The Bengal is a relatively new hybrid breed of cat developed to have a gentle and friendly
temperament, while exhibiting the "wild" markings (such as large spots, rosettes, and a light/white
belly), and body structure reminiscent of the wild Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).[1]
In other words, a Bengal cat has a desirable "wild" appearance with a gentle domestic cat
temperament, provided it is separated by at least three generations from the original crossing
between a domestic and Asian Leopard Cat.[1]
The name Bengal was derived from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC), as shown
above, and not from the more widely known Bengal Tiger species, which is unrelated to the
Bengal's ancestry.
Bengal cats are a hybrid breed developed over several generations through a program of
selectively crossbreeding domestic cats, possessing desired features, with Asian Leopard Cats
and ALC hybrids. In the first three generations, males are almost always infertile (by Haldane's
rule), though there have been the occasional, but rare F3 studs capable of reproduction. Early
generation females are typically fertile, and responsible for continuing the genetic contributions of
the ALC to the next generation.
The modern SBT Bengal gene pool contains genes sourced from many varieties of domestic cats -
mainly Egyptian Maus, American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Ocicat, and domestic shorthaired cats. It is
commonly accepted that the breed was developed by Jean Mill of California in the 1970s; today,
Bengal breeders exist throughout the world. Many breeders are presently working to develop
specific characteristics in the breed, often by backcrossing foundation cats with particularly vivid
markings. The ALC comprises several subspecies, and consequently, they can have considerable
variations in their appearance.
The first three filial generations (F1 - F3) of these hybrid animals are referred to as the "foundation"
generations. A Bengal cat with an ALC parent is called an F1 Bengal, short for first filial. An F1 then
bred with a domestic male yields an F2, or second filial. Kittens from an F2 female and another
domestic cat are then termed F3. Kittens from a subsequent F3 mating with a domestic are F4s.
The F4 and later generations are considered domestic cats, are designated as Stud Book Tradition
(SBT) Bengals, and can be shown and registered. Any SBT Bengal is at least four generations
removed from the ALC. Founders (F1-F3) are typically reserved for breeding purposes or in a
special pet environment.
Bengals can have either spotted or marbled coat patterns. Spots with at least two colors present
(rosettes) are particularly desirable. The following colors and patterns are recognized and eligible
for competition: Brown Spotted Tabby, Brown 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. Silver was also recently accepted as a color variation eligible for
championship status. Blue and Melanistic (black) are additional colors that occur, but are not yet
recognized by most associations that accept the Bengal breed.
Bengal cats are the only breed of cat which displays the gold or pearl dusting effect usually called
glitter. Its pelt has a rich smooth satin or silk feel. Even the voice of the Bengal is different from that
of other domestic cats. Males and females are extremely vocal. Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email us!
temperament, while exhibiting the "wild" markings (such as large spots, rosettes, and a light/white
belly), and body structure reminiscent of the wild Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).[1]
In other words, a Bengal cat has a desirable "wild" appearance with a gentle domestic cat
temperament, provided it is separated by at least three generations from the original crossing
between a domestic and Asian Leopard Cat.[1]
The name Bengal was derived from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC), as shown
above, and not from the more widely known Bengal Tiger species, which is unrelated to the
Bengal's ancestry.
Bengal cats are a hybrid breed developed over several generations through a program of
selectively crossbreeding domestic cats, possessing desired features, with Asian Leopard Cats
and ALC hybrids. In the first three generations, males are almost always infertile (by Haldane's
rule), though there have been the occasional, but rare F3 studs capable of reproduction. Early
generation females are typically fertile, and responsible for continuing the genetic contributions of
the ALC to the next generation.
The modern SBT Bengal gene pool contains genes sourced from many varieties of domestic cats -
mainly Egyptian Maus, American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Ocicat, and domestic shorthaired cats. It is
commonly accepted that the breed was developed by Jean Mill of California in the 1970s; today,
Bengal breeders exist throughout the world. Many breeders are presently working to develop
specific characteristics in the breed, often by backcrossing foundation cats with particularly vivid
markings. The ALC comprises several subspecies, and consequently, they can have considerable
variations in their appearance.
The first three filial generations (F1 - F3) of these hybrid animals are referred to as the "foundation"
generations. A Bengal cat with an ALC parent is called an F1 Bengal, short for first filial. An F1 then
bred with a domestic male yields an F2, or second filial. Kittens from an F2 female and another
domestic cat are then termed F3. Kittens from a subsequent F3 mating with a domestic are F4s.
The F4 and later generations are considered domestic cats, are designated as Stud Book Tradition
(SBT) Bengals, and can be shown and registered. Any SBT Bengal is at least four generations
removed from the ALC. Founders (F1-F3) are typically reserved for breeding purposes or in a
special pet environment.
Bengals can have either spotted or marbled coat patterns. Spots with at least two colors present
(rosettes) are particularly desirable. The following colors and patterns are recognized and eligible
for competition: Brown Spotted Tabby, Brown 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. Silver was also recently accepted as a color variation eligible for
championship status. Blue and Melanistic (black) are additional colors that occur, but are not yet
recognized by most associations that accept the Bengal breed.
Bengal cats are the only breed of cat which displays the gold or pearl dusting effect usually called
glitter. Its pelt has a rich smooth satin or silk feel. Even the voice of the Bengal is different from that
of other domestic cats. Males and females are extremely vocal. Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email us!
How to Live with a Bengal
As you are reading this article you are already probably owned by a Bengal, if not you are hopefully
thinking of buying one and joining a clan of devotees of this lovely cat.
Well, you will already know the Bengal cat is breathtakingly beautiful but what you also need to
know is that it is extremely active, agile and athletic, sociable and fun loving, vocal, naughty,
cunning and people loving but most of all VERY INTELLIGENT. If your plan is to train your Bengal to
adapt to your lifestyle I strongly recommend that you review this idea immediately, because I can
assure you that even as you read this you’re Bengal is planning something very similar and he will
win!! So much more relaxing all around if you admit defeat now. This means that you emerge with
your dignity intact and live long enough to witness the wonderful smile on the face of your tiger.
The following paragraphs are offered as guidelines, with a view to you living in harmony with your
Bengal.
Firstly I will deal with the three “A”s active, agile and athletic. Bengals are strong muscular cats and
need space to exercise, whether they are confined to the home or have access to the outside. Free
ranging cats generally make their own exercise but if you prefer not to let your cat out, stimulation
does need to be provided at home. This can be expensive as there are many manufacturers of
climbing frames etc. but two or three cardboard boxes, taped together with parcel tape, with holes
cut in them at different levels, work just as well. Small toys such as ping pong balls and rolled up
news paper strips can be used as “ground prey”, don’t cost a lot and give hours of exercise.
Something for them to strop their claws on is vital. Your best leather sofa may be special to you but
to a Bengal it is just an ideal sharpening stone. Well you sharpen your knives don’t you, so why
wouldn’t your Bengal keep his equipment in good condition? There are many different types of
claw stoppers available but if you are short of space a simple rope door math (as against a coconut
mat) usually work very well. You can train your Bengal not to use your furniture but it takes
commitment and patience on your part with good alternatives being made available.
You will probably find that your Bengal is vocal. Be flattered by this, it means he think you are worth
talking to and can be trusted with his secrets (can this be said of your human partner?).
Bengals are people loving animals and really don’t like spending too much time on their own. If you
are away from home many hours a day, it has to be said that a companion animal is usually much
appreciated, particularly if it is small, feathered and lives in a cage!! To be serious, no animal should
be left alone for long periods and Bengals in particular just love company. They generally settle very
well with other cats and dogs, but really there is only one thing more wonderful than one Bengal
and that is two!
New owners find the Bengal cat’s love of water amazing and you are well advised to take account of
this trait. Most of them will play with water either in the sink, the bath, their water bowl, the toilet, or if
available a fish pond. If there are fish in your pond so much the better. You do not need to provide
the fishing rod as a Bengal can manage very well on his own. Please believe that your Bengal is not
being naughty, he is just having fun. In some cases it may be necessary to exclude them from areas
like the bathroom unless you are there to watch what is going on. It is advisable to stand their
drinking water bowl either inside a larger bowl or to stand it in a clean litter tray. This makes it easier
to cope with overflows and saves having a soggy carpet. I personally have shared my bath with a
Bengal and I think it magic. What other domestic cat likes water to that extend? Most cats run a mile
from getting a splash on them. If allowed access to the outside you will find Bengals do not mind
rainy days and they just love snow. They will play with you for hours in the snow if you are willing to
provide the snow balls! I promise you, you will get tired long before your pet.
My experience of Bengals is that they are wonderful with children. Totally confident and very gentle.
In fact a perfect family companion animal.
If you already have a Bengal I am sure you will find these few paragraphs true to life. If you are one
of the people not already owned by a Bengal, what are you waiting for? Your life will never be the
same again but one thing I promise you is it will never be boring and your mental agility will become
lightning fast, just to keep up with the Bengal in your life.
thinking of buying one and joining a clan of devotees of this lovely cat.
Well, you will already know the Bengal cat is breathtakingly beautiful but what you also need to
know is that it is extremely active, agile and athletic, sociable and fun loving, vocal, naughty,
cunning and people loving but most of all VERY INTELLIGENT. If your plan is to train your Bengal to
adapt to your lifestyle I strongly recommend that you review this idea immediately, because I can
assure you that even as you read this you’re Bengal is planning something very similar and he will
win!! So much more relaxing all around if you admit defeat now. This means that you emerge with
your dignity intact and live long enough to witness the wonderful smile on the face of your tiger.
The following paragraphs are offered as guidelines, with a view to you living in harmony with your
Bengal.
Firstly I will deal with the three “A”s active, agile and athletic. Bengals are strong muscular cats and
need space to exercise, whether they are confined to the home or have access to the outside. Free
ranging cats generally make their own exercise but if you prefer not to let your cat out, stimulation
does need to be provided at home. This can be expensive as there are many manufacturers of
climbing frames etc. but two or three cardboard boxes, taped together with parcel tape, with holes
cut in them at different levels, work just as well. Small toys such as ping pong balls and rolled up
news paper strips can be used as “ground prey”, don’t cost a lot and give hours of exercise.
Something for them to strop their claws on is vital. Your best leather sofa may be special to you but
to a Bengal it is just an ideal sharpening stone. Well you sharpen your knives don’t you, so why
wouldn’t your Bengal keep his equipment in good condition? There are many different types of
claw stoppers available but if you are short of space a simple rope door math (as against a coconut
mat) usually work very well. You can train your Bengal not to use your furniture but it takes
commitment and patience on your part with good alternatives being made available.
You will probably find that your Bengal is vocal. Be flattered by this, it means he think you are worth
talking to and can be trusted with his secrets (can this be said of your human partner?).
Bengals are people loving animals and really don’t like spending too much time on their own. If you
are away from home many hours a day, it has to be said that a companion animal is usually much
appreciated, particularly if it is small, feathered and lives in a cage!! To be serious, no animal should
be left alone for long periods and Bengals in particular just love company. They generally settle very
well with other cats and dogs, but really there is only one thing more wonderful than one Bengal
and that is two!
New owners find the Bengal cat’s love of water amazing and you are well advised to take account of
this trait. Most of them will play with water either in the sink, the bath, their water bowl, the toilet, or if
available a fish pond. If there are fish in your pond so much the better. You do not need to provide
the fishing rod as a Bengal can manage very well on his own. Please believe that your Bengal is not
being naughty, he is just having fun. In some cases it may be necessary to exclude them from areas
like the bathroom unless you are there to watch what is going on. It is advisable to stand their
drinking water bowl either inside a larger bowl or to stand it in a clean litter tray. This makes it easier
to cope with overflows and saves having a soggy carpet. I personally have shared my bath with a
Bengal and I think it magic. What other domestic cat likes water to that extend? Most cats run a mile
from getting a splash on them. If allowed access to the outside you will find Bengals do not mind
rainy days and they just love snow. They will play with you for hours in the snow if you are willing to
provide the snow balls! I promise you, you will get tired long before your pet.
My experience of Bengals is that they are wonderful with children. Totally confident and very gentle.
In fact a perfect family companion animal.
If you already have a Bengal I am sure you will find these few paragraphs true to life. If you are one
of the people not already owned by a Bengal, what are you waiting for? Your life will never be the
same again but one thing I promise you is it will never be boring and your mental agility will become
lightning fast, just to keep up with the Bengal in your life.
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