The Bengal
Origins
The Bengal was created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat (Felis Bengalensis - pictured right) with a domestic cat. The Egyptian Maus, Abyssians and Ocicats have all been credited with possibly adding to the genetic cocktail that makes up this gorgeous and fiercely loyal breed of cat.
It is a relatively new breed of cat, first bred in the United States. As stated on The Bengal Cat Club Site (see links page): "The goal in developing the domestic Bengal cat breed was to preserve a strong physical resemblance to its beautiful wild ancestor and, at the same time, the new domestic breed was designed to be a pleasant and trustworthy family companion... Bengals should display the beautiful markings and unusual behaviour of the wild cats, whilst inheriting the domestic cat’s social nature and adaptability to human lifestyles."
Picture from www.australiacats.net
Characteristics
In terms of physical attributes, here are some guidelines concerning breed standard:
- head should be broad & rounded, only
slightly longer than it is wide
- nose should also be broad with firm but puffed nose leather (like an overstuffed
armchair)
- muzzle should be full and broad with
light coloured, rounded chin
- canine teeth wide apart
- pronounced whisker pads
- ears should be medium to small with a
wide base and rounded tips (pointing
forward in profile)
- eyes should be only slightly oval (almost
round)
- hind-quarters slightly higher than its
shoulders
- thick tail carried low
- thick luxurious coat (both with marbles
an spotted) - almost pelt-like
There are two types of Bengal markings: spotted and marbled. These occur in both the browns and the snows.
Sought after traits include "glitter" and "rosettes". Glitter is the high shine found throughout the coat, as though their fur has been shot through with gold thread. Rosettes are essentially embellished spots and are evidenced when the outlines of their spots are darker, encircling a third, rich colour that is different from the rest of the body coat. Rosettes in paw print, arrowhead, doughnut or half-doughnut shapes are particularly desirable
In terms of personality, you don't get much more grandiose or individual than this breed. Bengals are intelligent, classically curious creatures, who are devoted to both their acrobatic antics & pursuits as well as their human families. They exhibit almost dog-like behaviour in that they will often engage in games of fetch, enjoy playing with water and come when called. Some will even tolerate (if not grow to love) being walked on a lead.
They are extremely vocal cats who enjoy a bit of rough & tumble and will be your trusted companion no matter what the stakes.
Facts & figures
- The Asian Leopard Cat is a small wild cat found in the jungles and forests of India, Asia and China.
- Adults weigh about a stone on average.
- Their coats are highly sought after by fur trappers.
- Genetically, the Asian Leopard Cat is compatible with the domestic cat.
- The first recorded outcross attempt occurred in the United Stated in the 1960s by Jean Mill (nee Sugden) but her breeding programme
petered out.
- In the late 1970s, researcher Willard Centerwall, of the University of California, became interested in the natural resistance of the Asian
Leopard Cat has to feline leukemia.
- It was after this that Jean Mill revisited her earlier attempts and began registering the cats with The International Cat Association (TICA)
and the Bengal breed was finally on its way.
