You Can’t Own a Real Leopard, So This Stunning Bengal Cat Is the Next Best Thing

December 7, 2016 | By Jason Owen

For those who love big wild cats, but know you could never keep one as a pet, meet the next best thing.

Tony is a 2-year-old bengal house cat currently residing in Michigan. His owner, Ann Masson, adopted Tony as a kitten when he was just 9 weeks old and named him after one of her cherished childhood stuffed animals.

While most house cats relish in the comfort and security of their abodes, Masson told Your Daily Dish that Tony’s got quite the wild side to him.

“Tony loves going on walks and playing outside,” said Masson. “He enjoys watching birds and other animals outside … [and] likes climbing trees.”

And if you thought Masson has to coax Tony into walks outside, you’d be wrong.

“When I say, ‘Do you want to go outside?’ He goes and grabs his harness and brings it to me,” said Masson.

Tony’s canine-like proclivities don’t end there.

Most cats are terrified of water, but she said little Tony is quite the opposite. Masson told YDD that Tony, “Likes water.” When asked to clarify if she meant baths or going to the river near their home, Masson said, “Both!”

Now, Tony has quickly become “Insta-famous” as his Instagram account has grown substantially in recent weeks to the tune of over 16,000 followers and counting.

If you’d like to become one of Tony’s legion of followers, head over to his Instagram or Facebook pages. See more of Tony’s pictures below.