About Them:

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The Bengal Cat Breed, An Adventure Awaits!

 

The beauty of the short-haired domestic Bengal cat is in its polished complexion of silk like rosettes, arrowhead markings, or marbling patterns known to sparkle in the sunlight.

Bengal cats are cross-breeds between a tabby domestic cat and the Asian leopard cat, a wild feline known for its dark stripes, white streaks, and narrow white muzzle.

But what does it take to raise a healthy, beautiful, happy Bengal cat? Read about the Bengal cat breed and how to care for your Bengal kitty properly. 

 

Overview of the Bengal Cat Breed

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Here are a few Statistics to get you on your way as we explore

this amazing cat breed:

• Weight – 8 to 15 pounds

• Length –  14 to 18 inches

• Coat – Short-haired, shiny, with spotted or marbled patterns

• Eye Color – Yellow, green, gold, aqua, or blue

• Life Expectancy – 12 to 16 years

 

Basic Characteristics:

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All cats have personalities all their own but Bengals

are best known for these characteristics:

• Affection – High

• Friendliness – Medium

• Kid-friendly – High

• Pet-friendly – High

• Energy Level – High

• Intelligence – High

• Vocalization – Medium to high

• Shedding – Medium 

 

The History of Bengal Cats:

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The breed name comes from the leopard cat's taxonomic name. The history of the Bengal cat dates back to 1889 when Harrison Weir wrote of them in Our Cats and All About Them, an Asian leopard cat & domestic cat cross.Bengals as a breed.

Jean Mill of California is given credit for the modern Bengal breed. She is known to have made the first known deliberate cross of an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat (a black California tomcat). Bengals as a breed did not really beginuntil In 1970 where Mill resumed her breeding efforts and in 1975 she received a group of Bengal cats that had been bred for use in genetic testing at Loma Linda University by Willard Centerwall. The breed wasn’t officially recognized by the International Cat Association until 1983 and didn’t gain breed recognition from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) until 2016.

Due to its unique heritage, the Bengal cat has been bred through multiple generations, causing discrepancies in Bengal cat colors and disposition. The Filial Scale can be used as a reference to identify the generation of your Bengal cat.

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Conception of Current Cat registries

 

TICA:In 1983, the breed was officially accepted by The International Cat Association 

GCCF: In 1997, The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy

FIFe: In 1999, Fédération Internationale Féline

CFA: In 2016, The Cat Fanciers' Association was one of the last organizations to accept the Bengal cat into their registry. In order for a Bengal cat to be registered with the CFA it must be F6 or later. This would be defined as 6 generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat or non-Bengal domestic cat ancestors).

ACF: In 1999 The Australian Cat Federation

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Personality and Behavior:

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The Bengal cat personality is dynamic and intelligent. They are playful, curious, and rambunctious cats who love to explore while jumping around, and are very. These cats are also incredibly loving, affectionate and devoted creatures, They tend to form strong attachments to their owners  and appreciate a furry companion Bengal cat thus providing constant companionship with there own. They also have a love for water and an ability to get along with other pets.

Alternatively , Bengal cats can also show unpredictable temperaments from time to time—they have strong physical and emotional attention needs that require you to provide your kitty with consistent mental stimulation, such as:

• Cat gyms

• Interactive puzzles

• Cat wands

• Treasure hunts

• Automated toys

• Learning tricks