The Bengal Cat-Wild Streak

by Robert Hudson

The Bengal cat is a hybrid breed of domestic cat. Bengals result from crossing a domestic feline with an Asian leopard cat (ALC), Prionailurus bengalensis bengalensis.

The name “Bengal cat” was derived from the taxonomic name of the Asian leopard cat (P. b. bengalensis), and not from the more distantly related Bengal tiger. They have a “wild” appearance with large spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly, and a body structure reminiscent of the ALC, but once separated by at least four generations from the original crossing possess a gentle domestic cat temperament.

Appearance

Bengal cats have “wild-looking” markings, such as large spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly, and a body structure reminiscent of the leopard cat. A Bengal’s rosetted spots occur only on the back and sides, with stripes elsewhere. The breed typically also features “mascara” (horizontal striping alongside the eyes), and foreleg striping.

The Bengal cat is usually either brown-spotted or snow-spotted. Within brown Bengals, there are either marble or spotted markings. Included in the spotted variation is rosetted, which consists of a spot with a dark line surrounding it. Snow Bengals are also either marble or spotted, and have eyes of various colors.

The International Cat Association recognizes several Bengal colors (brown, seal lynx point, mink, sepia, silver) and patterns (spotted and marbled) for competition and shows.

Temperament

After three generations from the hybrid cross, the breed has a temperament of an affectionate housecat. It will demand attention from you!

The Bengal’s beautiful coat makes it stand out in a crowd. The background color of the Bengal ranges from golden, rust, brown and orange, to sand, buff, or even ivory. Bengal spots also vary in color, from rust or cocoa and chocolate brown to charcoal or black. Sometimes Bengal patterns have spots made up of more than one color consisting of a dark outline to the spot.

Brown and Snow Marbles

Marble is the second coat pattern of the Bengal. It is created by combining rosettes from the Asian Leopard Cat and the domestic classic tabby pattern together. The spotted and marbled patterns for the most part are horizontal across the body. The dominant spotted pattern is most common.

The Bengal Cat has a happy, active, interactive and extremely intelligent personality. Every domestic cat breed has its unique features. Having a Bengal cat gives you the feeling of having a wild animal with the affection of a loving pet While Bengals will love to cuddle up with you, they are very energetic.

Conclusion

The energetic Bengal is not for people who just want a leopard print cat for decoration.

This is a very active, high energy cat that needs playtime and a way to burn it off. Bengals are constantly on the move. Your Bengal will want to play with you every day. This will be a member of your family with a close bond to you.