Cats in the Gardena garden almanac on caring for cats

Bengal

An active cat with contrasting rosettes that needs exercise and mental stimulation, or it will invent its own.

Origin
USA
Coat
Short, dense, glossy
Activity
Grooming

Temperament

The Bengal is very active and loves water, heights, and hunting. A food bowl and a scratching post are not enough: it needs play, puzzle feeders, an exercise wheel, and trick training. Without these the cat becomes unhappy, meows a lot, and finds destructive things to do.

Living with a Bengal

Best for people ready to give it time every day. Harness training and safe outdoor time are helpful. Windows and balconies must be secured: a Bengal will be the first to find any weak spot.

Grooming

The short coat needs very little care; running a grooming mitt over it once a week is enough.

Health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hereditary retinal atrophy, and pyruvate kinase deficiency have been described in the breed. Genetic tests exist, so ask the breeder for the results.