Dexter Turns 8-Years-Old

March 12, 2020

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Dexter is the little guy who shares a home with me and turns 8-years-old on 12 March 2020. That’s 48 in human years. Cats and dogs age differently. Here’s a chart if you’re curious

He is a Bengal that I bought from a cattery (that’s really what they’re called) in Upstate New York while I was working as news director and evening anchor at the ABC and FOX stations in Utica, NY.

They are not inexpensive animals to buy but their characteristics make them a unique type of animal. Aside from their beautiful markings (spotted and marbled), they typically have behaviors that are more like dogs rather than cats, but without “dog maintenance.”

I know this from my decade with his predecessor, Leopold.

Leo demonstrated the same activities as Dexter would, as well as, similar talents and pet/human attachment. It’s in their breed.

Dexter fetches, sits on my command and catches treats in his mouth. He is very attached to me, not a ball of fur to be located somewhere around the house. He meows enthusiastically through the door when he hears the garage open as I get home. He’s happy to see me, eager to explain his day and loves to by my shadow until bedtime. Then, Dex plants himself in the folds of my legs or between my legs, especially if I form the number four by bending a knee and placing my foot on the side of the opposing knee. He loves that spot. I also enjoy it until I need to get out of bed during the night for any reason.

Dex was born on 12 March 2012 and was named Boy #4. I gave him a different name, obviously. Within weeks a close friend who knew how much I enjoyed the TV show “Dexter,” recommended that name for him. I loved it and changed his name immediately.

The Bengal cat is typically large, sleek and muscular with a thick tail that hangs low and tapers to a black tip. They have a wild appearance with a broad head, smaller ears and pronounced whisker pads. Dexter’s eyes look almost as if he uses black eyeliner and the stripes running from the tops and bottoms of his eyes are commonly called “mascara lines.”

They’re called Bengals as the Latin name of its ancestor is Felis Bengalensis (Asian Leopard Cat). Bengals have print patterns unique to most small cats. They were created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat (above picture courtesy of Cat Specialist Group) with a domestic cat. They also have prominent teeth that are often visible with a closed mouth.

WARNING: Graphic pictures ahead!

I have also been on the business end of those teeth and claws. Dexter was nose-to-nose with an outside cat one evening. I should have been able to tell by his puffed-up tail and vocalizations. I had music on, so I couldn’t hear him and it was dark making it impossible to see the black cat on the other side of the screen. I leaned over Dexter to slide the glass door shut. He looked up and was obviously startled at what appeared to him as an aggressive move. He climbed up my leg and reminded me that he’s not that far removed from a wild animal. The attack happened in seconds and I was so stunned that I couldn’t believe what had happened until blood was about to start dripping onto the carpet. Moments later, Dex was as calm as a Hindu cow.

Not to be boorish, but Bengals ain’t cheap. They usually range from $600 to about as much as one wishes to spend on a cat. I have seen them for sale at prices exceeding 10,000 USD. Much of the cost depends upon whether or not one wants to breed the animal, show it or just have it as a private pet.