Softer for the eye than the other Bengal cats, this beauty shows off with its powder blue color. Blue Bengal Cat is undoubtedly one of the most graceful and attractive breeds. The wild ancestry of these cats makes them irresistibly gentle “beasts” with hearts of silk.
Not everyone can own a Blue Bengal cat since this enigmatic beauty matches people wild and calm, energetic and inert considering the situation and mood.
Appearance
Blue Bengal cat is the most famous for its appearance due to variations you can find. Varying in color from bluish-grey to grey it is very rare. What makes them desirable is the wild cat ancestry that has been changed during years of breeding with a friendly, energetic, and easygoing mood. Nothing more is needed to have a perfect pet, isn’t it?
The Blue Bangle cat color is very hard to get, although most of the breeders are doing their best to promote it and even introduce it as a separate breed in championships. These cats are marble-spotted with dark blue or metal grey color with a powder blue or grey coat and some cream shade mixed within.
Origin and History of Blue Bengal Cats
Strange, but true, the Blue Bengal cat is a result of an accidental cross between a Domestic Shorthair and an Asian Leopard cat.
Blue Bengal cats are direct descendants of the wild Asian Leopard Cats. This, half the genetic structure of the Blue Bengal Cat is one of the reasons why the first Bengal cats were extremely wild. It is widely known that the fourth generation of breeding these cats has brought a domesticated cat with a calm personality.
The most desirable color of the Blue Bengal Cat is what is the hardest to reach and the breeders tend to mix cats that carry the most important recessive blue cat gene which will bring to a Blue Bengal Cat litter. While, of course when two Blue Bengal cats mix then the litter is by no means with a blue coat.
This hybrid breed was accepted by the International Cat Association in 1986 and in 1991 this breed was promoted with a championship status. Since the 1980s the Blue Bengal Cat breed has become one of the most registered in the ICA lately.
As a curiosity, it is good to know that the Blue Bengal Cat has been accepted as a miscellaneous breed by the Cat Fancier’s Association in 2016.
Considering this breed there are a few more interesting things to say, such as:
- The Blue Bengal Cats were called Safari Cats till 1970
- Bengal Cats including the Blue Bengal Cats are widely known as “Rolls Royce” in cats keeping in mind how expensive they are
- The Blue Bengals are not at all lazy house pets, and
- Not typical for cats, but these Blue Bengal beautiful cats are fond of water
Physical Characteristics and Enigmatic Beauty
When you see a Blu Bengal cat it is like looking at a mini Leopard. It is not far off the impression. The Bengals are very wild at heart, but curious and athletic which makes them a beloved breed for an experienced cat lover.
This exotic breed has been banned in some countries, so before you decide to take care of a beautiful and enigmatic pet like a Blue Bengal cat, be sure to check the regulations.
Blue Bengals are classified with an F and a number following which expresses how many generations have been removed from the initial cross. So, it is better to have a number higher than 4 after the F and you can be sure that the generation’s progress has brought to minimizing the wild temper.
The height of a Blue Bengal cat varies between 8-10 inches (20.3 cm-25.4 cm) and they weigh from 8-15 pounds (3.6kg-6.8kg). Their lifespan is from 9 to 15 years of age.
Health and Care
This hybrid breed is assumed relatively healthy. Health issues with Blue Bengal cats include Lymphoma, Gastrointestinal conditions, Patellar luxation, and Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Almost all cat breeds can develop cancer, but the Bengals are more likely to develop Lymphoma which attacks the lymph nodes. Regular visits to the Vet will prevent or suggest the best cure in the worst scenario.
Gastrointestinal issues are mostly connected to their curious nature and trying many things they shouldn’t, such as house plants.
The athletic bodies of the Blue Bengal cats are a privilege that many cats do not possess, but on the other hand, it can be dangerous for their knees which can not support their lifestyle. The kneecap can easily be dislocated from the normal position and thus a great discomfort or even early-phase arthritis. The Vets usually prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines or in some cases recommend surgery.
HCM or the thickening of the heart muscle is characteristic of many cats including Bengals. Of great importance regarding this condition is that the breeders make regular genetic tests before mating.
Blue Bengal cats are in a group of low-maintenance cats with only once a week brushing for a shiny coat. They do not shed.
Feeding a Blue Bengal with a well-balanced food you do not need to give them additional nutrients. Only if there are health issues the Vet will suggest the kind and amount of food your cat should take.
Temperament and Adaptability of Blue Bengal Cats
Your decision to have a Blue Bengal Cat as a pet is a fun and rewarding experience only if you can understand the personality and the needs of this breed. Only that way you will have a loving cat. Their distinctive color is very rare and it makes them pets with the most expensive tag. They are not at all cuddly although they adore a company of a human.
Plenty of environmental stimulation and affection is needed when you own a Blue Bengal Cat. Among other things, they do not appreciate when you leave them alone. Their energy is at a very high level, so you will have an active and playful pet. Blue Bengal Cats are very affectionate, intelligent, and smart.
As with all other intelligent animals, you can train a Blue Bengal Cat. Many tricks, such as teaching them to sit, lie down, or even give high fives are easy lessons for this breed. They adore their family and enjoy the company.
They are not very fond of other animals especially not other cats.
