History:
The Bengal Breed was created by geneticist
Jean S. Mill who wanted to produce a "tame toy leopard". She started by
hybridizing Asian Leopard Cats (ALC) from as early as 1963, but the modern
Bengal cat originated from Jean’s breeding program of 1975. The first Bengal
Cat was registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1983.
The first three
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, and can be shown and
registered. This kitten is a F4 generation.
The Bengal has been welcomed as a pedigreed
breed by several cat associations — most notably The International Cat
Association (TICA).- but has been refused acceptance by the more traditional
Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) of the USA, the world's largest registry
of pedigreed cats.
Size:
The Bengal is a large breed - weighing
between 7 to 20 pounds. Male cats are generally larger than
females.
Color:
Bengals can have either spotted or
marbled coat patterns. Spots with at least two colors present
(rosettes) are particularly desirable. 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.
Some Bengal kittens go through what is
referred to as the "fuzzy
uglies". A beautifully
clear kitten at three weeks old may begin to acquire a ticked kitten
coat at four to five weeks old. This coat begins to clear again to
higher contrast at about 12 weeks and is again breathtaking by 6
months.
Temperament:
The Bengal is a happy, active, and
extremely intelligent cat. Curious and entertaining, the
Bengal can be a loving and affectionate member of the family. They
enjoy the companionship of children and other family pets.
The Bengal is energetic and not a good match for people looking for
a quiet and sedate companion.
While they will have normal litter box
habits, Bengals are quite different from your run-of-the-mill cat.
Many enjoy playing in water, even climbing into the shower with you.
They are known to fetch as well as walk on a leash.
Even the voice of the Bengal is
different from that of other domestic cats. Males and females are
extremely vocal. Life expectancy is 12-16 years.
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