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When you first see an <a href=”https://animalsdetails.com/are-dogs-mammals/”>Bengal feline</a> roaming through your house it’s likely to make you think that a jungle cat has broken in. This is because the stunning breed sports a marbled or spotted coat that looks a lot like the wild leopard or ocelot. However, the Bengal isn’t wild at all and is a gentle and affectionate nature. While Bengals were created by breeding domestic cats with the Asian leopard, their natural characteristics were long ago abandoned.
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Bengal cats first became accepted as a breed in 1983. Since that time, this stunning cat has been gaining popularity. Similar to other hybrid breeds like the Savannah cats, Bengal cats have been classified by how many generations they have been separated from their natural parent. Cats born to the Asian leopard is known as an F1. Every subsequent generation receives the designation of a number like F2, F3, F4 or F4. In order to be considered a domestic cat A Bengal must at a minimum be an F4.
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If you are considering purchasing an Bengal cat , or kitten make sure to check with the local and state governments; they are banned in some locations, including Hawaii and New York City. Bengals might also be subject to restrictions in the case of an F1-F3 generation.
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Appearance
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Bengal cats can be described as a lean and agile breed and generally weigh between 8-15 pounds. They are adored for their thick, short coats that are boldly decorated in shades of brown, silver, and snow. Their fur is smooth and soft, feeling a bit like bunny hair. The most common eye colors found in Bengal cats are yellow, brown, orange, and green.
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A Bengal cat’s coat differentiates him from other felines. In actual fact, Bengals are the only breed that can have the rosette pattern that is a direct reflection of the wild Asian leopard ancestral roots. Marbled or spotted coats are equally popular and look just as stunning. Because their fur is so small, they require only regular brushing in order to get rid of loose hair and dead skin cells.
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While Bengal cats weigh around the same amount as a standard domestic cat, they’re typically larger due to their muscular, long bodies. They also have long legs, which make them great jumpers, so don’t be shocked if you see your Bengal looking at you from counters and shelves.
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Temperament
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However wild a Bengal appears from the outside, he’s soft and sweet inside. They are very friendly but they can also be able to christen a certain pet as their most beloved. Bengals are great with other cats, children, and with family dogs. The key, however, is early socialization and exposure to household members from a young age. If you try to introduce the new pet to Bengals with established manners, you could face an uphill task.
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