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Cat lovers always dream of adding a new furry member to their family, and a black Bengal cat could be a perfect addition to it. The black Bengal cat, also known as the Melanistic cat, is the most remarkable and unique breed because of its great appearance and friendly nature.
These cats originated from the procreation of a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat. They possess the perfect appearance of a wild feline in a tiny size, which makes them an ideal companion for you.
So if you are thinking of getting a Bengal cat, we have covered you. In this article, we will walk you through Bengal cat characteristics, Bengal cat diet, are Bengal cats hypoallergenic, how much do Bengal cats cost, and how long do Bengal cats live? Thus, keep reading until the end to make an informed decision later.
Black Bengal Cat – Appearance And Personality
Physical Appearance
Black Bengal cats are admired for their similarity to black panthers. The main highlight of this cat is its super-soft coat. The Bengal cat has a pitch-black coat with spotted or marbled patterns. These patterns, however, vary from gray to black. These marks are of well-defined shapes and edges, making them exceptionally distinctive from each other. In addition, these beautiful patterns on Bengal cats are also known as “ghost markings” due to their invisibility in artificial light.
Apart from its eye-catching coat, the black Bengal cat’s eyes are incredibly breathtaking. Their eyes are attractive; they vary from gold-green to hazel which makes their eyes quite bold and irresistible from their dark black coat.
Furthermore, the Bengal cat is a medium-to-large feline with a muscular body. It possesses a long, lean physique and a long, blunt nose, with an appealing shiny black coat that makes it look like a black panther.
Personality
Black Bengal cats are pretty energetic, clever, and lively cats. Unlike most Bengal cats’ partners, they possess an extreme love for water and are not afraid of it. They are active, love climbing, and are known to be vocal at times. Hence, they take great interest in following their owner and what they are doing. Additionally, Bengal cats are friendly and get along well with other people and pets.
Besides, it is fun to own a Bengal cat; it is not a feline for someone who has a busy schedule. Since Bengal cats are brilliant and agile, they require quite a lot of interaction with their owners. If you are busy during the day and do not have time to charm your friend, the best thing is to get two or not own this feline. When a Bengal cat gets bored, it takes an interest in how things work and tries to check out drawers or cabinets to explore what exciting stuff is kept inside.
Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
The extremely revered Bengal cat breed is highly popular among hypersensitive pet owners. It is often assumed that the allergic reaction from felines is due to their hair; however, it is not the case. These reactions occur due to dander, an amalgamation of a feline’s saliva, and dried skin. When hovering around in your house, this dander tends to trigger watery eyes and sneezing, which are associated with cat allergies.
So, are black Bengal cats hypoallergenic? This feline is fascinating primarily because it is hypoallergenic, which means, unlike its cousins, it is less likely to cause allergies.
Why Is My Black Bengal Cat Hypoallergenic?
Why Bengal cats are hypoallergenic depends on various theories. However, there is no authentic scientific evidence. It is believed that black Bengal cats are hypoallergenic because of the two main factors listed below.
- Short coat: Many people believe Bengal cats are hypoallergenic because of their short coats. Because, unlike long-haired felines, these cats will require less maintenance.
- Shed less skin: People also believe that the black Bengal cat sheds less than its partner feline, creating very minimal dander. This means that there will not be any notable dander spread in your house.
Thus, with its short coat, shedding less, or maybe due to its ancestry qualities, the Bengal cat is ideal for people prone to allergies.
Bengal Cat Diet
New pet owners often ask questions about the Bengal cat diet. These felines belong to carnivores, so it is essential to feed them protein-rich food. The easiest and ideal way is to feed good quality commercial cat food, among many choices. However, if you believe in making efforts for your furry friend and providing a healthy, nutrition-based diet, make sure it is based on meat. In any case, it is best to take the vet’s advice on your pet’s diet plan.
Also, it is essential to know that these felines possess short intestines and a very sensitive digestive system. Thus, paying attention to their diet may lead to Bengal diarrhea. Hence, a good nutrition-based diet will make your kitten healthier and happier.
The nutritional suggestions here cover the initial period of a Bengal cat’s adjustment to its new place. Adaptation to new foods or dietary items must be done slowly and cautiously.
The approximate period for a Bengal cat to adjust is 30 days. Additional development and health of the feline are based on nutrition. Thus, a well-balanced diet enriched with vitamins and minerals is essential for a cat’s optimal health.
Once the adaptation period is over, watch over your kitty’s weight because Bengal cats are inclined to gain weight. In this case, cut down on some potions or shift towards low-calorie foods.
Here are some options you can choose for your cat’s diet.
- Commercially prepared food
- Natural food
Commercial Food
Opting for commercial food is often an easy and more convenient way to save time without compromising on balanced nutrition. You can feed both types: canned and dry foods. Here, make sure dry foods are top quality and contain all-natural ingredients. Buy supreme quality products and do not settle for low-priced products. Because low-quality products utilize bones, feathers, or hides for protein content instead of using meat, these will not be essential for a Bengal cat’s health and may trigger illness or, in some cases, may have the risk of kidney stones.
In addition, it is recommended by vets to incorporate dry foods that contain a minimum of 9% fat and 26% protein content. This diet plan must be set in the initial year of life due to the Bengal’s intestine sensitivity. Further, big Bengal cats may get unwell if switched from natural to commercial food.
Moreover, if your kitten consumes dry foods, it will need a lot of water intake.
Natural Food
Since Bengal cats are carnivores, 70% of their food must be based on meat. Also, to avoid any exploitive infections, raw meat must be pre-frozen.
Feed your cat food that is a bit warm or at room temperature. Giving too hot or cold food to a pet is not suitable for their health.
Here are some suggestions for natural foods you can feed your Bengal cat.
- Fresh lean meat: Fresh lean meat cuts are enriched with fiber and protein.
- Chicken or turkey: Chicken or turkey meat. They are both perfect sources of protein intake. However, kitties like to eat turkey meat more. You can get both and verify which works well for your pet.
- Fish: Feeding cooked fish to your pet is quite good since it contains a high content of omega 3 or omega 6 fatty acids, which are essential for their coat.
How Much Do Bengal Cats Cost?
Bengal cats are more expensive compared to brown Bengal cats, and this is because they are not so common.
So, how much do Bengal cats cost? Generally, Bengal cats cost around $1500 to $3000. These felines are expensive because breeding them is a difficult task and a time-consuming occupation. Thus, proper breeding of the feline demands a higher price than $1000.
Bengal cats are pretty expensive and cost around $2000 to $4000 based on their region and generation.
How Long Do Bengal Cats Live?
The answer to the question of how long do Bengal cats live is a tricky one. However, the average lifetime of a feline is up to twelve to sixteen years approximately. The majority of Bengal cats live more than ten years, but it is rare for the breed to reach 20. Additionally, the oldest Bengal cat was believed to have lived for around 34 years. Nonetheless, a life span of more than 30 years is relatively uncommon in domestic breeds, even if they are well cared for and healthy.
Is The Black Bengal Cat A Good Pet?
Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic? What is the Bengal cat diet? How much do Bengal cats cost? In this article, you will find all the answers to that. But here, we will sum up whether these cats are good household pets.
The unique cat is not just a pet but a perfect family member for cat lovers. It is an outstanding, dramatic, and eccentric wild cat with unique patterns and a perfect resemblance to its ancestors. These are considered to have the qualities of leopards, cheetahs, or tigers in their small but attractive physique. Thus, this particular feline has everything for everyone, varying from the spotted snow markings to pitch black.
Furthermore, the most surprising and interesting fact about Bengal cats is that they get along well with puppies. So if you have a dog at home, do not worry; this kitty will get along well with other pets.
Lastly, we suppose this article has given you optimal information about black Bengal cats so that you can make knowledgeable decisions. You can also read our other blog about turtles here.
