About Bengal Cats

OVERVIEW

Loved by those who appreciate their inquisitive and loving nature, the bengal cat is a medium to large size cat renowned for their richly colored, high contrast coat featuring vivid spots and distinctive marbling. Originally bred from various domestic cats and the Asian leopard cat, the bengal is the only domestic cat that has rosettes like the markings on exotic animals like leopards, jaguars and ocelots. Today’s domestic bengal cat comes only from breeding bengals with other bengals and requires no specialized care. Since their beginnings in 1986, the bengal’s regal beauty and alluring charm have quickly made it one of the most popular breeds. Employing scientific insights and a cooperative spirit, bengal breeders continue to develop these stunning cats with careful selection for temperament, health and beauty. Bengals participate in TICA shows throughout the world and have a devoted following of happy pet owners who couldn’t imagine sharing their lives with any other pet besides these feline beauties.

HISTORY

Throughout history there are indications of a profound fascination with the large and small wild felines that inhabit the jungles and forests of the world. In 1963, Jean S. Mill crossed the domestic cat with the Asian leopard cat to create a breed of cat that had a striking look with a great loving nature. The modern bengal breed traces back to Mrs. Mill, a breeder who began breeding these wonderful animals in the early 1980’s. The breed’s name is a reference to the scientific name of the Asian leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis. The hybrid crosses are registered as Foundation (F1, F2 &F3) bengals and are not eligible for show. Only the females are used for breeding. Accepted as a new breed in TICA in 1986, bengals gained championship status in 1991. They are now one of the most frequently exhibited breeds in TICA. An enthusiastic group of breeders around the world have successfully fulfilled the goal of creating a docile, civilized house cat that wears the richly patterned coat of the jungle cats and has some of the breathtaking features that have inspired and aroused humanity for centuries.

PERSONALITY

While you can train a bengal to have ‘good manners’, they are an active, inquisitive cat that loves to be up high. If you don’t like a cat to leave the floor, a bengal is probably not the right cat for you. Bengals are busy by nature. They are very affectionate and can be a ‘lap cat’ whenever they want to be, but in general, their idea of fun is playing, chasing, climbing and investigating. When a bengal is in full play mode, it’s like trying to hold on to running water! They’ll often save the cuddle time for when they want to sleep. Many bengals enjoy water and may join you in brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Some bengals are vocal while others are more quiet and selective about using their voice. Bengals will also, in general, always want to be where you are. After all, that’s where the action is! Bengal cats are rambunctious, funny, beautiful and make great dynamic feline companions!

TRAITS

The bengal is most noted for their luxurious short, soft coat which may appear in either the spotted or marble pattern. Some bengal’s coats feature something called glitter which imparts an iridescent sheen to each hair. The spotted pattern is most associated with the ‘leopard look’ as the coat features clearly discernible spots and rosettes. THe bengal’s spots can be large or small and often include rossettes, like the spots of jaguars and leopards (two-toned spots). Bengals may also be marbled, which is a derivative of the classic or ‘bull’s eye’ pattern found in many breeds of cats, but with an especially dramatic appearance in bengals. The marbled bengal has a swirling pattern that appears as random swirls or thick diagonal and horizontal lines flowing across the coat of the cat. The most popular color of the bengal is the brown/black tabby, a lackluster description for coats that can be anywhere from a cool grey to vibrant shades of golden, bronze, copper, or mahogany with spots or marbling ranging from rich browns to intense blacks. Bengals also come in a range of colors associated with a form of albinism called ‘snow’ by breeders, that indicates Siamese and Burmese ancestry. In these colors, the coat appears ivory, cream or light tan with spots or marbling that may range from light brown to dark chocolate and the eye color is a range of blue and aqua. Silver bengals have grey to nearly white backgrounds with dark grey to black patterns. Bengals get along well with other pets when properly introduced and enjoy being part of a family.