With their exotic leopard-like looks, are Bengal cats friendly and affectionate? Are Bengal cats active and playful? Do Bengal cats like water? And do they really have glittery fur? Find the answers to these questions and more in our guide to beautiful Bengal cats…
10th July 2025
With their sleek, athletic build, and distinctive leopard-like coat, Bengal cats are incredibly striking. What’s more, some Bengal cats really do have fur that shimmers in the light as if they'd been dusted with glitter. Read on to find out why...
What do Bengal cats look like?
While smaller than hefty Maine Coons, Bengals are substantial cats, ranked medium to large in the domestic cat size ranking. Long, lean and muscular with a broad head, large paws and medium length tail, this is a handsome cat that retains the look of its wild ancestry.
The Bengal’s face and head is endearingly patterned with ‘spectacles’ around the eyes, and an ‘M’ on the forehead with streaks and spots running over the head onto the shoulders.
Along with their high cheekbones and beautiful oval-shaped eyes of gold, green or hazel, their short dense coat – which comes in spotted or marbled patterns in brown, snow, silver and blue – is super soft and luxurious, and, according to the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) is: “Unlike the feel of any other cat coat.”
Where did Bengal cats come from?
The Bengal cat has only been in the UK for around 20 years but in that time their popularity has skyrocketed, and Bengals are now one of the most popular short-haired breeds.
The main founder of the breed (Jean S Mill) wanted to produce a sweet natured pet cat which resembled a miniature leopard. “The handsome Bengal is a modern, hybrid breed with origins tracing back to a cross with a domestic and a wild species, the Asian leopard cat,” explains insurer Petplan. “The result? A wild-looking domestic cat with a taste for adventure! Bengals are incredibly intelligent and endlessly energetic, with a bit of a mischievous streak.”
Today, along with their exotic appearance, Bengals are renowned for their inquisitive, spirited and loving nature.
“The Bengal is a domestic cat in wild wrapping – it is a one-of-a-kind cat breed!” says Your Cat. “Even the voice of a Bengal is different from that of other domestic cats,” notes The Bengal Cat Club. “It has been described as a cooing or chirping or as a strange gravelly sound. They are a very vocal breed and have a wide vocabulary that may on occasion be quite strident, especially in unfamiliar situations. This should not be confused with aggression; it is an individual means of expression.”
Read on to find out more about Bengal cats. Are they friendly and affectionate? Are they active and playful? Do they need a lot of attention? Are they trainable? Are they good with children? From grooming to playtime, environmental enrichment to feeding, find out how to provide Bengal cats with everything they need to live a fulfilling and happy life. But first, check out these fun Bengal cat facts!
8 BEGUILING BENGAL CAT FACTS
- Bengals were originally developed from a cross between domestic cats and the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wildcat native to Asian forests.
- Bengals are medium to large cats that reach their full size by the age of two. Adult females weigh between 6 to 12 pounds (2.7 to 5.4kg) and adult males 9 to 15 pounds (4 to 6.8kg).
- Bengal cats can have fur that ‘glitters’ as if sprinkled with fairy dust. This astonishing iridescent effect is due to a gene mutation which results in a lack of pigment in the hair tips causing their coat to reflect and refract light.
- Bengals don’t like to be picked up and held but they are extremely affectionate and crave attention.
- Bengals use a variety of sounds including chirps, trills, and meows to ‘chat’ with their humans, fostering a deep and interactive bond.
- Bengals have bags of energy and love to climb, jump, play and explore absolutely everything.
- Bengals are curious and intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks such as sit, stay, and fetch.
- Bengals are often fascinated by water. They will play for hours with a dripping tap and be enthralled by a flushing toilet. Some enjoy playing in sinks and bathtubs and may even join their owners in the shower!
BENGAL PERSONALITY PROFILE
If you’re looking for a dynamic, intelligent, affectionate and chatty cat companion – and you have the time to play lots of games – a Bengal cat could be your feline of choice.
“The Bengal is a cat with personality plus! It is confident, active, curious, athletic and energetic,” enthuses the GCCF. “Those seeking the engaging interaction and lively companionship of a high-energy, intelligent cat breed will find Bengals a rewarding choice,” comments The International Cat Association (TICA).
“Be aware that some favour loud communication and can exhibit demanding behaviour, so prepare yourself for lots of cat chats!” says Petplan.
“Bengals seem to have preserved the self-assurance and confidence essential to their wild ancestors whilst acquiring an affectionate disposition and an extremely energetic, playful nature,” adds The Bengal Cat Club.
“The Bengal cat personality is lively, curious and eager for adventure, so if you’re looking for a lap cat, you’ll need to look elsewhere,” notes Petplan. “Their sense of adventure can sometimes spill into territorial behaviour towards other cats, so ensuring that they have enough resources in the home, lots of interactive play, feeding enrichment and space is recommended to avoid any run-ins with neighbouring cats.”
IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A BENGAL CAT?
These confident cats will generally adapt well to most home situations, as long as someone is around most of the time to provide companionship for this sociable breed.
As Bengals are active and like to explore, providing a stimulating outdoor environment with opportunities to climb, look-out posts, something to scratch on and sensory plants, which is cat-proofed, will enable them to enjoy safe outdoor adventures.
“Bengals are very social and people-oriented,” says TICA, adding that they “thrive in homes prioritising enrichment and attention to their high-energy personalities. Bengals are generally confident, curious, and devoted companions. Some are extroverted and busy; others are introverted by instinct and prefer a quieter life, but all are loving and communicative with the people in their circle of trust.”
If careful introductions are made, Bengals will happily rub along with other pets, enjoying their companionship. TICA notes: “Interaction fuels a Bengal’s happiness. They often bond well with another cat or a cat-friendly dog as a playmate. When kept as the only pet, Bengals rely on their humans for frequent enrichment and companionship.”
And, as long as they are treated with understanding and respect, Bengals also seem to have an affinity with younger family members. The Bengal Cat Club reports: “Bengals seem to look on everything around them as ‘can this be played with?’. Their playful nature makes them ideal companions for the younger members of the family. So many times, we have seen a young human walking around with an adoring Bengal marching alongside sharing the moment.”
When it comes to choosing all the cat kit and feline accessories, due to their medium to large size, ensure you supply ample, comfy sleeping spots, spacious hideaway places, roomy litter trays, generously-sized cat tunnels for them to run through and play in – and sturdy scratching posts and climbing trees.
WHAT DO BENGALS LIKE TO DO?
While every cat is an individual with a unique set of likes and dislikes, there are certain things that are extremely important to Bengal cats. High on the list is plenty of playtime with their human companions, safe opportunities for climbing, intriguing things to figure out, and, unusually for pet cats, some water-based activities.
Our pet cats evolved from a wild species, Felis sylvestris lybica (the African wildcat), which is a desert animal, it’s not surprising that most are consummate sun seekers who generally dislike even getting a paw damp. By contrast, many Bengals are entranced by the wet stuff.
“They love to play with water!” notes The Bengal Cat Club. However, all cats have their own, distinct preferences. “Some, but not all, Bengal cats like to play with water,” advises Petplan. “Try offering them a shallow, clean vessel like a clean litter tray, half fill it with water and pop in a few ping pong balls for your cat to bat.”
Active Bengals like to be on the move – just watching them leaping and bounding about can wear you out! “Bengals are a high-energy breed,” says TICA. “They thrive on chasing, climbing, and investigating, bringing a dynamic energy to any home. Providing outlets such as consistent interactive play sessions, or puzzle toys keeps them entertained and satisfied.”
“Bengal cats also love to climb and relish being high up, so an indoor climbing tree will help keep them out of mischief and away from your furniture!” says Petplan.
Be warned that Bengals love the thrill of the chase and need activities that channel their innate hunting desires. “They tend to be proficient hunters, and interactive play is a must to provide them with an outlet for this natural behaviour,” adds Petplan.
Intelligent and inquisitive, Bengals also rank among the most trainable cat breeds. “They eagerly learn tricks such as playing fetch, especially when motivated by food treats or clicker training. These training sessions not only burn off energy but also strengthen the bond between Bengals and their human companions,” says TICA.
GROOMING YOUR BENGAL CAT
With their short coats, Bengals don’t require much grooming from their human.
“A light brush and combing once a week will keep your Bengal’s coat in top condition and remove loose hair,” advises the GCCF.
“Bengal cats tend to shed much less than other breeds so the grooming is as much a bonding exercise as anything – just make sure kittens get used to grooming during the socialisation period,” adds Petplan. “Regular brushing will help maintain their coat’s shine and allows you opportunities to spot any scratches, lumps, bumps or parasites.”
FEEDING YOUR BENGAL CAT
All cats – from tiger to domestic tabby – are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat to survive. Meat contains essential amino acids which they can’t make themselves. Cats also require high levels of protein.
Petplan says: “Bengals need a high-protein diet and will love fish and poultry! Like any cat breed, a Bengal cat’s diet must be appropriate for its age and life-stage.”
Industry body UK Pet Food states: “Cats vary from many species, requiring a significant amount of protein in their diet, plus certain nutrients, such as taurine, as part of a balanced diet with just the right amount of fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals, to stay in peak condition. Nutrients must be present in the correct amounts for their stage in life and in the correct proportion to each other, in order to provide a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.”
Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS advises: “Along with high protein levels, cats require a careful balance of vitamins, plus the essential amino acid taurine necessary to promote a healthy heart and eyes. A complete diet will have all the necessary vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids in the right ratio.”
How much and how often should you feed your cat?
Adult cats are generally fed twice a day. Alternatively, as cats in the wild naturally eat lots of small meals per day, you could try splitting their daily intake into several small meals (unless advised otherwise by your vet). Providing dry cat food in a variety of ways, such as in treat balls or cat puzzles, can deliver a much more exciting and rewarding experience for your cat.
Portion control is also important, so get into the habit of measuring out accurate amounts each day. Giving your cat a little more than they need means they could become overweight. If you don’t feed enough, your cat will not be getting all the nutrients they need and will become underweight.
Dr Moyes adds: “By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right sized portion that’s suitable for your cat’s age and lifestyle to ensure they consume the correct amount of nutrients. For instance, house cats may need less calories than cats who spend much of their day roaming outdoors. Dry cat food is a good option as it’s easily portioned, may be better for dental health and encourages extra water consumption.”
Wet food vs dry food
Unlike wet cat food, dry cat food stays fresh inside the pack until you’re ready to serve it to your cat. And that’s not all! Other benefits include:
- Free feeding – As dry food can be left out because it won’t spoil, this suits those cats who prefer to graze their food over the day rather than at specific mealtimes.
- Helpful for healthy teeth – Munching on crunchy kibble encourages chewing and helps to keep teeth clean.
- Makes feeding more fun – Dry food is easier to use with food dispensers and puzzle toys, providing environmental enrichment and mental stimulation.
- Portion control – By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right sized portion to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
Make sure to supply plenty of fresh water too, in a separate place to their feeding area. Lots of cats aren’t keen on drinking water from a bowl, preferring moving water to still – so it may be worth investing in a cat fountain if you don’t want them drinking from a dripping tap!
GETTING A BENGAL CAT
TICA advises: “Bengals are generally confident, curious and devoted companions. Each Bengal is an individual and those interested should find out as much as they can about this wonderful breed before adding one to their family.”
If you’re looking for a kitten, only ever buy from a reputable, registered breeder. Be aware that Bengals can carry a gene that leads to a form of heart disease called HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). While this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.
Alternatively, visit The Bengal Cat Club GCCF Welfare and Rehoming Facebook page to find beautiful cats looking for happy new homes. Also check out other rescue charities such as Cats Protection, Battersea, Blue Cross, RSPCA and Woodgreen, who’ll be delighted to hear from you, and can provide you with lots of helpful advice on adopting a rescued cat.
EVERY CAT DESERVES A DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS DINNER!
At Burgess Pet Care, all our cat food is made using premium ingredients to ensure excellent quality and superior taste to help keep your cat happy and healthy – from kitten, to adult and mature and Burgess Neutered Cat with Chicken – an advanced, high protein, complete food with added L-Carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.
- Salmon? Duck? Chicken? Let your adult cat pick their favourite flavour with our fussy cat bundle >>
- Our cat diet and nutrition guide is here to help you create a meal plan that's tailored especially for your feline friend.
- How often should you feed your cat? Find out why little and often suits most cats – and the reason why play should be part of your feeding routine.
- Adapting your cat’s diet throughout their life What you choose to feed your cat can make all the difference.
CARE MORE Find out more about caring for your cat from Burgess, the Pet Care Experts.
Is your cat a Burgess cat? Join our Pet Club for exclusive offers and competitions – and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.
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EXPERT APPROVED: Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS
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