So What is A Bengal?
Bengal cats exhibit the beautiful 'wild' appearance of its Asian Leopard Cat ancestor, and the temperament of a domestic cat.
The Breed
The first filial Bengals were developed by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) with domestic cats. The cross was striking in appearance and easier to live with than his wild ancestor. The females were crossed with other domestic cats over several generations. By choosing specific traits and breeding many generations, the domestic cat, “Bengal Cat” was born. He has been and continues to be selectively bred for his exciting wild-looking spots, rosettes, or marbling similar to the ALC or clouded leopard, combined with an outgoing, friendly temperament. Bengal breed development began in the 1970s, and was first recognized for registry by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1983.
Filial (F1, F2, F3)
The first few generations of hybrid cats are known as "filial" generations. A Bengal with an ALC (Asian Leopard Cat) parent is called an “F1 Bengal.” An F1 female bred with domestic male produces the F2. The F2 kittens bred to a domestic produce F3s, and so on. For more information on the Filial generations [click here...]
Bengal... Tiger?
The breed name ' Bengal' was derived from the scientific name of the Asian Leopard Cat, "Prionailurus bengalensis". Bengal cats are not hybrids of Bengal tigers.
Just How Big Are They?
Bengals are medium in size, not small and not the largest domestic cat breed. Males tend to be larger, averaging between 12-16 pounds, and females range from 8-12 pounds.
Colors and Spots!
Brown, Silver, Snow, and Melanistic. Patterns range widely including tri-color rosettes, solid black spots, and marble pattern resembling the clouded leopard.
Personality
Bengals are high-energy cats, intelligent, and curious, and particularly interactive with their humans. They often follow their human helping with regular housework, attacking the broom riding the mop, playing in the running tap water, dunking toys (and other objects) in the dishwater, playing hide-n’-seek games, and frequently invent new and exciting games of their own. In addition, Bengals may find walking on a leash outdoors entertaining, and have even been known to go for a run on the beach.
Urban Myths and Bengal Facts
Myth: Bengals are BIG! They grow to be 20-30 lbs.
Truth: The Bengal breed is a solid-bodied, muscular cat, sometimes making it seem large. Typically, Bengals are average to slightly larger than normal housecats. However, they are hard-bodied and energetic, with exotic coloring, making them seem bigger.
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