The Bengal is a newer breed of housecat which is essentially a cross between wild, forest-dwelling Asian Leopard Cats and domestic shorthairs.
Instructions
1. Find a responsible breeder who will guarantee that your Bengal is in good health and does not have Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
2. Expect to pay between $500 and $600 for your Bengal - although top quality breeders and show cats can cost over $1,000.
3. Pick up and hold the cat or kitten to see if she has good muscle tone.
4. Make sure she's not sneezing or sniffling, that her eyes have no discharge and her ears are clean and pink inside.
5. Examine the cat's fur, which should be lush and silky. Bengals are known for their fur, which often has what's called "glitter," or gold flecks.
6. Watch out for bald patches or signs of dry or flaky skin, which could indicate an illness.
7. Check for fleas behind her ears and at the base of the tail. Flea dirt, which looks like black sand, is a sure sign.
8. Get a written sales agreement from the breeder that provides the breeder's health guarantee.
9. Take your Bengal to your own veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm that it's healthy.
10. Take a kitten home no younger than 12 weeks of age.
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