If you’re looking for a unique pet and you’ve always been fascinated by wildcats, a Marble Bengal cat might be the purrfect kitty for you. A small, friend-shaped leopard sitting on my lap? Sign me up!
Don’t let their wild appearance fool you. On top of their unique and breathtaking looks, Marble Bengal cats have beautiful personalities that make them wonderful feline companions you simply can’t help but fall in love with.
In fact, I can assure you that your Marble Bengal will become your new best friend. These playful kitties make every day exciting and filled with laughter. Sometimes, you’ll feel like your feline is more like a dog than a typical house cat!
But because of their unique temperament, these felines aren’t for everyone. They’re generally not the best choice for first-time cat parents as they require a lot of attention, demanding quite a lot of time with their favorite humans.
If you’ve decided to enrich your life with a Marble Bengal cat, it’s good that you’ve decided to do some research first. Since you’re here, I’ll help you determine if this is the right breed for you and if you’re ready to live with your friendly leopard. Let’s dive right in!
The history behind Marble Bengal cats
Although they started gaining popularity during the 80s and 90s, Bengal cats have been around for a lot longer than that. In fact, Asian leopards and domestic cat hybrids were first mentioned in Harrison Weir’s Our Cats and All About Them back in the late 19th century.
However, because of the small 2-generation gap between them and their wild ancestors, they weren’t all that popular back in the day. Fortunately for us, when Jean Mill started breeding hybrids with domestic cats in the 70s, the public became a lot more interested in this breed.
Back in the day, people used brutal methods to adopt small wild cats. Mill wanted to put an end to forcefully separating kittens from their mothers, which was the main reason why she created the Bengals. It didn’t take long before they were recognized by TICA, and started becoming more and more popular.
Appearance
With their unique and exotic look we all love, it comes as no surprise that the Bengals became so popular that quickly. I mean, who could resist a lap-sized wildcat that looks like an Asian Leopard?!
Just imagine having a small wild animal running through your home… They look just like their ancestors: muscular and lean, with unique markings that make them the most unique pet you can have. And don’t even get me started on how soft and sleek their thick coat is.
Depending on the shade of their fur, the patterns on your Bengal can vary. A Marble Bengal, for example, will have dark markings spread all over her light fur. Don’t be surprised if she reminds you of a marble cake – that’s exactly how she got her name in the first place!
You’ll be mesmerized by their beautiful emerald or piercing blue eyes. You might expect them to be larger because of their genes, but that’s not really the case. Because of how lean they are, they’re the size of a regular kitty.
Although they’re beautiful and unique, they’re definitely not for people who are looking for fluffy cats they can cuddle to sleep. These majestic furbabies are super playful, and they like to use their athletic bodies to run all over your home, which will suddenly turn into their playground.
Personality traits
There’s one thing that I’m sure of: you’ll never have a dull moment with this fluff. Your Marble kitty will bring a purrfect dose of fun and wilderness into your everyday life. If you’re an experienced cat parent who loves having a dog-like fur friend, you’ll be happy to hear that you can teach them some tricks, too!
Yes, you can teach your Bengal to sit, roll, jump, and even walk on a leash. These incredible felines are known for being highly intelligent and easy to train. Because of that, many pet owners claim that their Bengals are even smarter than their dogs!
These fluffs are full of energy, and they’re very playful and curious. Because of that, a Marble Bengal kitty would be a great choice for families with children. They’ll always have a buddy to play with! This furbaby makes a great, affectionate pet who enjoys an active lifestyle, so your kids will absolutely love her.
Still, they’re not as wild as they might seem. In fact, despite their high energy and active nature, they’re one of the most gentle cats you could have.
They love their families and truly enjoy human companions, so your Bengal might spend a lot of time cuddling with you on the couch, too. After she’s done turning your house into her playground, of course.
This unique kitty is a fantastic pet for someone looking for a playful, loving, and smart companion. However, because of her intelligence and active nature, she’ll need plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
That’s why Bengals are recommended for experienced pet owners who know how to take care of a demanding furry companion. Don’t worry, she’ll pay you back with plenty of love, joy, and a home filled with laughter.
Care, training and diet
No matter how much excitement these kitties bring into your life, it’s important to realize that they’re definitely not for everyone. Yes, I know they’re hard to resist, but sometimes you simply have to.
Do you have plenty of space to provide this fluff with a home where they can run around, play, and explore? If you don’t, and you don’t spend a lot of time at home with your pets, then a Bengal is definitely not the kitty for you.
These intelligent kitties need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, so make sure your fluff has many toys to play with. Unless you’re okay with her entertaining herself by chasing you around your house or ruining your beautiful, expensive sofa.
Don’t worry about how you’re going to take care of her coat. Simply brushing it once a week should be enough. These majestic felines are pretty easy to keep clean. Brush her teeth, clip her nails, and take her to the vet regularly. That’s enough to keep her healthy and well-maintained.
Because of their wild nature, a lot of people think that Bengals are hard to train. But they couldn’t be more wrong. These tiny leopards are super friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. You can even teach her to walk on a leash! I highly recommend training your Bengal if you want to keep her out of trouble.
A Marble Bengal cat doesn’t need any special kind of diet. Of course, just like any cat, she’ll have her preferences and dislikes, but you’ll find out what your kitty likes best over time. Just make sure she gets plenty of nutrients and proteins, especially because of her active nature.
Health conditions
Just like most cat breeds, Bengal kitties also have some health issues they’re prone to, no matter how active and lean they are. Luckily, most of them are known for being healthy and in good shape, so don’t worry.
Talk to her breeder if you want to make sure your fluff won’t have any genetic diseases. There’s nothing wrong with asking for her parent’s medical records, so don’t shy away from it!
There are some diseases that are common among Bengal cats, however. For example, some of them can suffer from Progressive Rental Atrophy (PRA). This is a genetic disorder that leads to the degeneration of the eyes. In some cases, it can even cause blindness and vision loss.
Some Bengals suffer from hip dysplasia, which is often found among dogs. But because of their active nature, your wild kitty might also suffer from it. It happens when her bones grind together, which causes damage and even leads to lameness. Kitties that suffer from this often have a hard time sitting, standing, or even walking.
Of course, if you don’t regularly brush your cat’s teeth, she might deal with some dental issues. Bengals often suffer from this kind of disease, which leads to tooth damage or even loss.
What’s the price of Marble Bengal cats?
I’m sure this won’t come as a surprise, but Bengal’s unique personality and appearance come with quite a hefty price. Blessing your life with this unique-looking fluff might be quite a shock for your wallet, as they cost around $1,000 to $2,500 each.
Yep, you’ve read that right. You have quite good taste, as this is one of the most expensive fluffs you can have! I mean, there’s a reason why they’re often on the front pages of luxury magazines. Still, for someone who’s into having exotic animals, it’s definitely worth it.
This is not a typical house cat, so its price is definitely something that shouldn’t surprise you. Once you bring this majestic kitty into your home, you’ll quickly realize she was worth every penny.
