It’s easy to see why Bengal cats make excellent pets for cat enthusiasts. Because of their colors and body type, they have a distinctive look and give the impression of being a cat in its “wild” form. Bengals are loving and caring cats who enjoy connecting with their owners. They are also quite social and outgoing.
The most common adjectives used by Bengal cat owners to describe their pets are active, athletic, intelligent, and agile. They have dark brown circles and spots all over their bodies, giving them a tiger-like look.
This article has all the information you need to learn more about this unique cat breed and which gender may be ideal for you.
Male Pet Breed Overview
Personality / Character
Bengal male cats are extremely intelligent and have an excellent awareness of their surroundings. Males have the potential to be independent if they are not socialized with people and other animals from an early age. However, they typically make ideal pets for elderly people and families with kids because they are rarely violent and would prefer to retreat than display any signs of aggressiveness.
Male Bengal cats are particularly noisy when it’s time to eat since they are fascinated by food, and mealtimes will eventually become their favorite part of the day.
Training
Male Bengal cats can be trained on a leash, but it will take persistence and patience. They react well to clicker training, are quite simple to train, and seem to know where they relieve themselves (whether in a litter box or outside).
If you opt to train your Bengal male cat using a leash, make sure it is both comfortable and securely fits them. They will learn more effectively in a calm and quiet setting with minimum noise and activity disruptions. You can start bringing your Bengal on brief strolls where there aren’t any other dogs once they’ve become used to using a leash.
Health & Care
Male Bengals, like all cats, are vulnerable to bacterial and viral illnesses such as rabies, panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis. Fortunately, most of these illnesses are preventable with immunizations. Both male and female Bengal cats commonly experience hereditary health problems.
Cataracts are a minor health issue that can develop naturally in old age or even at a young age if they are genetic. Another problem is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). If either of their parents has the disorder, Bengal kittens may also have it.
If your male Bengal cat is not neutered, he will probably try to go away and look for a female cat who will accept him as a mate on the streets. In addition to reducing the likelihood of urine spraying, neutering can also stop them from passing FELV and FIV to other female cats.
Breeding
Rather than breeding another Bengal cat, consider adopting one. Profitable breeding of your male Bengal is not advised. Breeders of cats need to have a high level of expertise and knowledge, and they will spend more money on the health of the mother cats, pregnant females, and kittens than they will earn.
A healthy Bengal male cat should be picked as a breeding cat because it has a small role in a successful breeding procedure. Your cat can be tested by a veterinarian to determine whether they are fit enough to breed and does not have any inherited disorders that could be handed down to the kittens.
Female Bengal Cat Overview
Personality / Character
Male and female Bengal cats share similar personalities. They are extremely energetic, friendly, and playful. It is easier to interact with female cats because they are less individualistic than male cats. Female Bengals have a bulkier appearance around their stomachs, as well as shorter necks and legs; nevertheless, this difference is barely noticeable unless a female and male Bengal are compared side by side.
Female Bengal cats may be a better choice for households with little children since they have an innate maternal side that makes them friendlier around children. Even so, it’s still a good idea to introduce new household cats to kids in a responsible manner.
Training
Female Bengal cats are equally as simple to train as their male counterparts. You can easily train your female Bengal to use the litter box by putting its urine and poop in the box. After a few repetitions, they will begin to understand where they should only be relieving themselves.
Female Bengals can also be trained to walk on a leash, allowing them to burn off some energy by going for a stroll. Using treats as a kind of positive reinforcement when training your Bengal female might prove useful. So, if they complete a chore or trick, you can reward them with a treat so they will learn to associate it with a reward.
Health & Care
Bengal cat females are more likely than males to experience health problems, especially if they are not spayed or used for breeding. Unspayed female Bengal cats are predisposed to a variety of health issues, including ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts, and uterine infections. Females who have not been spayed may have a different demeanor as a result of their hormones, which is most obvious during their monthly cycle.
During this time, they could spray urine, become noisy and restless, and even try to leave your home to look for a male cat.
Breeding
It is advised not to breed your breeding female and her kittens if you are not a skilled breeder and are unable to work alongside an experienced veterinarian to check their health. Your Bengal cat’s body will be put under a lot of stress during breeding, particularly if you intend to breed her more than once.
Most Bengal cat females can begin breeding at the age of two when their bodies are ready to support a healthy pregnancy. When they reach the age of six, breeding should cease since it can endanger your kittens and breeding females.
Before and after breeding, your breeding female should go through some tests to make sure she is in good health and that the likelihood of a miscarriage is low.
Which Gender is Right For You?
The Bengal cat breed you ultimately select will mostly depend on your particular preferences for their physical characteristics, behavior, and general health. There is no superior or preferable gender, and each cat possesses unique personality qualities that they all share, regardless of gender.
Bengal Cat Breeder in Texas
Have you decided whether to get a male or female Bengal cat? The excellent quality Bengal cats and kittens produced by Lone Star Bengals will satisfy the feline enthusiast. We are an award-winning, respected, and responsible breeder based in the Dallas – Fort Worth Texas area. Contact us for more information, and allow us to help in meeting your needs.