The Bengal cat is a domestic cat that owes it's heritage to a true wild cat, the Asian Leopard Cat (Felis Bengalensis) from whom the Bengal derived it's name. The breed was brought about by the deliberate mating of the wild Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) to a domestic cat. The first three generations are called Filial, with an F-1 being half ALC. Male F-1's through F-3's are generally sterile so only female Filials can be used for breeding.

As time went on the Filial bengals were bred to more domestic cats to broaden the gene pool and finally produce the domestic, fourth generation or later, "SBT" Bengal. It was a difficult and lengthy process taken on by Jean Mill and other early bengal breeders to create this unique and lovely cat. Now, years after the first hybridization, we can breed Bengal to Bengal.

Today's Bengal is a delightfully active and friendly cat that makes a wonderful pet that will enrich your life with affection and entertainment. Bengals are smart, curious and very active. They love to play, climb, run, chase, fetch and get into all sorts of mischief. They thrive on companionship and attention whether it be their human family or other cats and pets. They love to be in the middle of whatever is going on and much prefer to play fetch with their favorite toy, wrestle with a companion or chase imaginary prey than to sit lazily in a lap.

Some Bengals enjoy playing in water and others can learn to walk on a harness and leash.

Bengals are the first hybrid breed to be recognized by registering cat organizations. In 1990 Bengals were accepted by TICA for championship competition in their shows. They are now also accepted by several other organizations, including ACFA, UFO and FIFE among others.


Bengals come in a variety of colors such as the traditional brown, silver, and the "snow" colors, seal lynx point, seal mink and seal sepia, all of which are accepted for show. Occasionally a recessive color such as black, smoke or blue will appear. These other colors are not accepted for show at this time, but they still make lovely and unique pets.

The coat pattern can be either spotted, which includes rosetting, or marbled, with a horizontal flow to the markings being the most desirable in either pattern. Some Bengals have a unique attribute to their coat called "glitter" that is found in no other breed. The tips of the hair shaft of glittered Bengals are iridescent and sparkle in bright light.

The care of the Bengal is the same as any other domestic cat. They eat the same foods as other domestics, but seem to thrive on foods with a high meat content so a high quality food is recommended. Their health requirements are also the same as domestic cats and they should receive routine vet care and vaccinations. Bengals don't require a lot of grooming because their short, slick coat sheds very little and naturally keeps clean.

To find out more about the Bengal cat visit the International Bengal Cat Society (TIBCS) or the International Bengal Breeders Association (TIBBA) websites.

www.tica.org  (TICA)

www.tibcs.com   (TIBCS)