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 The
Bengal is a medium to large domestic feline that originates from
crossings of the small Asian Leopard Cat to the domestic cat in an
attempt to create a companion with an "exotic" look but
a domestic temperament. The Bengal's beautiful coat makes it stand
out in a crowd. Numerous shades make up the background color of
the Bengal, ranging from golden, rust, brown and orange, to sand,
buff, or even ivory. Bengal spots also vary in color, from rust or
cocoa and chocolate brown to charcoal or black. Some Bengal
patterns have inherited striking rosettes or spots made up of more
than one color, usually a secondary color forming a dark outlining
to the spot.
Other
Names
Bengal Cat
Native
Country
United States
Breed
Description
Build: long,
lean and muscular
Head: medium
wedge shape with wide nose
Face: standard
Ears: small
and rounded
Eyes: large,
oval shape
Tail: medium
thickness Legs: back
legs longer than forelegs
Coat:
Short
and fine. Thick, luxurious, and unusually soft to the touch.
Colors and patterns include: - Spotted Tabby, with spots
being black, chocolate, or cinnamon in color. Orange ground
color is preferred. Black horizontal shoulder streaks and
rings on the tail, with the tip being black. - Marbled
Tabby, with broad oyster shell pattern on the flanks and
butterfly markings at the shoulders. The coat of the
"Snow Leopard" is white with spots and marbling
ranging from red to black; blue eyes.
History
A golden,
black-spotted coat like that of the Asian Leopard Cat, the Bengal
Cat's wild ancestor. In 1963, Jean Mill, a Californian breeder,
purchased a wild cat, the Asian Leopard, Felis prionailurus
bengalensis, a miniature leopard with a spotted coat that is a
strong swimmer and excellent fisher. She crossed the cat with an
American Shorthair queen, creating a breed of domestic cats
presenting the physical features of wild cats. The females
resulting from this cross were fertile. When crossed with the
sire, they gave birth to kittens with spotted coats. Thus was the
Bengal breed created. In 1973, Dr. Centerwall of the University of
California continued this crossbreeding program to determine the
Asian Leopard Cat's resistance to feline leukemia. He gave eight
of these hybrids to Jean Mill, who continued her selective
breeding program. Siamese, Egyptian Mau, and Burmese cats were
used by breeders to create new lines. The first specimen,
"Millwood Finally Found" was registered with T.I.C.A. in
1983. The F.I.Fe only recently recognized the Bengal; the C.F.A.
does not recognize the breed. The Bengal cat was introduced in
France in 1991. This breed is part of the new generation of
"wild cats" and is still quite rare.
Behavior
This even-tempered
cat makes a pleasant companion provided he is of the fourth to
seventh generation following crossing of a domestic with an
Asian Leopard. Nevertheless, the Bengal's hunter instinct and
energy are beyond that of most cats. Kittens tend to be
destructive. The male is reputed to be more friendly than the
female Bengal, who is often very independent and temperamental,
strongly expressing her anger and very effusive in her displays of
affection. The Bengal gets along with other cats and dogs, but
this breed's "wild" behaviors sometimes appear. The
lively, active Bengal Cat loves exercise and the
water. Rather exclusive with his owner, who must devote time
to him, this cat can be as affectionate as any other. The Bengal
has a quiet voice. Care is easy. |
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