Wildcat on your sofa (Bengal)

Member Name: Pobble

Product:	Bengal
Date:	05/07/00 (212 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wonderful companion cats

Disadvantages: The price!

As I write this, Finchley is sitting on my knee, batting at the keyboard. I suspect he thinks he's helping.

For pictures and information on Bengals, try www.bengalcat.org.uk. It's a remarkably ugly site, and not easy to navigate, but once you get into it you'll find all the information you need about the breed.

Bengals are an exceptionally interesting breed. They were first bred in America in the '60s, and are essentially a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and a domestic tabby. Carefully selective breeding has ensured that today's British Bengals are beautiful, intelligent, characterful little bundles of wild looking fur.

Part of the charm of these cats is their appearance. They're the closest you'll get to a wild cat in looks without the wild temperament. The most popular pattern is the spotted coat; these little cats look like miniature leopards. Finchley is a marbled Bengal; a bit like a tabby on acid. There is also an effect called glittering which can be found on some Bengals. On Browns the tips of some hairs have a translucent gold colour which when reflected in certain lights produces a glistening golden appearance. Finchley is one of these; he's a stunning cat, and we love him dearly.

Temperamentally, Bengals interact better with people than they do with other cats. In most Bengal households, the Bengal is Chief Cat, and he has got into some nasty scraps with our other cats. Perhaps it's that Leopard Cat blood showing? He also loathes children, and has to be kept well away when my evil Goddaughter visits.

Bengals are outstandingly intelligent. Finchley has a small vocabulary (outside, brush, dinner, bed, kiss, and so forth), and has his own "pet"; a length of rabbit fur which he carries everywhere with him. It's the sweetest thing; he mouths it gently, puts it in his dinner, takes it to his basket to sleep and gives it to people he likes as a welco
me home present.

Bengals are special cats, and they come at a special price; upwards of £350 is not uncommon. For a show/breed quality cat you'll be looking at over £500. Try rescue centres They have no genetic diseases associated with them, and are generally very hardy cats, but obviously need all the usual veterinary care a normal cat needs.

I wouldn't be without Finchley. He's a joy.

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