Pet Insurance as affecting the Bengal cat breed:
1. Lymphosarcoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph vessels
2. Kidney illness, often known as chronic renal failure
Cats with Kidney Failure
Cats, particularly older ones, are prone to kidney problems. Kidney illness is a common occurrence in older cats. Although it can happen in dogs, it affects almost every cat that is lucky enough to live a long, healthy life.
Kidney failure is a medical condition.
Although they mean different things, medical professionals often use the terms renal insufficiency and kidney failure interchangeably. The kidney is what the word “renal” means.
Due to their excellent disease concealment abilities, cats frequently go undiagnosed until around two-thirds of their renal function has been gone. Although it does not happen often, kidney failure can develop suddenly. Chronic renal failure is the main topic of this discussion.
How Are the Kidneys Used?
Among the numerous vital functions of the kidneys is the following: – Preserve hydration by reducing water loss during periods of low water intake.
Make a hormone that will encourage the body to make more red blood cells.
Maintain a healthy pulse rate.
Keep electrolytes, such as phosphorus and potassium, in a balanced state.
Release urea and other metabolic byproducts into the urine.
Noticeable Signs of Reduced Kidney Function
Enhanced need to drink and pee – Nausea and vomiting – Hypertension, which can cause sudden blindness
Weakness, lack of appetite, weight loss, and oral ulcers
Why Does Kidney Failure Occur?
Chronic renal failure is a common aging complication in cats. Although rare, some cats are born with renal abnormalities.
What are the symptoms and warning signs of Kidney Failure?
When you take your cat in for an annual exam, the doctor will likely order blood work to check for signs of renal illness. If caught early, your doctor can make dietary changes to something less taxing on your cat’s kidneys or keep a close eye on lab values.
What is the Treatment for Kidney Failure?
Keeping an eye on the cat’s lab values or switching it to a low-protein diet could be the first steps in treating it. Subcutaneous fluids, blood pressure medicine, anti-nausea and antacid pills, electrolyte control pills, and hormone injections to increase red blood cell formation are some of the treatments that may be used as the disease advances.
Assessing the Chances of Kidney Failure
Although dialysis and organ transplants are not yet a cure for renal failure, they are treatments that are accessible in certain regions. Depending on the severity of the disease at diagnosis, symptomatic therapy are capable of providing a good quality of life for most cats for at least two years.
- Acute Gastritis in Pets
- Many individuals take their pets to the vet because they have trouble with their stomachs.
- The contents of a trash can could give hours of fun for cats and dogs. Their happiness, nevertheless, might not last forever. Even a small amount of food that has gone bad may make their lives hell, and they wouldn’t be the only ones. Nationwide pet insurance members sent their feline and canine friends to the doctor for a variety of reasons in 2017. Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) ranked fourth for cats and seventh for dogs.
- A case of gastritis could be in the animal’s future if they’ve been listless and vomiting for several days. Make a time to meet your vet right away if you think your pet might be suffering from this.
- Reasons for Stomach Feeling uncomfortable
- If your vomiting lasts shorter than a week, you may have acute gastritis. Most likely, your pet ingested anything that didn’t agree with them, such spoiled food, plants, a foreign object, or even hair.
- Something they ate caused an adverse reaction or sensitivity.
- Chemical irritants, such as fertilizer or cleanser, were consumed by them.
- – They had gastrointestinal problems because of a medicine or pill.
- They’re afflicted with a parasite, a virus, or bacterium.
- “Acute pancreatitis” is the term used for the condition.
- – They’re in shock or have sepsis.
- Prolonged contact with those triggers of acute gastritis can lead to ongoing gastritis. Intestinal or gastric blockage, IBS, or stomach cancer are some possible causes.
- Five Discomforting Health Issues Cats Face
- Most People Don’t Realize They Have Common Illnesses
- One thing cats are great at is masking is when they’re hurt. A number of frequent feline medical problems are also amongst the most agonizing, which just makes things worse. If you feel that a problem is wrong with your cat, it is important to observe any changes in its behavior. Any of these difficult circumstances requires immediate attention from a veterinarian.
- Cats with FLUTD, or Feline Lesser Urinary Tract Disease,
- The urethra and bladder can be damaged at the same time in a cat with FLUTD. Bacterial UTIs, stones in the bladder and crystals, and the incredibly common idiopathic cystitis condition can all be covered by this umbrella term. Cats suffer severely from this horrible condition.
- etiology: While fresh proof indicates that certain cats are innately susceptible to idiopathic cystitis, the precise cause of the illness remains a mystery. Inflammation and stiffness of the bladder lining may result to severe spasms and, in rare cases, blood in urine.
- Anxiety may set in when there is an evolution in the litter box or the type of litter, when moving to a new house, when beginning a fresh habit, or when a pet dies.
- Indicators: Consistent peeing, Physical activity, Genital licking, Long-term squatting, Expressing, Crying, Limited volume of urine, organic compounds blood in the urine— these are the clues as to the consistency of the urine.
- A full physical exam will be performed by your veterinarian to diagnose any issues with your kitten. In order to identify abnormalities such bladder stones, their thickness, or obstruction, this examination is conducted.
- Crucial diagnostic techniques include urinalysis and a bladder x-ray. Medications for discomfort eating from cans rather than dry, and practicing relaxation techniques at home are all options for treatment. Maintaining an everyday routine and providing your cat with a calm, spacious environment can go a long way toward making it feel at ease.
- Disease two each, rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Cartilage is an outer layer of protection that wraps over the metal components of a cat’s joints. Painful wear and tear, eventually creating arthritis, can occur when this breaks down.
- Although other joints, even several joints, can be impacted, it most usually affects the spine and elbows of cats. Cats of middle age and up are the most usually confirmed, while younger cats can also be afflicted. Joint discomfort is a regular companion of arthritis sufferers, hindering their range of motion.
- Cause: Arthritis is a painful degenerative sickness that creates inflammation in the joints; it affects both humans and cats. Although arthritis is more usually linked to aging, it can also develop in cats due to injuries or autoimmune disorders. The felines of any breed can develop arthritis.
- Details: Discomfort, Restricted Movement, Difficulty entering a litter box, Standing up when eradicatin, Constipation, Not using the litter box, Muscle atrophy, Joint edema, A grinding sound in a joint, Impaired mobility, Uneven Transport, Incontinence, Incontinence, Signs: Signs.
- Treatment: Radiographs, an in-depth physical examination by your veterinarian, and the pet owner’s history of observing symptoms are common ways to diagnose arthritis in cats.
- Treatment may be preceded by the recommendation of more tests. Gabapentin, dietary supplements (oral or injectable), and NSAIDs are all possible parts of a treatment plan.
- Cats afflicted with arthritis require close veterinary attention during treatment. Many human pharmaceuticals, including a pain reliever and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are hazardous to cats. For the same rationale, you shouldn’t use any topical treatments either.
Conditions Affecting the Mouth
It could be painful for you, the owner, to look at your cat’s teeth. Consequently, an annual trip to the vet for an oral examination is crucial for your cat’s health.
Many painful dental illnesses can go undiscovered if these exams are not performed. Stomatitis (gum and mouth inflammation), oral ulcers, and odontoclastic resorptive lesions (deteriorated teeth requiring extraction) are among these conditions.
Reasons:Ulcers: Typically brought on by a virus that affects the respiratory system.
Here are some reasons: Ulcers: This condition is usually caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system.
There is a known condition resulting in the immune system to react negatively to bacteria in the mouth and plaque.
Similarly to how cavities in molars harm the pulp chamber, feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) do exactly the same thing.
Behavior that is typical for felines.
Signs.
Annual checkups are beneficial for cats because oral diseases often do not manifest themselves visually. Be on the lookout for signs such as persistent foul breath, excessive salivation, teeth grinding, rosy gums, and trouble swallowing. In extreme cases, the disease may even cause a person to lose their appetite.
Treatment:Mild stomatitis. Get your teeth cleaned thoroughly, from top to bottom, and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
When stomatitis is moderate to severe, it is required to extract the teeth.
“Folks Over the Rainbow:” All teeth that are affected need to be removed.Until your cat’s oral health improves, the healthcare provider may suggest a food modifications to reduce inflammation and pain.
Ulcers of the Cornea
Cats might get corneal ulcers if they squint often, seem red or inflamed, or tear excessively. These can be categorised as superficial or deep corneal layers injured, and they manifest in different ways. Painful corneal ulcers are a major problem for felines.
Causes:
– Infection of the respiratory tract
Possible causes include: – An object or scratch in the eye – An inability to produce enough tears – A disorder or paralysis affecting the facial nerve
Signs:
– Tearing eyes
– Red, inflamed eyes – Eye discharge – Pawing at the eyes – Squinting
Light sensitivity, a filmy covering over the eye, and abnormally extended periods of eye closure
Treatment:
In order to rule out corneal ulcers and other illnesses such as conjunctivitis and viral infections, your veterinarian may perform tests after an eye examination.
Surgeons may need to remove deep ulcers. To alleviate discomfort and swelling and to stimulate the production of more tears, your doctor about it may prescribe antibacterial and other medications.
The Femoral Arteries Thrombosis
When a blood clot forms in the cat’s heart, it passes via the aorta and into the rest of the circulatory system, finally cutting off blood supply to the back legs.
This condition is known as femoral artery thrombosis. As a result, you can feel numb, weak, or even paralysed. For many cats, this excruciating ailment is the initial warning indication of more serious cardiac issues.
Cats eight years of age and up are at increased risk, but any cat, regardless of breed or age, can develop severe cardiac disease, which is the most common cause.
Signs:
– Lethargy while walking – Rear paw pads that are cold – An increase in vocalisation
Treatment:
Medication to dissolve the clot and blood thinners to prevent future clot formation may be prescribed by your veterinarian. Cats suffering from this ailment unfortunately have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and further thrombosis.
Checking that the breeder is
Before choosing to bring a Bengal cat into your home, it is essential to thoroughly investigate the breeder. Responsible breeding ensures the health and temperament of your future feline companion.
An ethical breeder will pay close attention to the details of socialisation, veterinary treatment, and genetic testing to ensure that their kittens are healthy and happy. We hope this checklist is useful as you look for a new kitty friend.
Work Route
The Bengal cat is known for its expressive personality and high level of verbal communication. Their chattering, meowing, purring, and chirping is quite loud and frequent, which distinguishes them from other breeds. They communicate with people in an interesting and engaging way thanks to their unique vocalisations.
Maintenance
Maintaining a well-groomed Bengal cat coat is easy with frequent grooming. Thanks to its relatively short hair, this is actually rather easy for this breed. You can keep their coat in the best shape and reduce shedding by brushing them once a week. You may check your cat’s skin for anomalies like tumours or parasites when you groom it regularly.
Power of the mind
Bengal cats are incredibly smart; they can figure out complicated problems, learn new tricks fast, and play fetch like a pro. Their inquisitive nature and daring personality drive them to see the globe.
Being one of the most intelligent cat breeds, they are interesting companions and great conversationalists because to their sharp minds and boundless curiosity.
Regulations for Bengal Cats on a Global Scale
Despite the widespread affection for Bengal cats, they are illegal to adopt in several parts of the world. Concerns over possible crossbreeding with feral cats led to the Australian government to outlaw the ownership of Bengal cats.
Researching local laws and regulations is vital before adopting, as these restrictions differ.
The adoption process
Important considerations must be kept in mind while thinking about adopting a Bengal cat. Bengals are ideal for seasoned cat owners who are familiar with the breed’s specific requirements for mental and physical activity.
You and your adopted Bengal cat are likely to develop a close relationship; in fact, your new pet may begin to shadow you around the house. Put the FELIWAY Optimum Diffuser to work for you in making your space more serene.
While hunting,
True to its feral origins, the Bengal cat species is highly instinctive when it comes to hunting. Even in a residential environment, their nimbleness and acute perception make them great hunters.
Be wary of acquiring a Bengal cat if you have any tiny pets; the cat can get the urge to hunt them. They can satiate their natural hunting tendencies with frequent play sessions and access to elevated areas.
The Five Most Surprising Facts About Bengal Cats
Animated Outside, Domesticated Within
Bengal cats look like miniature tigers with their lush emerald eyes, big ears, and stunning coats. But they’re tamed and considerably smaller than the average animal.
Old, Untamed Origins
An Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat were the progenitors of the Bengal cat breed, which emerged in the nineteenth century. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Jean Sugden Mill domesticated the Bengal cat to perfection by perfecting a hybrid breed.
Cats That Enjoy Being in the Water
Felines of the Bengal kind adore bodies of water. Whenever given the chance, they will play in the water, drink from the tap, and swim.
Please Show Me How to Do This!
Bengal cats have an insatiable appetite for learning and rehearsing tricks. They pick up tricks and simple vocal orders quickly because of their intellect and boundless activity.
Shine, Shine on the Feline
The silky, glittery sheen on a Bengal’s fur is what makes this breed stand out. Bengals’ coat patterns can range from spotted to marbled, and some even have an iridescent quality that makes them shimmer when lit.
Typical Health Issues
Here are some of the most prevalent health issues that Bengal cats face:
Illness of the teeth
Circulatory disease
Disease of the kidneys
Excess Bulimia
Intolerances
