We have 2, Rajah (an F3 male) and Sirdar (male, marbled).
For those that do not know, Bengals are a domestic breed, where in the first, or F1 generation, one of the parents is an Asian leopard cat, or felis bengalisis. They are lovely spotted cats, with a hint of wild, esp the F3’s. There are a lot of web sites devoted to them, even a message board.
What noBODY? Is anybody curious? Just wanna swap cute cat stories?
I’ll swap cute cat stories with you anytime, Daniel. I just don’t have bengals. Plain old moggies is what I got. A calico, a gold-striped tabby and a brown-striped tabby.
Tell us all about it Daniel.
Are they much bigger? Are they more violent? Have any pics? I’m sure they’re gorgeous cats.
-Sam
Bigger? well, a lot longer, as Rajah can reach up and pat my tummy, and I am 6’. Violent?- No, but VERY active. Not destructive, but run a lot, and want to play, play play. And only a few toys are “bengal-proof”, as that is the one thing they WILL destroy, and most last just a few hours. Besides which they chew and eat odd parts of their toys.
Rajah, being an F3 is VERY strong, can jump far, is very fast, and has very large canines, looks like a very small sabercat. Sirdar is almost the same, but no special fangs.
And, yes, they are gorgeous, and you can just type “bengal cat” into any searchengine, and see lots of breeders with their homepages, and lots of pictures*. Rajah looks more like an Asian leopard cat, and Sirdar is dark marbled.
And, troubleagain, of course mogggies are just as loveable as purebreds. It is just that purebreds have some interesting different char as per their breed.
- warning, you may fall in love and decide you hafta have one, we did.
That sounds really neat, Daniel. My young’uns love to play, too and they can do enough damage at the size they are. My calico, Molly, is only about 7 or 8 lbs. and Punkin, the gold-tabby is about 14 lbs. They sound like a heard of thundering elephants running through the house. Of course, Trouble, the old man, is WAY too dignified to join in…unless he thinks no one is looking. I’m afraid that with the 3 I have, hubby would draw the line at adding Bengals…sigh…
P.S. You ever heard a 7 lb. cat snore like a chain-saw? Molly can be snoring on the couch beside me, with the TV going, and my husband can still hear her in his recliner…
I went through this “I need cats” phase this last year at school. I love animals and not living with any really got to me. So I researched them, a lot. I discovered the glory of teh bengal cat.
I want a bengal, so badly. My beautiful half Siamese is ignoring me for my infedelity, but I don’t care. Bengals are so pretty, just exactly what a housecat should be. As soon as I can I will be living with one of those jungle cats. Too bad the dorms don’t allow animals. Stupid rules.
sorry, i have two bombays. but theyr’e real cute
I’ve had two for eight years now. They cost $1100 and were worth every penny (even after puncturing my waterbed 6 times…)
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/eric_skovan
Are yours indoor cats? After catsitting for two households with Bengals, I have decided that they are meant to be indoor/outdoor cats. They knock over everything that isn’t nailed down. No roll of toilet paper or paper towel is safe. I was very impressed to see one balancing on the top of a doorway. On the plus side, all three Bengals had very sweet personalities to humans (one was hell on other cats) and yes, they are gorgeous. But they NEED ROOM TO RUN!
Well, we have 2 onebdrm apts, adj, and they are older, with 12’ceilings and lightwells, so on the cat side, the lightwell is now a private small patio for the cats, with plants & stuff, so they can get sun & chew on the (all edible) plants. Yes, they do need to run, But it is not safe to have outdoor cats anymore, unless you live rural.
The don’t knock much over, or destroy much, but we keep them well supplied with toys. About the only thing they have damaged is a couple of older naugahyde chairs, and they have punctured the top of the back, as they like to stand on tall places. We also have an 7’ cat tree, and a half-dozen scratching posts. There are also bookcases & shelves to climb on.
Medea: get hold of a reputable breeder, when you are ready, and ask fo a “pet quality” bengal, like ours. True they have a “fault” (Rajah has a skinny tail, eg), but they still have the look & personality. These run about $300.
NOTE TO ALL: a good breeder is very important with bengals, you do not want one that is “wild”.
hailants: only one small picture? Boo!
Here’s some more (& bigger) pics! Warning, long load time…
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/eric_skovan
Aww…what pretty kitties!
Bengals do have nice coats, and their personalities are a little different from the average housecat, but if anyone out there is looking for something really different, check out the Pixie Bob. Most of the females aren’t that spectacular, but the males are really something else. If I could ever afford it, I would love to have a retired male stud or show cat.
Lovely!! They are gorgeous! The lighter coloured one looks a bit like rajah, same markings, except Rajah is thin, and has a very Asian Leopard cat shaped head. See, I KNEW that SDMBers had taste & distinction. 
Please note, to all, I am not saying Bengals are more lovable than your “moggie”, but they do have a distinctive look, as i am sure you agree.
Yes, Daniel, I agree they have a very distinctive look. Very beautiful. And I love a playful animal. I just can’t see buying a purebreed cat or dog, tho, when there are so many looking for homes. I support rescue/adoption for dogs and cats. Therefore, I have 3 moggies and a mutt–my mixed breed black lab, Ladybug. (Note: I am not putting down purebreeds/show animals…I just don’t believe that it is the right way for me to go.) I would love to have one, tho, if I ever found one looking for a good home…
Daniel,
I’ve only ever seen Bengals in pictures, but I do know that you’re in great company. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is an avid supporter and lover of these gorgeous animals. He’s even got a website devoted to his own babies. He’s got just about all the information anyone could want on them.
My cats? Farm cats. Nothing fancy, but they’re warm in the winter.
struuter