The
Bengal Cat is a distinct,
unique breed of spotted domestic cat derived from
the ancestral crossing of a domestic cat such as an
Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Burmese or Egyptian
Mau with an Asian Leopard Cat. The name "Bengal"
is derived from the Latin name of the Asian Leopard
Cat, Feline Bengalensis. The domestic Bengal has inherited
the exotic, stunningly wild spotted pattern from the
Asian Leopard Cat, found in the wild in central Asia.
This beautiful breed of cat is very loving, affectionate
and friendly whilst retaining the uniqueness of it's
wild ancestors.
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The
main credit for this breed is given to Jean
Sudgen of the USA. Jean Sudgen crossed a black
shorthaired domestic cat with a female Asian
Leopard Cat in 1963. Offspring were produced
proving that a second generation was possible.
Further experiments were interrupted due to
a death in the family.
Later
in 1975, Jean Sudgen, now Mrs. Jean Mill, acquired
eight female hybrids from a
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geneticist
called Dr. Willard Centerwall, who had been involved
in a breeding program where Asian Leopard Cats were
crossed with domestic cats as part of a study of feline
Leukaemia. Jean Sudgen Mills began again to further
the new breed. This was the beginning of the exciting
and exotic Bengal cat breed. Finally in 1984, the
domestic Bengal we know today became recognised by
the International Cat Association.
Jean
Mill is based today in California and is still breeding
Bengals. She is also actively involved in the future
of the Bengal breed. For more information about Jean
Mill, please visit Jean's Website.
Conformation...
The
Bengal cat is a medium to a relatively large shorthaired
exotic cat. Bengals vary in size with the male between
fourteen to twenty pounds and females slightly smaller
at ten to twelve pounds. Bengals are very muscular
cats with long bodies, thus appearing larger. They
are also sturdy and substantial in appearance.
Heads
should be wild looking and formidable. The face should
have a feral expression with small rounded ears, intense
facial markings, and pronounced whisker pads. Careful
selection of breeding ensures that the Bengal remains
loving and friendly with a superb temperament, whilst
retaining a strong physical resemblance to it's wild
ancestor.
The
Bengal Personality...
The
domestic Bengal cat (must be four generations or more
removed from it's wild ancestor) are highly intelligent
and affectionate cats. With their enchanting and strikingly
beautiful wild appearance, They are really like having
a tame piece of the wild in your own home, whilst
still being so dependably sweet natured and delightfully
loving.
The Bengal can be very mischievous and boisterous.
They are active cats always ready to play. You can
easily leash train them, and teach them to fetch,
and play other games. They are also very vocal cats,
always eager for human companionship and approval.
The Bengal mixes well with children and other animals.
With their sleek, soft coat, which is more like a
pelt than ordinary cat fur, sufferers of allergies
claim that the Bengal brings out fewer reactions.
The
Bengal is also unique in that these cats actually
love and enjoy water. They will play for hours with
a slightly running tap. The Bengal will delight children
and adults alike with its playful antics with water.
The
Bengal cat will grace any home and be a loyal life
companion. They are also very people oriented cats,
so it may be worth considering obtaining two Bengals
for company if you are likely to be out of the home
all day. You will find that they are very "dog-like"
in personality, following you from room to room in
your home and always greeting you with a loving welcome.
Whether male or female, this exotic, unique cat will
hold a place in your heart forever like no cat as
ever done before.

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