About

Size & Appearance

Bengal cats are medium to large in size, typically weighing between 8 and 15 pounds. They are true athletes—agile, graceful, and powerfully built, with a strong, muscular frame that reflects their wild ancestry. Their exotic look is enhanced by a short, dense coat that feels incredibly soft and silky to the touch. Bengals shed very little and are often considered hypoallergenic, although individuals with severe allergies may still be affected

Glitter

Bengals were the first domestic cats known to have “glitter,” though not all Bengals possess this trait. Glitter appears as a shimmering, sparkling effect across the coat, created by translucent, hollow hair shafts that reflect light. This feature is spread throughout the fur and gives the Bengal a truly stunning, almost magical appearance.

Personality

Bengals are highly intelligent, energetic, and full of personality. They are confident, vocal, and constantly alert, always curious about their surroundings. These cats love interactive play, including games like fetch, and they are quick learners when it comes to tricks and new activities.

Their dexterous paws function almost like hands—they’ve been known to flip light switches and retrieve objects from containers. To keep them mentally stimulated, we provide a variety of toys and puzzle activities, which are rotated weekly.

Bengals thrive in environments with plenty of vertical space. They love to climb, so tall cat trees and window perches are essential. Another unique trait is their fascination with water—many Bengals enjoy playing in sinks or even joining you in the shower. A circulating water fountain is highly recommended for this breed.

Health

Bengal cats are generally very healthy. At Thistle Snow Bengals, we screen for common feline viral diseases, including FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV (feline leukemia virus), ensuring all kittens are free of these conditions.

Our breeding cats are tested annually for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), a form of heart disease, as well as PRA and PK deficiencies. Because of our thorough health testing, we confidently guarantee that our kittens are healthy and free from genetic disorders.

Feeding Your Bengal

Our cats and kittens are primarily fed a premium raw diet consisting of chicken and beef, balanced at 80% meat, 10% bone, and 10% organ. This high-protein, additive-free diet supports optimal health and is especially beneficial for cats with sensitive stomachs.

A raw diet promotes steady energy levels, long-term wellness, and can reduce inflammation-related issues such as skin irritations, ear infections, and digestive sensitivities. As an added benefit, it also results in smaller, less frequent waste.

In addition, we occasionally supplement with IAMS dry kitten food and raw chicken legs (including bones). Since cats naturally consume a meat-based diet with minimal carbohydrates and tend to drink less water, a high-quality raw or canned diet is essential for their overall health.

While this feeding approach is specialized, it is simple to maintain and plays a key role in keeping our breeding cats in excellent condition while giving kittens the best possible start in life.

We recommend continuing the same diet when your kitten first comes home. If you choose to make changes, transition gradually to avoid digestive upset. We’re always happy to provide guidance to ensure a smooth adjustment.