All You Need To Know
Owning a Bengal Cat in Malaysia
Bengal Cats are adored by cat lovers globally because of their striking leopard-like appearance and athletic abilities. However, they are not a breed for first time cat owners due to their higher need for attention, enrichment and resources.
At Petchef, we believe that it is the pet parent’s responsibility to prepare the best living conditions for their furkids. Here’s all you need to know about the history, physical traits, personality, care requirements, and reasons why the Bengal Cat cat may or may not be the cat for you.
Breed overview
Personality | Charming, intelligent, water-loving, athletic, verbal, territorial |
Weight | 3.6 kg - 6.8 kg |
Length | Up to 55 cm |
Coat length | Dense, soft, silky; sometimes described as "glittered" short fur |
Coat color | Brown, Snow, Silver, Charcoal, Blue, Melanistic |
Coat patterns | Spotted or bull's eye, marble, or rosette |
Eye color | Blue, Green, Gold, Yellow, Copper, Hazel Heterochromatic |
Lifespan | Up to 16 years |
Hypoallergenic | Mildly to Highly hypoallergenic |
Origin | United States |
Personality & Characteristics
Bengal Cats are highly intelligent cats with wild ancestry giving them some strange behavioural quirks. Almost every Bengal will have an intense obsession with water, looking for any opportunities to play with water whenever they can. They’re also known to enjoy interrupting their humans while they’re showering, splashing their water bowl and may even paw around your aquarium to catch the swimming fish. They are an extremely active breed with the need to be constantly stimulated or destructive behaviours may appear out of boredom.
Affection level | High |
Friendliness | High |
Kid-Friendly | High |
Pet-Friendly | High |
Exercise needs | High |
Playfullness | High |
Energy level | High |
Trainability | High |
Intelligence | High |
Tendency to Vocalize | High |
History & Origin
Bengal cats were developed by breeding domestic cats with the wild Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), aiming to combine the domestic cat’s temperament with the striking wild markings of the Asian leopard cat.
Grooming & Care
Bengal cats do not require elaborate grooming routines as their short glossy coats are low shedding. Here are some grooming and care tips:
Common Health Issues
Bengals are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Aside from the usual roulette of diseases that include Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Urinary tract issues, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and obesity, they may also face:
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and maintaining a stress-free environment can help mitigate these health risks and ensure a Bengal Cat’s overall well-being.
Diet and Nutrition
Bengal cats require a balanced diet to maintain their large size and overall health. Here are some dietary considerations:
Alternatively, from only RM75 a month (or RM2.50 a day), Petchef’s team of vets and chefs can curate the perfect meal plan for your furkid! Each meal contains quality meat (chicken, beef, buffalo) or fish (salmon, tuna) and vegetables to ensure your furkid fulfils all their nutritional needs. No preservatives, no additives, no fillers or grains; only food they were born to eat.
PS: Here are the answers to all the questions on Petchef’s meals you might possibly have. 😉
Lifestyle and Living
Living with a Bengal Cat is not for the weak and inexperienced. They are a combination of high energy levels, IQ and intelligence, making them a cat that will require time, money and patience from their pawrents to live their best lives.
Here are some tips to give them the best care:
Living with a Bengal Cat involves providing them with love, attention, and a stimulating environment to ensure they thrive and remain happy companions in your home.
Where to Adopt or Buy Bengal Cats
In Malaysia, there are several options for adopting or purchasing a Bengal Cat:
- Animal Shelters and Rescues: Check local animal shelters and rescue organisations. While Bengal Cats might not be as common in shelters as domestic shorthairs, there’s still a chance of finding one in need of a loving home.
- Breeders: Look for reputable Bengal Cat breeders in Malaysia. Ensure they are registered with a recognized cat breeding association and follow ethical breeding practices. You can find breeders through online directories, cat shows, or recommendations from local veterinarians.
- Online Platforms: Websites and online forums dedicated to pets often have listings for Bengal Cat kittens or cats available for adoption or purchase. Be cautious and verify the legitimacy of sellers before making any commitments.
- Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram may have local groups or pages where breeders or individuals post about Bengal Cats available for adoption or sale.
Use Diligence
When adopting or purchasing a Bengal Cat, always prioritise the health and well-being of the cat. Ensure the seller provides health records, vaccinations, and proper documentation. It’s also essential to visit the cat in person, if possible, to assess its temperament and living conditions.
Conclusion
Bengal Cats are an exotic charming breed that will bring excitement and chaos into any household they’re welcome into. However, they are also one of the most active and intelligent cat breeds which will require a lot more time and effort from their parents to provide a suitable living environment for them.
| Pros of Bengal Cats | Cons of Bengal Cats |
|---|---|
Trainable, intelligent and loyal | Vocal to communicate their needs and desires |
Exotic appearance | Obsessed with water |
Athletic and entertaining | Fiercely territorial |
FAQs
Most common questions about Bengal cats asked and possibly not covered by the above sections.
How much is a Bengal Cat in Malaysia?
Starts from RM3,000 to RM10,000 or more if bred by reputable breeders.
Are Bengal Cats good with kids?
Yes when socialised.
Why are Bengals so special?
They are a domesticated wild cat that’s retained its stunning appearance, intelligence and affinity for water.
Are Bengal cats high maintenance?
Yes. Bengal Cat owners need to be financially, mentally and emotionally prepared for the destruction this breed may cause towards their belongings as a response to boredom.
