Bengal

The Bengal is an athletic, curious and talkative cat, usually 3.5 to 7 kg, with a spotted or marbled coat. Bengals are clever and playful, love to climb and many enjoy water. They need plenty of play and attention, and a bored Bengal can turn destructive. They are best for active owners who enjoy playing with a cat.

A Bengal can live in an apartment if you give it vertical space, such as a tall cat tree and wall shelves, along with puzzle toys and daily play sessions. Some can learn to walk on a harness. The short coat is easy to keep tidy. In the UAE keep it indoors in air conditioning, offer fresh water and never leave it in a parked car. A heart condition can run in the breed, so ask the seller for the parents’ screening results and ask your vet.

See the kitten in person, and its mother if you buy from a breeder. Ask for pedigree papers and the kitten’s generation, and check the vaccination card. The cat should be microchipped, have its rabies and core vaccinations and be registered with your municipality or emirate. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 3,500 and AED 6,500, based on only a handful of priced ads. Adoption is also an option, and adoption fees should be modest.