Long May She Reign: A Bengal Queen in Ermine With a Very Wild Plan
Long may she reign. This spotted brown Bengal gazes out with cool green-gold eyes, utterly certain of her place at the top of the royal order. A golden crown sits atop her head, studded with sapphires, rubies, and rows of pearls. A thick white ermine cape, dotted with black tail tips, drapes over her shoulders and is fastened at the chest with a ruby brooch. Beneath it, a gown of deep plum velvet and gold brocade disappears into the shadows. Her bold, wild-looking coat of dark rosettes and stripes makes her look every inch a jungle monarch.
Bengal cats were developed by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, which is where their striking spotted or marbled coats come from. Modern Bengals are fully domestic, but they've kept a reputation for being highly energetic, athletic, and intelligent. Many love climbing, fetching, and even playing with water. Because they're so active, Bengals usually need lots of daily play, tall cat trees, and puzzle toys to keep them from getting bored, and a bored Bengal can become a mischievous one. Their short, dense coat is easy to care for, with weekly brushing usually enough. Bengals are often very social and do best with engaged, playful owners.
A queen this lively won't stay seated on the throne for long. Expect her to be scaling the palace tapestries the moment the painter puts down his brush.
