No major feline registry recognizes the Bramble Cat, making it unique among pets. This is not unusual, nor is it an anti-race mark. After all, selective breeding to develop specific traits is something people have been doing for only 85 years. However, the Registry of Rare and Exotic Felines (REFR) has recognized the Bramble cat as an experimental breed.
Height: | 17 to 22 inches |
Weight: | 6 to 15 pounds |
Lifetime: | 10 to 16 years old |
Colors: | Any pattern or color |
Suitable for: | Active families looking for a pet with an outgoing personality |
Temperament: | Intelligent, loyal, affectionate |
Although enthusiasts may have included other breeds, this feline is primarily a cross between the Peterbald And Bengal. The first is a Russian cat with dog-like traits and a friendly personality. The latter has the exotic coloring of its roots as part of the Asian leopard cat. The breed’s name comes from the British English word for common blackberry, referring to the animal’s metallic coat.
Characteristics of the bramble cat
- Energy: 3.0 out of 5 stars
- Training capacity: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Health: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Lifetime: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Sociability: 4.5 stars out of 5
Bramble Cat Kittens
Finding a Bramble Cat kitten will be difficult without the formal recognition that guarantees you get the pet you want. The Registry of Rare and Exotic Felines (REFR) is a great place to start your search. You will likely find that these cats are expensive due to their rarity and the popularity of the parent breeds.
The Bramble Cat has many dog-like qualities stemming from the breed’s wild origins in Bengal. Kittens are quite playful with a strong prey drive. They are very in touch with their wild side. Nonetheless, they are social animals and love to get in on the action. When they’re not playing, they make delightful companion cats.
Bramble Cat Temperament and Intelligence
The Bramble Cat is very intelligent, making mental stimulation and enrichment essential to its well-being. Remember that a bored animal is destructive. Interactive toys are a must with this kitten. Research has also shown that the Bengal is the most active breed of the breeds studied.1 They also showed the largest prey. This cat has retained its hunting instinct.
The Bramble Cat takes these traits from the Peterbald. They are very affectionate animals that thrive on the companionship and attention of humans. They are also intelligent and can even learn to play fetch, as long as you follow their rules.
Are these cats good for families? ๐ช
You’ve probably guessed that the Bramble cat makes a great pet for an active household. This cat can follow the action. They are sturdy, muscular animals, making them a good choice for families with children. Chances are they will exhaust your children! The Bramble Cat Bengal is quite athletic and agile.
We recommend supervised playtime, especially with children under 6 years old. They may not be as adept at recognizing feline body language as older children and adults. You also need to teach them to give your cat space when it is eating and not to disturb it when it is sleeping.
Does this breed get along with other pets?
The Bramble Cat is literally the double-edged feline sword. Your pet’s Bengal is a hunter, especially when it comes to small animals. Their high prey drive makes them an inappropriate choice in households with pocket pets. On the other hand, the Peterbald is a lover who gets along well with other animals. However, this breed is probably still in touch with its wild instinct to hunt prey.
If you introduce them as young animals, a Bramble cat can get along with a dog. We recommend supervising their time together to make sure they are getting along before leaving them alone.
Things to Know When Owning a Bramble Cat:
The Bramble Cat is somewhat of a wild card due to the breed’s short history. We’ve referenced the parent breeds as a basis so you know what you’re getting into if you welcome this kitten into your home. If possible, we suggest meeting the mother and littermates to get a sense of your pet’s personality and the socialization they have experienced.
Food and dietary requirements ๐ก
A commercial diet formulated for the pet’s life stage will ensure it receives adequate nutrition. Kittens should receive three to four meals per day with a food containing at least 30% protein and 9% fat. We do not recommend a raw diet due to the risk of foodborne illness for you and your cat. A product labeled complete and balanced will give your cat a good start in life.
You can reduce meals to twice a day once your Bramble cat reaches adulthood. You should always provide fresh, clean water to ensure proper hydration. We recommend that you establish a feeding routine. It’s a great way to monitor your pet’s food intake and help prevent obesity and food aggression.
Exercise ๐
Chances are your Bramble cat will find ways to have fun. Your responsibility as a pet owner is to ensure that they release pent-up energy appropriately. Interacting with your cat can provide valuable mental stimulation and a nourishing bond. Remember, cats are as attached to their caregivers as children are to their parents.
Training ๐งถ
The Bramble Cat will make training easier if you are patient and consistent. They will quickly learn to make associations, especially if it involves a treat. We suggest keeping them as training materials. Felines are very food motivated, which makes your job easier.
It should be noted that cats learn through observation. If your pet engages in inappropriate behavior, you should not encourage it. For example, giving in to a cat that wakes you up to feed will reinforce this action. The felines quickly understood that humans react to meows to achieve their ends.
Grooming โ๏ธ
We recommend brushing your cat’s coat occasionally, if only to examine it for skin problems or injuries. You should also check their nails and trim them if necessary. The Bramble Cat does not lose much hair and grooms itself like all felines. Handling your cat’s paws and ears will make grooming and veterinary exams less stressful.
Health and conditions ๐ฅ
The rarity of the Bramble Cat and its parent breeds means a lower incidence of hereditary and congenital diseases. They are robust animals without any glaring health problems. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend only purchasing from sellers who perform pre-breeding screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a disorder that can be seen in any feline.
Minor conditions
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Internal parasites
Serious conditions
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- PK deficiency
Man versus woman
Cats are capable of expressing the six main emotions, including sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, happiness and anger. Research showed some gender differences, with women being more disgusted than men. However, socialization and the animal’s environment are the most important influencing factors on behavior. Both sexes will make a good pet with an attentive owner.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bramble Cat
As a relatively new breed, much is still being learned about the Bramble Cat. So here are some little-known facts about the two parent breeds that make up the Bramble.
1. The Bengal was the first hybrid cat breed.
The Bengal story began in 1963 when Jean S. Mill crossed an Asian leopard cat with a domestic kitten. The rest, as they say, is history. Interestingly, the name of the breed comes from the species name of the wild feline, bengalensis.
2. The Bengal is one of the top 20 most popular cat breeds.
Bengal’s captivating personality has won many hearts. It is not surprising that it is in the Association of Cat Lovers Top 20 list with lucky number 13.
3. Peterbald’s coat can change color.
The Peterbald brings another interesting trait to the Bramble Cat mix, in addition to its large bat-shaped ears. The feline’s coat may change color as it grows. You may also notice texture variations in their fur.
Final Thoughts
The Bramble Cat has many unique qualities that are worth seeking out as a pet. You might have a challenge ahead. However, your efforts will be greatly rewarded with an affectionate and active pet who will provide life and joy in your home. We recommend researching a kitten carefully due to the unofficial status of the breed. No doubt this will change soon as more people meet this cute kitten.
Featured Image Credit: Left: (Bengal Cat), Right: (Peterbald) Viorel Sima, Shutterstock