The Bengal is a relatively new hybrid breed of cat, formed by the cross of a domestic feline and an Asian Leopard Cat ("ALC"). Bengal cats have "wild-looking" markings, such as large spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly, and a body structure reminiscent of the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis bengalensis).
The 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 feline and an ALC. The name Bengal cat was derived from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cat (P. b. bengalensis), and not from the unrelated Bengal tiger.
The Bengal cat is a new (less than 20 years old), exotic breed of domestic cat originally created by the breeding of the small, wild Asian Leopard Cat to a domestic cat such as the Abyssinan, American Shorthair, Burmese, or Egyptian Mau. The Bengal breed allows those of us who love and admire wild cats to live with and enjoy their beauty and uniqueness in our own homes, while also benefiting from the domestic Bengal's loving, friendly, playful disposition.
Bengal's must be four or more generations removed from their wild Asian Leopard Cat ancestor, and have three consecutive generations of Bengal to Bengal breeding in order to be eligible to be shown in T.I.C.A. (registration paperwork will reflect "SBT" in the registration number, which means the cat has "studbook status".)
Currently, SBT Bengals can be shown in T.I.C.A., U.F.O., A.C.F.A., I.C.E. and a few other Cat Associations, some for Championship Titles. The early generation Bengals, which we refer to as "Foundation or Filial Bengals", such as F-1, F-2 or F-3 (one, two or three generations, respectively, removed from the Asian Leopard Cat) are best left to specialized breeders or properly prepared and informed owners who are equipped to take care of them. F-4's and beyond, or SBT's, are the true domestic Bengal. They usually make the best pets, and when they are carefully bred within highly selective and loving breeding programs, make delightfully affectionate, stunningly gorgeous family companions!!
Domestic Bengals are no different than any other domestic cat when it comes to care and feeding. Female Bengals average from 7 to 11 pounds at maturity, while the more heavily muscled males can average from 11 to 18 pounds at maturity. Bengal owners delight in the intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate natures of their companions, and also love to talk about their athleticism, leaping ability and the dexterity with which they use their paws. Many Bengals also have an instinctive love of water, and have been known to climb in the shower or bathtub with their humans. Of the 37 species of wild cats worldwide, small wild cats make up 30 of those 37.
The "Felis bengalensis", or leopard cat species, is very common in areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and eastern and southern Asia. ALC's are currently listed on Appendix I and II of CITES. The wild leopard cat, while still quite numerous, is being forced to live in ever smaller areas due to growing human population and land development encroaching upon their natural habitats. There have been over 10 subspecies (plus certain individual ALC's that were captive bred) used in the Bengal breeding program, each contributing many different and unique characteristics. The Domestic Bengal received its name from the scientific Latin name "Prionaliurus bengalensis" for Asian Leopard Cat.
Weighing between 5 and 15 pounds (Amur leopard cats average 18 pounds), the leopard cat has a very long body type compared to the domestic cat, as well as far more striking colouring and markings including such physical traits as rosette and random spots, and a thick, soft, distinctive pelt. Small, round ears and a white underbelly are also beautiful characteristics of this species. The leopard cat can be found in areas ranging from desert to dense forests, and their markings can vary accordingly. With their small head, rounded ears (which have a white spot on the back of them called "ocelli"), the leopard cat's unique appearance also comes from their large, amber, nocturnal eyes, and 2 black "mascara" stripes running from the corners of the eyes.
Almost all leopard cats have 4 striped bands that run from their foreheads to behind their necks, ringed tails with black tips, black spots on white bellies, and distinctive, rosette spots on pelts that vary from tawny brown, golden, grey, to bright orange-red backgrounds, with the spots being usually chocolate brown to black.
Bengals are reputed to have an affinity for water. Many will take an uninvited dip in the bath with their owners, and others have a propensity to share the shower or toilet with their owners. Bengal Kittens frequently play in their water bowls and their toys are often found floating in them. Another Bengal peculiarity is its affinity for height. Bengals are accomplished climbers and spend a good deal of time in trees or on high climbing posts.
