If you heard someone saying that “it’s hard to find a Bengal cat” then this cat’s unique breeding history must be the reason behind this notion. Let’s find out more. So, are Bengal cats rare? The answer would be no. They are not rare. The only thing which makes their availability a little bit difficult is the cost factor involved. Bengal cats are more expensive than other pet cats which makes them special, but not rare. To know more about this amazing cat breed, bear with me till the end.
Bengal cat’s history
Bengal cats’ earliest history dates back to 1889 when an English writer named “Harrison Weir” talked about Bengal cats in his book. But, there was no significant evidence of this breed’s presence at that time. Later in 1924 a Belgian journal took a dig at Bengal cats, but couldn’t find circumstantial evidence of the Bengal breed’s presence. Following the footprints of a Belgian journal, a Japanese journal wrote a story on the 'possible' presence of a leopard-like cat in 1941. The existence of Bengal cats was not confirmed until 1963 when a California-based psychologist Jean Mill bred two Bengal kittens.
Interesting story:
Jean bought a leopard cat from a pet store and introduced it to a pet cat. The two animals mated and produced two kittens, one male and one female. However, she couldn't report this unique kitten to the international cats association. Later in 1982 she imported a pet cat from Delhi (capital of India) zoo and copulated it with one of the female hybrids she bred earlier. This cross was a success and 5-6 healthy kittens were produced from this cross. In 1986 the international cat association (TICA) accepted Bengal cats in their registry and gave this breed a championship award later in 1991.
Bengal cat generations
Although this breed was registered in 1986, they were not domesticated until its 6th generation. The reason behind: Most early-generation males were infertile. And the females were prone to catch different diseases. Bengal cats’ first 4 generations were strictly regulated and monitored in many states. However, the 6th and later generations are easily available for domestication now.
But:
Hybrid breeds are not allowed in New York and Hawaii. This is why you cannot have a Bengal cat if you live in these 2 states. If you adopt a Bengal cat now, it is most probably a 6th generation or an even later one.
Their breeding
Bengal cats used to be rare during the early days of their breeding, but the case is totally the opposite now. According to the international cat association (TICA), there are almost 2000 Bengal cat breeders in the United States in 2019.
A side note: This number has dramatically increased from 125 breeders in 1992. The reason for this amazing growth is that people find this cat an amazing pet. A lot of new pet parents opt for Bengal cats.
Here are a few things you need to know:
Bengal cats are one of the most favored pet cats nowadays, these are the reasons behind this trend.
• They have good health
Thanks to their wild predecessors, Bengal cats have a very good immune system. They do not fall sick very easily, and even if they do, they can cope with it. Once you give your Bengal cat the essential vaccines, there is no need to worry about its health. Seasonal viruses, temperature changes, and exposure to the outdoor environment don't affect their health.
• They are beautiful
Bengal cats are adored for their striking coat patterns and their soft fur. People adopt them for their eye-catching colors. Most Bengal cats have red, grey, blue, ticked, and brown markings. Their fur is very short and there is a glittery shine in their fur. This fella looks amazingly beautiful in bright sunlight.
• They are talkative
Unlike most pet cats, they make noise and keep their pet parents busy with them. Each time a Bengal cat jumps up or does something interesting it needs your attention right after it.
Picture this: If we call Bengal cats “attention seekers” it won’t be wrong. They need your affection and attention all the time and keep you busy with their little actions.
• They are sophisticated
Now, using the word sophisticated for pets might surprise you. But believe me, these cats are very well-behaved. They know their limits and don’t disturb you during your important activities. Once you define their territory and play area, Bengal cats don’t evade it and stay in their confined area.
Hey:
Aren’t these reasons enough to tell why Bengal cats are one of the top cat breeds being domesticated? How can you get a Bengal cat? Finding a Bengal cat is not a tough job, as I said earlier. You just need to fix a budget for them and let’s start strolling in search of a Bengal cat.
Firstly, you must know that Bengal cats’ price range varies dramatically.
You can get a Bengal cat by spending just 200 USD and this amount can rise up to 5000 USD, surprised right?
Here are the reasons:
Pedigree
As I already said above, Bengal cats are a result of a cross between two contrasting types of cats. And their generations are rated based on the “purity” of their genes. You must be confused about what is meant by purity, let me explain. When the first Bengal kitten was produced it had an equal share of genes from the leopard cat and the domestic cat. This first generation was the most expensive as they were the source of increasing this breed. First-generation kittens were called F1 and their price used to vary from 2000 USD to 10000 USD for females. Males were mostly sterile in the first generation which is why their regular price used to be 1500-2000 USD. The cats we get to see now don’t have a mixture of genes and are entirely the Bengal breed. Today, you can get a Bengal female in a price range of 500-2000 USD because they are in abundance now.
Fun fact:
Bengal cats which were not under the surveillance of breeding centers were collected by rescue centers. You can get a Bengal kitten by spending only 200-300 bucks from these rescue centers.
Coat type
Bengal kittens can be spotted, marbled, or snowed. Spots are circular in shape and are in many colors i.e. clue, grey, red, brown, etc. While marbles are in the form of horizontal lines which are mostly dark brown in color. The color and markings of Bengal kittens play a crucial role in their price.
Here’s the deal:
A type called “snow Bengal cat” is the rarest one. Because it has a silver variant in its coat. The silver variant came from the cross of the leopard cat and Siamese cat (which is a very rare species).
Bengal kittens have three types of spots
Leopard Spots
Charcoal spots
Sorrel spots
These spots are very unique amongst Bengal cats and this fact makes them the 2nd most expensive Bengal cat.
An interesting fact:
Some Bengal kittens have glitter in their fur. This glitter is believed to be inherited from the Bengal cat’s Indian ancestor. Remember we talked about the feline that Jean Mills brought from Delhi? So, it’s time, to sum up, the story. Bengal cats are not rare.
You can conveniently buy beautiful felines depending on your budget. Whether you want the rarest snow Bengal or the most common marble cat, depends upon your budget and preference.