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Origins
Rapidly gaining in popularity, this relatively new breed of domestic
cat was accepted for championship competition by The International
Cat Association in 1991. The Bengal was developed from crosses
between the Asian Leopard Cat (felis bengalensis), a small
shy species of cat common throughout Asia, and various purebred
and non-pedigreed cats. The goal was to evoke the beauty of various
exotic species in a friendly housecat, in order to sensibly satisfy
the urge many of us have had to own one of those magnificent
wild creatures. At the same time, it was hoped that public awareness
would be raised of the plight of the many fascinating small wild
species of cat threatened or endangered by loss of habitat and
other human pressures.
An additional benefit
has been the broadening of the genepool and increase of genetic
diversity within the Bengal breed, which correlates strongly
to genetic health. The Asian Leopard Cat or "ALC" (not
to be confused with Asian Leopards!) is common throughout most
of their range, from the Philippines to Siberia. Only the Philippine
subspecies is considered endangered. The ALCs used in the development
of the Bengal were zoo surplus animals, of unknown subspecies
or a mix between different subspecies. These animals are considered
by biologists to be useless for the preservation of species or
reintroduction programs. The first females used by Jean Mill
of Millwood, upon which the breed was founded, were the result
of a medical research program in which ALCs were crossed with
non-pedigree cats. Blood samples taken from the parents and offspring
yielded genetic knowledge that was hoped would help unravel the
mystery of leukemia, since the ALC is immune to Feline Leukemia.
The name of the Bengal
breed and the scientific name for the Asian Leopard Cat is from
the region of India in which the ALC was first seen by Europeans.
The purebred domestic Bengal cat is designated by the registration
code "SBT", which means that the cat is at least four
generations from either the ALC or any other cross used in the
development of the breed. Only SBT Bengals may be shown. The
first three generations from the wild cross are called Foundation
Bengals, known as "F"s. In the first three generations,
only the females are usually fertile. The litter size of these
early generations is more typical of natural species, averaging
only two or three kittens. Together, these factors made the development
of the domestic Bengal a challenging, (and expensive!), project.
Colors
and Coat
Although the markings on each Bengal are unique, the breed standard
recognizes two basic patterns and two "color schemes".
The spotted, or "leopard" pattern exhibits spots of
various sizes and shapes, preferably aligned either randomly
or horizontally. The "marble" pattern is made of three
distinct shades of color swirled across the coat. The "classic"
colors have burnt orange, mahogany, or black markings on a tawny,
gold, orange, copper-red or red-brown colored background. Their
eyes may be green, gold, or hazel. Genetically these are all
brown tabbies, with black paw pads and tail tip. The "snows"
have markings in shades of brown on an off-white or ivory colored
background. The seal lynx point variety of snows have blue eyes,
the seal mink snows have aqua or green eyes, while the seal sepia
snows ideally have gold eyes.
Bengals of all colors
typically have a coat of exceptionally soft texture, which breeders
refer to as "pelt". The pelt may be close lying and
tight to the body reminding one of "silk", or more
"velvet" in texture, or thick and "plush".
All pelt types are equally desirable. Many Bengals also have
a sparkle to the tips of each hair, called "glitter".
While this trait is found only in Bengals, it is a domestic trait
not found in wild cats of any species. Other Bengals without
glitter still exhibit an intense richness to the colors and have
a distinctive "sheen" to their coat.
Nearly all Bengal kittens,
regardless of color, go through a fuzzy kitten coat stage, beginning
around five weeks of age, during which the colors and markings
become much less vivid. This is similar to the protective camouflage
coloring seen on many species of wild kittens at the time they
start to venture away from their dens. The Bengal kittens' coats
start to become sleeker and more colorful again around twelve
or sixteen weeks. However, it can take up to a year, or even
longer, for the full rich adult color to develop.
Characteristics
The "wild" beauty is more than skin deep. The shape
of the head, the large "nocturnal" eyes, the long muscular
body, the strong boning, thick tail and stalking gait all contribute
to the impression that this cat has just stepped out of the jungle
and into your living room!
Adult females average
7-11 lbs while adult males usually range from 13-18 lbs.
Cats of both genders that are altered before sexual maturity
grow to a larger size-we have seen neutered male Bengals up to
twenty pounds.
Temperament
Moderately active and gracefully athletic, Bengals stay playful
and kitten-like into adulthood. Properly raised by a responsible
breeder, both the males and females are typically friendly, outgoing,
and people-oriented. Members of this breed tend to form strong
bonds with their owners, enjoy playing in water, and most of
them readily learn to walk on a harness and leash. They prefer
interactive play with you to going off by themselves. Many enjoy
games of "fetch". With proper introduction and appropriate
supervision, Bengals are wonderful with other pets and children.
The health care and nutritional requirements are the same as
for any other domestic cat.
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