Bengal kittens are growing in popularity as one of the newest domestic cat breeds to be introduced to the world. They are considered fashionable not only because of their exotic appearance, due to the fact that they are a cross bred animal between a Bengal tiger and a domestic housecat, but also due to their rarity. Because they are a relatively new breed, they are only available at select breeders. If you are considering a Bengal kitten as the newest addition to your family, there are a few things that you may want to keep in mind.
Personality
Bengal kittens take on many traits from both strains of ancestry, and show many personality traits more common to tigers than domestic cats. For example, they tend to adore water far more than regular pets do. This is particularly true with running water, and they highly enjoy playing in and around it, something that is very seldom attributed to a normal cat.
They also tend to be rather intelligent and respond well to training. They are very personable, and quickly become very attached to their owners. They are also very vocal, social animals, and require a lot of attention to keep them happy.
Physical
They are known primarily for their exotic coloring, having been genetically engineered to have the striping normally associated with tigers. Due to their tiger genes, they tend to be much larger than domestic cats and have longer tails.
Like their wild cousins, they are extremely active and need plenty of room. They do not do well in cramped environments, and can potentially get into trouble with accidental breakage due to their high energy level.
Health and Diet
Little to no dry kibble exists in the wild, so Bengal kittens have very little love for it, instead preferring a diet consisting almost entirely of canned cat food.
Unfortunately, they are also highly susceptible to food born illnesses, particularly those caused by bacteria or mold. Be sure that the food they are given is fresh and lot left out for an extended period of time to avoid infection. If your Bengal kitten begins showing any of the symptoms of food borne illness, be sure to take them to the vet right away.
Of course, any new pet is going to have its pros and cons. When all is said and done, Bengal kittens, though high maintenance and potentially expensive, are friendly, playful creatures that can make wonderful companions if you take proper care of them.
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