The mesmerizing patterns of a Bengal cat, beautifully combined with the friendly personality of a tabby? Sounds like a match made in kitty heaven. Yep, that’s a Bengal tabby mix for you! This furry friend isn’t just a sight to behold, but it also has incredible cattitude that will make you fall in love with her.
Just imagine the well-known beauty of a Bengal cat, known for her unique leopard-like spots, harmoniously blending with the loving nature of a tabby. With Bengal tabby mix by your side, every day is an adventure. They’re a perfect balance between a bold, free spirit, and a cuddle buddy we all dream of.
These fluffs are more than just a pretty face. They create strong bonds with their humans, and their intelligence will make you feel like they understand everything you’re telling them. A Bengal tabby mix is truly the best feline friend you could have.
Because of that, I’m not surprised you’re here, reading more about this special blend. If you have a tabby on your hands, but she keeps dropping hints that she may have some Bengal blood in her veins, you’re one of the lucky ones! Who wouldn’t like to have such kitty napping by their side, right?
Let’s not keep you guessing and get right into this little mystery of yours. There’s plenty to uncover here, and I couldn’t be more excited to help you find out if you have a half-Bengal on your hands. If you’d like to learn more, then keep on reading.
How to tell if you have a Bengal tabby mix
If you suspect you may have a Bengal tabby mix, but you’re not 100% sure, there are some things about your fluff that could give it away. It’s time to play a detective and look for some clues. Bonus: You may learn a thing or two about Bengals, as well!
1. Your furbaby’s coat
Bengal cats are known for their leopard-like coats, thanks to their Asian Leopard Cat heritage. If your furry friend is a Bengal mix, then get ready for some extra fluffiness – their coats can be super dense, too!
On top of a dense coat, Bengal mixes often have hypoallergenic coats, making them a great choice for people with allergies. They also come in four types of breathtaking colors, including marble, which is reminiscent of those cool swirls you see on marble slabs.
Next up, we have the spotted and marbled coat, which is a fantastic blend of, you guessed it, spots and swirls. It’s like having the best of both worlds in one fabulous package!
And of course, we can’t forget the “spotted” Bengals, sporting single-color spots of various sizes, also known as rosettes. Fun fact: according to The International Cat Association (TICA), Bengal cats are the only breed that rocks these rosettes, making them even more unique and special!
So, if you’ve got a Bengal mix with one of these fantastic coats, consider yourself lucky! You’ll have a feline friend with a coat that’s as extraordinary as their playful and affectionate personality.
2. Pay attention to her body structure
One of the easiest ways to spot these cool cats is by checking out their body structure and size. Bengal mixes have a unique physique – they’re long, sleek, and oh-so-muscular.
You won’t find many chunky Bengals around because their metabolism works like a champ, keeping them lean and fit. They’re like the feline athletes of the domestic cat world!
If you want to play detective, take a closer look at your cat’s legs. Bengal tabby mixes have hind legs that are higher than their front ones, which gives them a distinctive stride that sets them apart from your regular house cat. You’ll feel like you have a wildcat walking around your home!
Bengals tend to have longer bodies and smaller heads, giving them a sleek and elegant look. Oh, and check out those eyes – they’re more round than oval, making them even more captivating and charming.
And, of course, we can’t forget about those cute little ears with their rounded tips. It’s the small details that add up to make these Bengal mixes stand out in a crowd.
3. Is she a little feline athlete?
These kitties have some serious athleticism going on. As we’ve already learned, their bodies are long, lean, and packed with muscles like they hit the gym 5 times a week, making them a lot stronger than your average domestic kitty. Because of this, you best believe they’re all about showing off their jumping skills!
If you think regular house cats are impressive climbers, wait until you see a Bengal cat in action. These little daredevils take it to a whole new level! They absolutely adore scaling heights and getting up as high as they possibly can, no matter where they live.
Seriously, if you’ve ever found your cat in some crazy high spots, and you’re left scratching your head, wondering, “How on earth did she end up there? Can she fly?”, there’s a good chance you’ve got a Bengal mix on your hands.
4. Does your fluff have a weird fascination with water?
You know how most cats practically run for the hills at the mere sight of water? Well, not our Bengal cats! These little water lovers are a whole different breed, literally!
While your average cat is busy plotting ways to avoid water at all costs, a Bengal cat is like, “Bring it on!” They’re little feline mermaids, and if there’s water around, you can bet they’ll be all over it. They’ve got some serious swimming skills, and watching them splash around is a sight to behold.
Oh, and get this, some Bengal cats are so crazy about water that they even do their business in it! Yep, you read that right. So, if you’ve ever caught your kitty doing her business in the water bowl, don’t freak out – she might just have a little Bengal blood running through her veins.
5. The “M” on her head can hold many secrets
We already know that Bengals have markings that make them stand out in the crowd. But, one of their distinct features is this adorable short stripe on their forehead, shaped like the letter M. It’s like their own secret signature!
But here’s the twist, these markings aren’t exclusive to Bengal cats. Nope, tabby cats can rock these looks too. So, if your cat only has these traits, she may be a tabby instead of a Bengal. No worries, though – tabbies are just as awesome and lovable!
6. Is she super energetic?
Bengal mixes are bursting with energy, and they make sure everyone knows it! Unlike your typical house cats, Bengals are always on the move, looking for their next adventure to fill up their day.
Living with a Bengal cat in a tiny home or apartment can be quite a challenge. These spirited felines have a tough time being confined to small spaces, and they’ll let you know it! They’re not the best fit for cramped living quarters, as they’ll be on the hunt for opportunities to escape.
If you’ve got a tabby cat that’s a whirlwind of endless energy, always eager to play with you, and loves getting into all sorts of mischief, there’s a good chance she may have some Bengal blood running through her veins.
7. Is she a little feline genius, too?
Bengal cats are feline geniuses, known for their impressive intelligence, and they’ll often surprise you with their problem-solving skills. And, the best part about this? Your Bengal Tabby mix will probably be the same!
While most house cats might struggle to figure out how to open doors and windows, Bengal cats take it up a notch. They’ve been caught red-pawed, mastering the art of door and window opening all by themselves. You’ll be surprised just how often these kitties can outsmart you!
Unlike your typical feline, Bengals and Bengal mixes aren’t afraid of adventure. They’re cool with the idea of going for a walk on a leash, just like their canine counterparts. Just imagine walking around your neighborhood with a little wildcat on a leash – how cool is that?
So, if you’re one of those proud pet parents who enjoy teaching their fluff some seriously impressive tricks, then you’ll love every second you get to spend with your Bengal mix.
8. Play it safe and ask your vet for a DNA test
Yep, cats can get DNA tests, too! Although this isn’t the only way to determine whether your tabby has some Bengal blood in her veins, it’s certainly one of the best methods out here. All you have to do is ask your vet to do a DNA test on your fluff and you’ll have all your questions answered!
Bengal cats have some unique DNA markers that show up in these tests. So, if your furbaby does have some Bengal genes, this test will give you a clear answer. And if they don’t, well, you’ll still get an answer nonetheless. Yes, it’s that simple.
