Do Bengal Cats Like Water? Bengal Breed Description and History

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Do Bengal cats like water? Bengals are known to be adventurous and fun loving. Many are happy to spend time in water, while others don’t like getting their paws wet.

The Bengal is a distinctive and fascinating breed of cat. Their exotic-looking coats and piercing green eyes make them a coveted breed for many cat owners. They are also intelligent, bold, and highly inquisitive.

Part of what makes Bengals so fascinating is their adventurous nature and love of water. Unlike most cats, Bengals enjoy being in the water and actively seek it out to swim and play in it. They will often jump into the bath for a quick dip or follow their owner into a pool or other body of water.

Every cat is different, and not all cats in a breed display the same traits. While it is impossible to make blanket statements about Bengal cats, it is safe to say that, on the whole, Bengals appear to like water more than other breeds of cats.

This article will answer the question, ‘do Bengal cats like water?’ We’ve research why most cats hate water and will explain what makes Bengals different.

Do Bengal Cats Like Water?

Many Bengals show a fascination with water. Not only do they tolerate it better than other cats, but they also seem to truly love it.

Some Bengal owners declare that playing in and around water is their cat’s favorite thing to do.

Why Do Most Cats Hate Water?

The majority of domestic cats stay well away from water and loathe getting wet. To understand why the Bengal cat’s fascination with water is so unique, let’s quickly talk about why most cats hate water.

Domestic cats evolved from a Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis silvestris, which means “cat of the woods.” These cats evolved in a dry environment where swimming was not a necessary development for their survival. Because these cats did not see water often, they did not develop a genetic predisposition toward it. Many cats struggle to swim and see water as an inherent danger.

Cats are prey animals as well as predators. They are highly sensitive to risks and things that can put them in danger. When a cat gets wet, its fur becomes heavy, making it difficult to run from predators. Cats are also fastidious groomers, and being wet is uncomfortable for them.

How Is the Bengal Cat Different?

The Bengal cat is a specialized hybrid breed of cat. Breeders crossed domestic cats with a Southeast Asian leopard species called Felis Bengalensis. The introduction of the leopard genome resulted in a cat with a little more wildness and boldness than a typical house cat.

In the wild, leopards and tigers often swim. They live in hot climates and frequently cool off by swimming in rivers and lakes. This gives the Bengal cat a slight genetic predisposition toward the water and a slightly more adventurous nature.

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Does the Bengal Make a Good Pet?

Bengals make excellent pets for owners who are prepared to give them what they need. Because of their curious, outgoing nature and high level of intelligence, you must provide a Bengal with adequate mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Swimming is just one part of what makes a Bengal unique. If you are considering adopting one, do your research to ensure that your lifestyle will be a good fit for the breed. A Bengal will not do well being left alone for hours a day.

Bengals are also expensive. A show-quality Bengal can cost upwards of $3000, and the current average price of a purebred Bengal kitten is about $1500 – $2200. It may be possible to find Bengals in rescues, though it is rare.

Bengal Cat Breed Description

Bengal cats are known for their beautiful and distinctive coloring. They make great pets for the right individual: someone who can provide their inquisitive, active brains with plenty of stimulation.

Breed History

In the early 1900s, breeders crossed domestic house cats with a Southeast Asian leopard called Felis Prionailuris Bengalensis. In 1980, a breeder, Jean Sugden Mill, perfected the hybrid by breeding the Asian hybrid cat with domestic cats, giving us what we know as the modern Bengal.

The Asian leopard, also called the Mainland Leopard Cat, is found throughout 21 countries in Southeast Asia. It is about the size of a domestic cat, with slightly longer legs, larger eyes, and shorter, wider ears. The Mainland Leopard Cat is an excellent swimmer and shows a strong inclination toward the water. It is also an excellent climber.

Temperament

The Bengal cat is known for its resilience, adventurous spirit, and intelligence. Owners report that their Bengal will often follow them around the house like a dog, getting into everything the owner is doing. They have been known to open cupboards and doors, play fetch, and take things apart to see how they work.

Bengals are highly intelligent and need a lot of consistent mental stimulation to thrive. They make great pets for the owner who has the time and resources to dedicate to their happiness. If you do not have the time to provide a Bengal with the environment it needs, consider a different breed.

Appearance

The Bengal cat comes in two varieties: spotted and marbled. The spotted Bengal is what most people think of when they picture a Bengal. It has a spotted, leopard-like coat, usually with a perfectly symmetrical pattern on both axes of its body.

The marbled Bengal has a less uniform pattern, although it is usually somewhat symmetrical. The spots are larger and less round and look more like splotches than spots. Both types of Bengal come in many different colors, although the classic Bengal is a deep, reddish-brown with black spots and green eyes.

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Bengal Cats FAQ's

Here are some commonly asked questions about Bengal cats. If you’re thinking of getting a Bengal it’s important to do your research to determine whether a Bengal is the right cat for your family.

Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?

No, Bengal cats are not hypoallergenic, but they do have reasonably short fur. Although they produce less Fel d 1 protein than other cats, they still produce enough to trigger allergic reactions in some people. If you’re mildly allergic to cats but would still like to own one, consider adopting a Bengal cat.

Can You Take a Bengal Cat For a Walk?

Yes, you can take a Bengal cat for a walk. Bengals are very active and love to explore. If you have a backyard, make sure it is fenced in so your Bengal can’t run off. A harness and leash are also recommended if you’re taking your cat further away from home.

Do Bengal Cats Get Along With Dogs?

Bengal cats can get along with dogs if they are raised together. Bengals are very social creatures and love to play. If you have a dog and are considering getting a Bengal cat, introduce them slowly. Bengals are often intrigued by dogs and may even try to play with them as these cats are considered dog-like in nature.

Do Bengal Cats Get Along With Other Cats?

Bengal cats typically get along with other cats if they have known each other since kittenhood. The breed is considered more social than many cats and love to play. Some Bengal cats may try to assert dominance over other cats, but this behavior can be redirected with proper training. If you have another cat already and are planning to add a Bengal to your menagerie, introduce your pets slowly.

Should I Let My Bengal Cat Outside?

There are pros and cons of letting y our Bengal cat outdoors. On the plus side, Bengals get to explore and exercise their natural predatory instincts. On the downside, they are more likely to contract diseases and parasites from other animals. If you let your Bengal outside, ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations and have a collar with ID tags.

Do Bengal Cats Like Water: Final Thoughts

Because of their unique breed heritage, Bengal cats do indeed like water more than most other domestic cats. They often seek out water to play and swim. Of course, every cat is different, and it is entirely possible to find a Bengal that does not like water.

If you are considering adopting a Bengal cat, do thorough research and prepare yourself for the rigors of owning such a demanding cat. You must be able to provide a proper environment for the cat to thrive. Given the right environment, a Bengal cat is a wonderful companion and fun, adventurous pet.

You may also like to check out our interview with Tala and Mara about whether you can walk a Bengal cat. These are two cool cats!

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