Before you get a snow Bengal cat, there a number of things you’ll need to learn in order to properly care for it.
These cats are very beautiful, but they can be fairly high maintenance. We will help you prepare for your new pet so you can be a good owner.
Snow Bengal Cat Care Guide & Information
1. Physical Traits
The Snow Bengal cat has blue eyes with a pale white color. This cat also has dark brown spots and stripes across its body. The stripes on the tail get progressively darker towards the end. These markings are how this cat earned the name of Snow Seal Lynx. Their unique coloration is one of the main reasons that they are so sought after as pets.
There is also the Seal Sepia Snow Bengal, which has a tan base color, as well as dark spots and stripes all over its body. They also have vibrant golden or sometimes green eyes.
Snow Bengal cats have either a spotted or marbled pattern. Many of these cats have a combination of both, making them truly unique and attractive.
The average lifespan of a Snow Bengal cat is anywhere from 14 to 16 years.
2. Behavior
Snow Bengal cats definitely have a reputation for being loving and affectionate towards their owners. They are also incredibly energetic and spend a lot of time racing and jumping around. If you are looking for a cat that is going to be content curled up on your lap, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
These cats are also very curious and love to explore. They are known for climbing anything they can, which can sometimes get them in trouble. It is perfectly normal for them to hide out for a while, so don’t take offense if they disappear for short periods of time.
One of the unique things about these cats is that most of them do not shy away from water. In fact, a lot of them love to splash around in the bathtub or even pools. Due to their friendly and playful nature, they are an excellent choice for families.
While the Snow Bengal cat is great with kids, it is important that they know how to interact with this new member of the household. It is important that make sure your children are not bullying the cat in any way.
These cats also get along with dogs fairly well, but it all depends on the canine. If you have a dog that is very aggressive, you probably shouldn’t get a Snow Bengal. Make sure that you introduce your dog to the new cat slowly to avoid any issues.
Keep in mind that this cat breed tends to be fairly vocal. They make a lot of noise when they are hungry, want to play, or have some other need that must be fulfilled.
You should have no problems whatsoever with training your Snow Bengal. These cats are very intelligent and obedient with the proper training. Whether it is getting them to walk on a leash or even do some basic tricks, they are very receptive and adaptable creatures.
4. Diet
Snow Bengal cats need balanced diet to stay healthy over the years. When you are looking for the right cat food, you should avoid products that contain a lot of carbohydrates and/or grains. These cats require a lot of proteins as well as healthy fats. It is best to give them wet food, as the dry variety tends to contain too many carbohydrates. Giving your cat dry food on a daily basis could lead to excess weight gain.
Obesity can be an issue with Snow Bengals, so you will therefore need to make a point of not overfeeding yours. You’ll want to be careful about how much food you give them, and keep track of their weight. This will go a long way towards keeping your pet as healthy as possible in the long term.
5. Grooming
While you don’t need to follow a special grooming regimen with these cats, you should give yours the occasional brushing. They are pretty good about keeping themselves clean and well groomed.
6. Healthcare
It is crucial that you make sure your Snow Bengal cat gets all of the necessary vaccines. A lot of places in the U.S. legally require these cats to get their rabies vaccinations when necessary over time.
These cats can develop serious dental issues if they are not properly cared for. Feeding your cat wet food is one of the best ways to prevent these problems. If you notice tartar accumulating on their teeth, you should get them to the vet for a cleaning.
Snow Bengals are known for developing a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can be fatal. When you are looking for one of these cats, you should try to find a breeder that has screened for this condition. This heart issue requires long term treatment in the form of medication.
Should I Let my Snow Bengal cat Outside?
Snow Bengal cats should not be let outside on their own, as they are strictly indoor pets. Letting your cat roam around outside, especially at night, puts it in great danger. Your pet will be vulnerable to all sorts of hungry predators.
If you really want to let your cat outside, you should only do so once they have reached 10 months old. This will ensure that they are physically developed enough to defend themselves against certain animals.
Conclusion
- Snow Bengal cats can live up to 16 years with proper long term care.
- These cats can have a marbled or spotted pattern. Some of them have a combination of both.
- The affectionate and gentle nature of Snow Bengals makes them ideal for families with young children.
- You should have no problem with training your cat to use a litter box and even do various basic tricks.
- It is best to give your Snow Bengal cat wet food, as the dry variety tends to have too many carbohydrates.
- Make sure that the breeder you get your cat from has screened for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as it is a common issue with this breed.
- Check your cat’s teeth for tartar buildup. They might need to get an oral cleaning from the vet every so often.
- You should avoid letting your cat outside, as this breed is better kept indoors.
- If you do let your Snow Bengal outside, it is best to wait until they are at least 10 months old.
