Bengal cats are a hybrid cat breed that originated from leopards and domestic cats. Often referred to as “small, big cats”, these unique cats are growing in popularity due to their similarity to big cats such as leopards, cheetahs, and tigers.
Though they are about the same size, if not just a tad bigger than your typical domestic cat, their fur patterns resemble those of the much larger “big cats” cats of the wild. But are Bengal cats similar to big cats in their love for water? Or do they take more after their domestic cat origins, who are known for their skittishness when it comes to water? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Let’s dive into it.
Do Bengal Cats Like Water?
Yes, these cats are, in fact, fans of H2O. One thing that makes these cats stand out from traditional house cats is their love for the water. They love playing in water and swimming and don’t be surprised to find your cat drinking your faucet water straight from the tap or taking a dip in your backyard pool. Experts believe that it’s the cat’s lineage to leopards (who happen to love water and who are very strong swimmers) that gives them the affinity for water.
What Is the Average Bengal Cat Size?
Bengal cats aren’t as small as most domestic cats, but they also aren’t as big as their leopard relatives. On average, these cats can grow to be between 13 and 16 inches in length and roughly 7 to 16 pounds. However, every cat is unique, and their diet will also play a role in how heavy they become as they age. Like house cats, Bengals are carnivores that love red and white meat for their daily protein needs.
Are Bengal Cats Really Hypoallergenic?
Not necessarily. Bengal cats have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, but they, like other cats, can cause allergic reactions in humans. However, they are short-haired cats, and their coats are usually soft, shiny, and smooth. They tend to shed way less than most other cat breeds, which is likely the reason for this belief. This also means that they typically require less grooming than many other cat breeds.
Bengal Cat Personality Type
Similar to humans, the environment and the experiences of a cat’s life have a large impact on its personality. There are certain characteristics in Bengal cats that can be attributed to their beloved wildcat heritage. They are very energetic, intelligent, alert, and confident, just like leopards and many other big cats.
Wrapping Things Up
So yes, if you want to get a Bengal cat you should know that they are typically fans of water. They love to drink water even if it’s from the faucet tap, and they aren’t skittish when it comes to getting wet. Bengals also require less grooming and accumulate less dander than typical domestic house cats, which means you likely won’t need to brush them as often. These cats are energetic and full of life, and they make great (though expensive) house pets.
Featured Image Credit: Amerigo_images, Shutterstock
