For those who like a cat that’s a bit on the wild aspect, the Bengal and Egyptian Mau are two breeds definitely worth the analysis. One cat has a historical past relationship again to historic instances, whereas the opposite breed has solely existed for about 50 years.
Regardless, each cats are very lively and loving creatures with placing colours and patterns. In truth, they nearly appear like the identical cat at first look. However don’t be fooled; these kitties have their variations value noting. Let’s dive into what makes these two breeds so totally different so you possibly can pick the right pet.
Visible Variations
At a Look
Bengal
Egyptian Mau
Bengal Overview
To know a Bengal, it helps to know the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wild cat discovered throughout the japanese aspect of the world. The Asian Leopard Cat isn’t any greater than a home cat however has placing fur patterns, catching the eye of poachers.
Their stunning unique fur rapidly landed the species on the endangered listing. Conservationist Jean Mill determined to do one thing about it. In 1963, Mill began crossing Asian Leopard Cat and home cat genetics. By the Eighties, she created a brand new breed of cat that seemed like an Asian Leopard Cat however had a tamer persona appropriate for home life.
Persona & Character
For those who had been to undertake a Bengal, many would say you’ve a pet leopard roaming your own home. Their wild roots imply Bengals are extremely energetic cats hungry for exploration. These cats will climb, run, play, and struggle extra intensely than different home cats.
And not using a solution to burn this power, Bengals can turn into disorderly. Loads of train and psychological stimulation can forestall conduct issues, though you may discover some peculiar quirks sometimes. Bengals are identified to steal shiny objects and revel in splashing in water. With Bengals, there’s by no means a boring day.
Well being
Bengals are typically wholesome due to their selective breeding. Typical illnesses present in all home cats are nonetheless widespread, like weight problems and dental illness. Due to their excessive exercise ranges, Bengals require extra energy than different home cats to satisfy their dietary and power wants.
Grooming & Look
Bengal cats are medium-sized cats with leopard-like spots or rosettes. Their markings and fur colours range in coloration, equivalent to:
- Rust
- Golden
- Brown
- Chocolate brown
- Black
- Orange
- Sand
- Ivory
Some Bengals even have shimmery fur that glistens underneath the sunshine.
Bengals have small, spherical heads, giant eyes, and extra facial markings much like tabby cats. For those who look carefully, you’ll discover their again legs are longer than their entrance legs, permitting for a extra dominant stride.
Appropriate For:
Bengals are demanding and, subsequently, require skilled cat homeowners with time to dedicate to training and train.
Egyptian Mau Overview
The Egyptian Mau has no clear information of its historical past. Nonetheless, it competes with the Abyssinian because the direct descendant of historic Egyptian cats, making it one of many oldest cat breeds on the planet. Archaeologists have uncovered stays of cats trying similar to Egyptian Maus, however we are able to by no means know for sure.
Nonetheless, we are able to hint the American lineage again to 1956 when the Russian Prince Nathalie Troubetkoy got here to the US after being exiled. Since then, the breed has earned its stripes within the nation and achieved championship standing in 1970.
Persona & Character
Egyptian Maus are good for dog-loving households. These cats are loyal and dedicated to their homeowners and can type a bond with different pets over time. They’re not as accepting of latest pets straight away and can want to take action on their very own accord. Over time, they study to like new members of the family.
Like Bengals, Egyptian Maus are extremely lively and require rigorous train and psychological stimulation. Habits issues will come up if these wants aren’t met. With plenty of playtime and snuggles, Egyptian Maus can match into nearly any household.
Well being
Egyptian Maus are one of the most athletic and agile cat breeds. They will leap to six toes within the air from their standing place and dash as much as 30 miles per hour. Even so, they take as much as 2 years to succeed in full bodily maturity.
Egyptian Maus haven’t any main well being considerations however may be liable to weight problems and dental illness like different cats. Due to their excessive power, Egyptian Maus require extra energy to satisfy their power necessities.
Grooming & Look
Typically mistaken for Bengals, Egyptian Maus have smooth and slender our bodies with pure spots on the coat and pores and skin. They typically sport silver, bronze, or smoke-colored furs.
Egyptian Maus are smaller than Bengals and have almond-shaped eyes and a wedge-shaped head with stripes. The stripes mimic an Egyptian scarab beetle, a holy beetle seen as an emblem of the solar.
Appropriate For:
Egyptian Maus make wonderful household cats with babies and different pets. Though they want time to regulate to new animals, Egyptian Maus will come to like all family members, together with the household canine. Egyptian Maus do finest with lively households who can put aside time for rigorous play.
Which Breed Is Proper for You?
The Egyptian Mau and Bengal are very lively cats that require time, consideration, and exercise from their homeowners. Egyptian Maus do finest in properties with babies and pets and a Bengal does finest in a house with older kids and no pets, though they’ll tolerate one or two animals.
In the end, the individuals and pets already current in your house may have a huge impact on which cat is finest for you.
Featured Picture Credit score: (T) TheCats, Shutterstock | (B) Jolanta Beinarovica, Shutterstock
