Bengal
Athletic, wild-looking cat with a spotted or marbled coat and abundant energy.
MediumVery activeUSA
Origin & history
Developed in the 1960s in the USA by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, to combine a wild look with a tame temperament.
Care
Low coat care, but needs plenty of exercise, climbing opportunities, and enrichment. Not suited to quiet households.
Ideal environment
Needs plenty of space, cat trees, and ideally secure outdoor access or an enclosure - a small apartment without enrichment is not suitable.
Feeding
Protein-rich, high-quality food matched to a high energy requirement; ensure adequate portions given high activity levels.
Health
Prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a hereditary eye disease (PRA). Ask a reputable breeder about screening.