Author: Linda Rodgers

Here’s a fun fact about Bengals: Unlike most felines, many members of this breed actually love water so don’t be surprised if they want to bathe when you do. Weight: Males, 9–15 pounds; females, 6–12 pounds Length: 14–18 inches Lifespan: 12–20 Coat: Both long- and short-haired varieties Color: With leopard-like spots and marble markings, Bengal cat colors include varying shades of buff to orange (like the brown Tabby), creams (like the Seal Lynx Point), and grays (such as the silver Tabby, seal mink Tabby, seal sepia Tabby, charcoal spotted, and charcoal marble varieties). Eye color: Green, yellow, gold, blue, or aqua Ears: Medium to small ears, with a wide base and rounded tips,Jump to section Bengal Cat Breed Facts Bengal Cat Characteristics Bengal Cat Breed History What Does a Bengal Cat Look Like? Bengal Cat Personality Bengal Cat Health Issues How To Care for a Bengal Cat Bengal Cat Behavioral Tips

Before you walk through your front door with your new kitty, there’s one thing you should do: Book an appointment with a vet if you don’t already have one, says Dr. Katy J. Nelson, DVM, senior veterinary relations manager for Chewy and a vet at Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Alexandria, Virginia. That’s right—your first visit to your vet’s office should take place before you actually have your pet. Here’s why: A veterinarian can help you keep the joy and cut the stress of adopting or buying a cat, she says. Though it might seem backwards to choose a vet before a pet, you’ll want to know who to call for medical advice on Day 1 of your cat parenting journey. Your vet can recommend the right type of food and other supplies and act as a reassuring sounding board if your pet hits a few speed bumps on their way to becoming part of the family. Get recommendations from friends and family, and if you can, get a tour of the offices so you can get a feel for the flow there. You’ll also want to save the address and phone number of your nearest 24-hour emergency vet. Whether you post it on your refrigerator or save it in your phone, your future self will thank you if disaster strikes at 2 a.m.!,Jump to section Before Bringing a New Cat Home New Cat Supplies You’ll Need Prepping Your Home for Your New Pet Prepare for a Long Adjustment Period Watch for Warning Signs

Is there anything cuter than brand-new kittens? Their quirky antics and tiny meows make them irresistible to cat lovers who long to take one home. But before you rush to add a young kitten to your family, remember: When kittens leave their mom too soon, the negative repercussions can last a lifetime. So when can kittens be adopted or brought home from a breeder? Here’s the lowdown on kitten development, socialization and when it’s safe for kittens to leave their mother.

If your cat eats too fast, it’s a habit you should try to break. When your cat eats too fast, she is more likely to vomit up her meal soon after eating. But that’s not the only drawback to your feline’s fast-eating habits. It can also lead to obesity, which can put her health at risk, says Bruce G. Kornreich, associate director of Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York. Obese cats increase their chances of developing a variety of serious conditions, including arthritis and diabetes, he explains. If your cat vomits after gobbling her cat food, avoid feeding her right away (even if you feel sorry for her), recommends Kornreich. In fact, you might want to wait 12 hours before the next meal to give her GI tract a rest, he adds.