WHAT IS A BENGAL CAT?

The Bengal is a relatively new breed of cat with a wild exciting look.  It is an excellent choice for those of us who love the look of exotic non-domesticated cats.  It is so great to have cats running around the house with the wild markings of an exotic cat.  The well-bred bengal inherits the silky pelt of his wild ancestor.  There is no other domestic breed of cat with the rosetted pelt of a wild cat.  The well-bred bengal will also be a loving affectionate companion.

The bengal cat is the result of breeding an Asian Leopard cat (ALC) with a domestic cat.  The ALC is a small wild cat with a habitat ranging all over Asia, mainland and islands.  The ALC was hunted in the 60's and 70's for its pelt causing it to become almost extinct in some areas.  The ALC is not a pet.  Through selective breeding, the domestic  bengal was originated.  This was first attempted by Jean Mill of Millwood Cattery.  Through her efforts and those of others, the bengal breed was developed.  The breed was officially recognized by TICA in 1983.  The offspring of these matings are not considered to be a domestic cat until they are at least the fourth generation (F4) down from the ALC.

Bengals appear in 2 basic patterns:

1. Spotted:  This category has 2 subdivisions that are not distinguished between on their pedigrees.

• Rosetted:  These markings are inherited from the ALC.  Rosettes are large markings appearing on the sides.  They should be formed by 2 colors different from their pelts.  Rosettes may be shaped like arrows, donuts, or paw prints.  They should have spots on their underside.  These are generally the most desired markings of the spotted bengals.

• Spotted:  The markings on the pelt, also inherited from the ALC, are dark single color spots plus spots on the underside.

  2.  Marbled:  The marbled pattern is a random, preferably horizontal, large swirl design on the sides.  They should also have spots on the underside. 

Colors:

1. Brown (Black) Tabby:  This color range is the colors inherited from the ALC.  The background color of their pelt will consist of one color which may be one of several lighter shades of brown.  Their markings (rosettes, marbled or spotted) should be a darker brown with a good contrast.  Their color develops to full intensity as they grow and mature.  They should have spots on their underside.  The brown tabby should have lots of gold glitter.  Gold and/or rust colors on the pelt are very desirable.

2. Silver Tabby:  The pelt color should be very light gray with black rosettes, marbled or spotted.  They should also glitter with silver.  There should be no gold or brown or it is "tarnished".

3. Snow:  The pelt is a very light tan with darker tan markings, rosetted, marbled or spotted.

4. Melanistic: The pelt is black.  The markings should be visible if held up to the light.  This color more commonly comes from the domestic background of the bengal.

Other Characteristics of the Quality Bengal:

1. They should have very sweet personalities.

2. Their coat should be pelted.  This means their hair is shorter, denser and thicker than other domestic cats.  The pelted bengal is silky feeling with the hair tight to its body.  The pelted bengal sheds very little unlike other domestic cats.  The pelt is a characteristic derived from its wild ancestor.

3. The show quality bengal should have as few rib bars as possible, no white on the sides or back, heavy ALC stripes on top of the head, sides of the face, and down the back, dark spots on the underside.

4. It is desirable to have a white or light colored tummy.

5. Tons of gold glitter.

6. Puffy whisker pads.

7. Large round eyes and small ears.

The Asian Leopard Cat pictured below is owned by Beach Tree Bengals of Jonesborough, TN.

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