| In order to know the Bengal, we must first learn something about the Asian Leopard Cat, from which they are derived. The Asian Leopard Cat can be found across India, through China, Korea and the Soviet Far East, on islands such as Sumatra, Philippines, Taiwan, Borneo, Bali and Java. The widespread habitat of the Asian Leopard has led to many different names, such as the Javan cat, Wagati cat, Chinese cat or "money cat" so called because the spots resembled Chinese coins. Asian Leopard Cats are generally solitary and nocturnal and prefer brush and forest as their habitat. They make their dens in hollow trees, small caves or under large roots and, have an unusually wide variety of skills. For example, they often live near water and are accomplished swimmers and fishers. This legacy lives on in the Bengal’s liking for playing in water, and pawing at aquariums! Equally, they are very agile climbers - very much at home in the trees, hunting for birds, squirrels, tree shrews and other prey. The general build of an Asian Leopard Cat is similar to a normal domestic cat, but with somewhat longer legs and a longer back. They have a relatively small head with a short narrow muzzle, large eyes and a thick tail. Body length varies between 25 to 32 inches, and they weigh between 7 to 15 pounds. Size and weight vary between subspecies in different geographical region. There are around ten sub-species, showing distinct variations in body color. For example, cats in the Northern regions tend towards reddish brown spotting on a yellowish-grey background and leopard cats from more humid regions tending to be more ochre-yellow to brownish. The Bengal Cat is a relatively new breed of feline. Bengal cats are a cross between a the Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic cat such as the Egyptian Mau, Abyssians or Ocicat. The first Bengal breeding began in 1963 and the breed was first accepted for championship status by TICA in 1984. It's name come from the Asian Leopard Cat’s scientific name, Felis Bengalensis. The Bengal can be very mischievous and boisterous. They are active cats, always ready to play. They can easily be leash train, taught to fetch, and play other games. They are also very vocal cats, always eager for human companionship and approval. The Bengal mixes well with children and other animals. With their sleek, soft coat, which is more like a pelt than ordinary cat fur, sufferers of allergies claim that the Bengal brings out fewer reactions. The Bengal is also unique in that these cats actually love and enjoy water. They will delight children and adults alike with its playful antics. Don’t be surprised to see them playing in the toilet! They are also very people oriented cats. You will find that they are very "dog-like" in personality, following you from room to room and always greeting you with a loving welcome. Whether male or female, this exotic, unique cat will hold a place in your heart forever like no cat as ever done before. Bengal cats are highly intelligent and full of personality! They are active, confident cats always ready for new adventures. Bengal will “call” when they can’t find you. A Bengal’s voice may sound like something from the wild. Another Bengal peculiarity is its affinity for heights. They are accomplished climbers and will spend a god deal of time on high climbing posts when available. The Bengal is a medium size cat, with the female weighting between 7 and 12 pounds and the male weighing up to 20 pounds. There are two recognized coat patterns, spotted and marble. The spotted Bengals have dark spots on a contrasting lighter background. The spots take various shapes and arrangements in a horizontal alignment over the body. Rosette spots have multi shaded light centers on the dark spots. The marbled pattern is light whorls on a darker background. For a complete description see ”Bengal Standards”. A first generation cross between the ALC and a domestic cat is called an F1. The first three generations of these hybrid offspring are properly referred to as the "filial" generations. An F2 is the progeny of one F1 parent and one domestic parent, F3 has one F2 parent and one domestic parent. F1 males are usually sterile, and F2 and F3 males also often have fertility problems. The F4 and later generations are considered domestic cats and correctly designated as Stud Book Tradition (SBT) Bengals, and can be shown and registered. Any SBT Bengal is at least four generations from the ALC. Filial cats (F1-F3) are also termed 'foundation cats' and are typically reserved for breeding purposes, or the specialty pet home environment. A Bengal cat purchased as a pet is usually an SBT. Although some breeders occasionally offer filial (F1-F3) cats for sale, they are not for the average pet owner as early generation cats can be more aloof in temperament and not as easily housebroken. These are pictures of my Bengals, Phoenix and Shanghai playing with my Great Danes. |
| About Bengals |
