The health of the Bengal or any other cat breed depends on a series of factors such as immunizations, degree of nutrition, environment, and physical and emotional state. We will discus immunizations and nutrition.

   Immunization of a cat is as important as it is to humans. The purpose of vaccines is to develop resistance to certain diseases such as panleukopenia, feline viral respiratory disease complex, feline leukemia, and rabies. Vaccines against feline pneumonitis, and feline immunodeficiency virus may be indicated in special situations.

   

    There are two different types of vaccines. Those that contain live organisms, and those made from killed pathogens (virus, bacteria). The later are believed to be safer for young and old cats. Because vaccines help stimulate immune responses to fight infections, it is very important to vaccinate your kitten at about 8 weeks of age. Booster shots should be given one year later.

 

    According to Eldredge, Carlson, and Giffin (2008), feeding your cats a balanced diet is essential. Do not indulge them with to many treats and snacks (they are not really nutritious).

     

    A basic diet should contain about 26 percent protein and at least 10 percent fat or more. Because cats lack some enzymes called amylase which help digest carbohydrates, large quantities of these substances will increase the cat’s levels of blood sugar.

 

     An adult cat needs from 18-35 calories per pound of body weight per day depending on his level of activity. Pregnant females  need about 45 calories per pound, which will increase up to 140 calories per pound of body weight when she is lactating. Ten to twenty four weeks old kittens need to consume 45 to 50 calories per pound per day. At 6 months they should consume 25 percent less calories than a younger kitten.

 

    There are three types of cat food: canned, dry, and semi moist. Canned food contain a large proportion of water which is an important factor in your cat diet. Quality canned food contain very little or no carbohydrates and more fat which is the Bengal main source of energy. They also contain minerals and vitamins.

  

    Dry food had less energy and more carbohydrates but has the advantage of being cheaper, doesn’t need to be refrigerated, helps keep teeth clean and sharp, and can be offered for your cat to eat at will. The inconvenience is that this can lead to obesity. Dry food contains 20 to 50 percent carbohydrates and much less protein and fat. This high carbohydrates content is a potential disadvantage because it could be a predisposing factor for the development of diabetes.

 

     Semi-moist foods usually contain preservatives and artificial colors  and they have high sugar concentration. Do not feed this type of food to your cat.

 

     Important advice: read the food labels carefully, look for the statement that says that the product meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. Choose the dry food with the lowest carbohydrate content, get a high quality canned food, and do not buy semi-moist food.

 

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