Information on Bengals

What is a Bengal?

The Bengal cat originally descended from crosses between domestic and wild cats, particularly the Asian Leopard and Amur Leopard. The bengal was developed to reproduce the spotted pattern, colors, and facial qualities of the Asian Leopard Cat. The bengal has a wild past, but the bengal cat is domestic in personality, being quick and curious and dog like. Alirose Bengals only uses 6th generation domestic breeders in our program.

Bengals are very people orientated and bond with them quickly.    They have dog-like characteristics like playing fetch and playing in water. Some of my kittens have been known to jump on a float in the pool! They are curious, intelligent and always want to know what is going on. They will keep you amused.Bengals are quick to learn. You can teach your bengal how to walk on a harness. Make sure you purchase a harness especially for cats and not dogs. Bengals are easily toilet trained.

How big do they get?

Bengals can range from 8 to 18 pounds. They are a muscular, medium sized cat.   Males are usually larger than females. The bengal will reach full maturity at 3 years of age.

What do they eat?

Bengals do well on a natural food, with no preservatives, no corn or additives. Life's Abundance cat food has been my bengals food of choice for over 6 years. I keep the bowl full at all times. My cats are free fed.   The bengal needs more protein in their diet.   Life's Abundance has 38% protein.   Cooked or boiled chicken and/or boiled ground beef, can be used as a treat. Check out Life's Abundance at www.healthypetnet.com Life's Abundance is not recalled!

Do they get along with other animals? Children?

They get along great with other animals in the household. I have placed them with pedigreed cats, mixed breeds, younger and older cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds. Bengals make a wonderful family pet for all ages. The bengal will bond quickly. Their curiousity and alertness will entertain you for hours. They will cuddle and be your lap cat as you pet their tummies.

   How do I pick my kitten, male or female?

Personality should be first priority.   Males or females can be loving and personable. You have to play with them to see which one is for you. Most likely the kitten will pick you! Genetics plays an important role in the personality, socialization secondary.   Your breeder is an important part of how well the kitten will socialize and adapt. Alirose specializes in selective breeding for disposition and is well known in the show ring for handlable sweet show cats.

What colors do they come in?

The traditional bengal is brown. The brown ground color can vary between reddish/goldish to a light tan/tawny, from warm to cool tones. The pattern can vary from deep black to light brown. Green or gold eyes are acceptable.

There are two different patterns. The marble patterned resembles a marble cake. The spotted pattern is spotted or sometimes called rosettes.   The coloring can range from black and gold, to black and red, dark brown and light browns. Green or gold eyes are acceptable.

There are silver bengals too.    The silver coloration is exquisite and is a newer color for this breed. The ground color is silver ranging from light silvery to darker silver. The pattern on top can range from deep black to light greys.   Green or gold eyes are acceptable.

   What are Fuzzies?

Bengal kittens go through a fuzzy stage about 4 weeks of age.   At 4 weeks it is very difficult to see the pattern clearly. The hair on top is growing faster than the undercoat.   This is mother natures way of camoflouging her young. At about 8-12 weeks they start to come out of it.   Sometimes your kitten may not look the same as when you saw it earlier. Some breeders choose not to show them in the fuzzies as it confuses the buyer. Pictures are very difficult to take in the fuzzy stage. Dont worry, your bengal's coat will start to lay down, smooth out, and the color will get crisper and clearer at 3-6 months, you will be surprised.

   What does pelt or glitter mean?

Bengals have a pelt rather than a coat like most cats.   The pelt on a bengal is very soft, tight, thick, velvet like to the touch. Glitter is often found on the coat. Glitter are transparent hair shafts that when in the correct sunlight, glitter reflects like gold dust sprinkled over the pelt.

   How old does my bengal have to be before I get it?

Bengal kittens are allowed to be sold at 8 weeks old per Florida Law, BUT, kittens are not ready to go to new homes yet.   Generally 12-14 weeks is the normal age that they are ready. Kittens are like little children and they have to be on their own, eating, using the litter box and socialized before placing in new homes. See link: www.breedlist.com/faq/young.html

   Microchipping & DNA

Dna testing and/or microchipping is available at purchaser's request.

   Health Guarantee?

Your bengal kitten will come with a Health Certificate from the State of Florida by a licensed veterinarian. Congenital defects are covered for one year.   Your kittens Certificate includes current vaccines, feline leukemia testing, worming, fecal examination, and all over examination and have been seen by a vet several times before issuing the Certificate.

   About Alirose Bengals

I have over 23 years experience as a breeder, show exhibitor and cat show judge.   I breed for quality and sweet temperament. My bengal cats are all 6 plus generations from the asian leopard cat and are raised inside my home. The kittens are touched from the time they are born. Not all breeder cats are kept on premises. The queens are taken to the male for breeding and then brought back here to be pampered and have their babies in a home environment.

   How do I get my Bengal?

You can drive to the breeders home, or your bengal can be shipped to you. I can ship anywhere in the U.S. from the Tampa International Airport. Arrangements are made just like a person travelling on an airplane. The kittens are put in an airline approved kennel and shipped on an approved airline. Very simple.