Bengal Cat

A newer breed, this is recognized world-wide. It has been bred to combine the appearance of a wild cat with the sweet nature of the domestic feline.

In the U.S. in the 1960s a domestic shorthair female cat and a male Asian Leopard Cat, a small wild cat, were mated. The Bengal was difficult to establish, as males from the first generation were infertile. By the 1980s early problems had been overcome by outcrossing to other breeds of similar body shape and size, and a careful breeding program made sure the “wildcat” coat pattern and texture were retained. The Bengal Cat is a close cousin to the wild cat.

It was bred for its smart, wild nature and appearance. If you are looking for an active cat, then you will be right at home with a Bengal Cat.

This is a large, muscular breed. The rounded head has prominent whisker pads and small, wide-set ears, rounded to the tips. Unique to this breed are its unusually soft coat texture and its patterns, which may be spotted or marbled. The original varieties were Brown Bengal, with a mixture of black markings and shades of brown that almost glitter, and the paler, diluted Snow Bengal, with the same patterns but in gray.

Origin: U.S.A.

Grooming: 3/5

Activity: 4/5

GCCF Group: Foreign Shorthairs

This cat loves a hunt. It is comfortable outdoors and resembles the wild leopard with its spotty coat. Although it enjoys the fresh air and outdoors, it can also be an in home pet. This is a cat that you may need to put on a leash while out on a walk. Getting this cat outside at least once a day is important to allow it to use it instinctual hunting instinct.

Keep in mind this cat can be very active and it takes an active family to keep this cat happy. The less removed it is from its foundation the more aggressive it will be toward you and any children or other pets in the house. This is not a cat that you can leave on its own all day long. It does need some interaction a least a few times a day or a second cat to keep it company.

The Bengal cat is a short haired feline that requires minimal grooming.

This cat is a rather healthy cat with little to no genic issues. Since this cat is bred from a wild Asian Leopard cat it is recommended to only taking in a Bengal Cat that is four generation removed from its foundation. This will ensure a domestic temperament versus a cat that may have some inborn wild behavior qualities. To find out if your cat is the right generation, ask your breeder, vet or pet specialist.

Generally, this active breed will enjoy the stimulus of a busy household. One quirk in their character — they love water and like to have a dripping faucet left on for them to enjoy!