The Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat is a relatively new breed which is the result of hybridizing the Asian Leopard Cat and
a domestic short hair tabby cat.
The name Bengal was derived from the scientific name of the Asian Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis).
Back on the sixties of the last century, Jean Mill (Covina, South California) started
breeding this gentle and friendly breed.
Bengal cats have developed over several generations through careful selection and crossbreeding domestic cats into a breed possessing a gentle temper with a wild-looking appearance.
Attributes like well-contrasted spots or rosettes
the whited tummy, an alert and muscular body type, big eyes
and small round-tipped ears are legacies of their wild ancestors.
Bengal cats are of medium size: males are as much as 11 lbs (8 kg) and females are about 5-12 lbs (3-6 kg) weight.
The first three generations of hybrids are known as filials or foundation cats.
This hybrid offspring are called F1, F2 or F3 referring to their generation beyond the wildcat cross.
F4 and later generations are considered domestic and correctly designated as SBT (Stud Book Tradition)
Males of the first 3 generations are almost always unfertile and therefore just the females are responsible for the genetic contributions
of the ALC to the next generation.
Nowadays, the Bengal cat can be registered and shown in a lot of cat associations and clubs. (ACFA, TICA, CCA, ACF, FIFe, GCCF).
The following colors and patterns are recognized and eligible for competition:
Brown (Black) Spotted Tabby, Brown (Black) Marbled Tabby, Seal Sepia Spotted Tabby, Seal Sepia
Marbled Tabby, Seal Mink Spotted Tabby, Seal Mink Marbled Tabby, Seal Spotted Lynx Point and
Seal Marbled Lynx Point.
Since 2005 also Silver is accepted by some cat associations - most notable The International Cat Association (TICA).
Most Bengal cats can take a great deal of interest in running water and often don't mind getting wet.
That is quite different to the most other cat breeds.
Some even like to be taken under the shower or into the bath tube.
Bengal cats are very active, high intelligent and incredible curious. They love to climb and to jump.
They need a lot of attention and are particularly interactive with people.
You should make sure that they are having enough challenges and means of entertainment in your house.
Otherwise will they get bored and in severe cases depressive.
In case you are not home most of the day (e.g. because of work) it may be wise to have another feline companion to entertain your Bengal.
A Bengal cat is very sensitive and needs a lot of attention from it's owner. It is going to get attached to the person playing and taking care of it.
A Bengal is going to become jealous when it feels that another cat or even a child is getting more attention.
It can lead to depression just like when it feels beeing ignored.
Please be aware of what it means to buy a Bengal cat and make sure that it will fit into your lifestyle
and your family before buying or adopting one of these wonderful and fascinating creatures.