Bengal cats are widely known for their stunning wild appearance and the most elegant wild example called Black Bengal Cat is not at all an exception. The Black (melanistic) Bengal Cat is such a beautiful creature. The members of this breed are not very common.
Black Bengal Cat has a fascinating history and there are many fascinating facts about them. Not only their appearance with big rosettes on their fur but also their muscular bodies. They are beautiful, gracious, wild, and adorable.
History and Origins
Black Bengal Cats are one of the most intelligent cat breeds. These cats developed from a genetic mutation which causes an overload of the black pigment melanin. That is why Black Bengal Cats have black fur covered with extraordinarily beautiful dark markings.
The Black Bengal Cat is a hybrid developed by crossing the Asian Leopard Cat with the domestic cat. The first cats of this breed appeared in the US in the 1960s. Nobody can precisely say when the first Black Bengal Cat appeared, but melanin mutations are known to be a common occurrence in animals of any kind. That is why we can estimate that the Black Bengals appeared many years ago. They are still assumed to be a new breed so Black Bengals became popular among cat breeders for some time ago.
Black Bengal Cats are a rare breed because of the melanistic coat which appears due to recessive genes. These recessive genes predominate only when both of the animals have the same genetic code. Even if the case the two combinations have to match. This appears to be a very delicate balance, hardly possible, all the cat breeders dealing with the Black Bengal Cat breed should be aware of cat issues.
Creating this kind of cat doesn’t mean that they have to be inbred, but after a few generations, there may be a critical population. Black Bengal Cats are still very rare but as people learn about this breed, they are becoming more and more popular. They are great pets. Very intelligent, and active they are a perfect breed for those who love the exotic look of a wild cat.
Appearance of the Black Bengal Cat
The Black Bengal Cats have not been officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) which is responsible for registering hybrid and domestic cat breeds. TICA has recognized all other Bengal cat varieties, but not the Black. There are a few darker colors of Bengal cats but they are not melanistic cats. They mostly have charcoal or smoke shades.
Black Bengal Cats look like mini panthers. This fact is not surprising at all since they have a wild appearance because of their muscular bodies.
It is believed among the cat breeders that there are three unique facts about the Black Bengal Cats. The first to mention are their ghost markings which can be seen only in a specific light or when the coat of the Black Bengal cat is wet. These markings can look like stripes, spots, or rosettes.
The most common places where these markings appear are the legs, belly, and the face. In some cats, the markings can be faint, but some do have significant markings. The second is their silky coat which appears different from the other cats. The third is that they do not like to be left alone for long hours.
Temperament and Personality of the Black Bengal Cat
Black Bengal Cats are very active, agile, and known for their playfulness. These cats are extremely intelligent and curious which is why you have to keep them stimulated to exercise and focused.
Black Bengal Cats are rare and thus very expensive. They have a great temperament and can be a wonderful pet. Active, intelligent, loving companions that will give charm to your life. Still, if you are assuming to take a Black Bengal cat you must research because they can be high-maintenance pets. They are great pets, but not appropriate for everyone.
After consideration of their demands, this Black Bengal beauty can be your best feline companion. You must know that Black Bengal Cats all from the Bengal breed can be noisy pets.
Finding a reputable breeder is of great importance.
Care and Maintenance
Black Bengal Cats are fairly high-maintenance cats. They make a strong bond with the members of the family and are very demanding when it comes to the time you spend with them, and the attention you give them.
Because of their energetic nature, Black Bengal Cats must have a quality and balanced diet. These cats should have three to four meals per day while kittens, but once they are one year old the number of meals can decrease to two per day. Black Bengals like to drink water so keep their water bowl on the same easily approach place.
