The Bengal Cat

If you want to have a gentle cat with a wild leopard look in your home own a Bengal cat. The breed was developed sometime during the 1960s. The Bengal cat has evolved by crossing the Asian leopard cat with the domestic cat.

Although recognized by most associations including The International Cat Association (TICA), reservations exist about its status as a distinct breed.

In order to be called a Bengal cat, an essential prerequisite is that it must be at least four generations away from wild leopard cats. This ensures that their docile and affectionate domestic cat nature prevails.

The distinguishing feature of the Bengal cat is a wild looking coat, like that of the Asian leopard. Both spotted tabby or marble (classic) tabby are acceptable.

Most Bengal cats are brown tabbies, with different shades of red, sand, and yellow.

A white coat, with the spotted or marble pattern, is recognized as White Bengals or "snow Bengals ".
They often have blue eyes.

Some Bengal cats have a lovely golden shimmer on their coat which gives it a rich sheen. This is prized by breeders.

Lively and playful the Bengal cat makes a good pet.