Silver Bengal Cat: Everything You Need to Know

Silver Bengal cats have long been extremely popular choices amongst cat owners – and with their exotic looks, striking appearance, and friendly personalities, it is easy to see why. These cats also make great pets and household animals due to their playful nature.

» You might be interested in the 6 Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed and these other Bengal Cat Colors and Patterns.

 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about owning a Silver Bengal cat and make sure that it is the right choice for you and your family.

What Is A Silver Bengal Cat?

A Silver Bengal cat is a cross between a classic Bengal and a domestic American shorthair, and the first recorded appearance of this hybrid breed was seen in the 1990s. The origins of this cat are relatively new, as they were only accepted into The International Cat Association in 2004.

Perhaps unexpectedly, silver is not seen as a color – rather, experts perceive this as a lack of color which is the result of an inhibitory gene.

What To Consider Before Getting A Silver Bengal Cat

Silver Bengals are without a doubt stunning cats, but owning a Bengal is not the best option for everyone – there are a number of things that you need to consider before bringing the breed home, and these include:

Size

The size of a Bengal can vary greatly depending on the individual, but this is a breed that tends to get pretty large in size, so it is important to ensure that you will have the resources in place to match their rate of growth, including plenty of space, enough food to keep them going, and the energy to keep up with a larger cat.

A larger size can also put pressure on the joints, and this is something else to be aware of as your cat grows.

Health

Bengals are prone to certain health problems, including allergies, so you should always check up on their overall health status before getting them into your home.

If you notice any signs of illness, then you should take appropriate action immediately.

In particular, Bengals seem to be most prone to issues with their thyroid, and this can cause either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, both of which can cause your cat issues with their weight, as well as a change in appetite, depression, and vomiting.

You need to ensure that you are ready to handle any health issues that may come your way, including allocating funds to very bills for treatment and medication if needed.

Temperament

Bengals are known for being highly energetic and playful, and although they do require some exercise, they also enjoy spending time cuddling and playing with their owner.

This makes them great pets, but they can also be quite demanding when it comes to attention and affection, so you need to be prepared for this at the outset.

If you want a pet that will love you unconditionally, then a Bengal might not be the best choice for you – however, if you are looking for a fun-loving companion who loves nothing more than to play and explore, then this could be just what you are looking for.

They Do Not Like To Be Left Alone

It is important to remember that Bengals are not like other breeds of cats, and they do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time.

They are sociable animals, and they enjoy interacting with people, but they also need to spend time alone every now and again, so make sure that you are able to provide them with the necessary downtime.

How To Care For Your New Silver Bengal

When it comes to caring for your new Bengal, you need to know how to care for them properly from the start, and this means making sure that you understand the basics of feeding, grooming, exercising, and general maintenance.

It is important to note that Bengals are prone to skin conditions, so you need to make sure that you pay close attention to their coat, and that you clean them regularly to prevent any build-up of dirt or dander.

You also need to make sure that they have access to an area where they can relax, as they tend to be high-strung and nervous creatures.

Make sure that you give them plenty of opportunities to stretch out their legs and paws, and that you allow them to use their litter box without supervision.

There are a few elements to caring for your Bengal, and these include:

Feeding

Bengal cats are carnivores, and so they need to eat meaty foods such as chicken, beef, fish, and lamb.

However, you should avoid giving them too much protein, as this can lead to kidney stones, so aim to feed them around 1/2 pound per day.

Grooming

Your Bengal needs regular brushing to keep its hair healthy, and you should brush it twice a week.

Brushing helps to remove dead hairs, and it also stimulates blood flow to the fur, helping to keep it soft and shiny.

As mentioned above, Bengals are prone to skin problems, so you need to keep an eye on their ears, eyes, feet, and tail.

All of these areas need to be cleaned regularly, and you should check all of them once a month. You should also ensure that they have access to fresh water and that there is a litter tray available.

Exercise

Your Bengal needs to get plenty of exercise, especially during the warmer months.

If you live in a warm climate, then you should take them outside on a daily basis, and you should also encourage them to climb onto furniture and jump off things to keep them in tip-top condition.

Final Thoughts

The Bengal breed is one of the most popular pets in the world, and they are known for being friendly, playful, and affectionate.

There are many different varieties of Bengal cats, including the silver Bengal, and with the right love and care, these are loving affectionate companions, and a great addition to your family.

 

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