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BENGAL
Cat History |
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The Bengal cat is a new,
exotic breed of domestic cat originally created by the breeding of
the small, wild Asian Leopard Cat, (Felis Bengalensis) with a
domestic cat such as the Abyssinan, American Shorthair, Burmese, or
Egyptian Mau.
According to the 1941 Cat Fancy publication, the first hybrid cross
with the intention to create a pet "leopard" was accomplished in
Japan. It was not until 1960 that any records exist in the United
States of breeding Leopard Cats to domestic cats. Not until the
1970's was any effort was made to create the Bengal breed.
The Bengal breed allows those of us who love and admire wild cats,
to live with and enjoy their beauty and uniqueness in our own homes,
while also benefiting from the domestic Bengal's loving, friendly,
playful disposition.
Domestic Bengals are no different than any other domestic cat when
it comes to care and feeding. Female Bengals average from 7 to 11
pounds at maturity, while the more heavily muscled males can average
from 11 to 18 pounds at maturity.
Bengal owners delight in the intelligence, playfulness, and
affectionate natures of their companions, and also love to talk
about their athleticism, leaping ability and the dexterity with
which they use their paws. Many Bengals also have an instinctive
love of water, and have been known to climb in the shower or bathtub
with their humans!
"A Bengal cat is an athletic animal, alert to its surroundings; a
friendly, curious, confident cat with strength, agility, balance and
grace. It is a medium to large cat which exhibits a very muscular
and solid build.
Females are generally smaller than males and exhibit proportionately
similar qualities. Its wide nose with prominent whisker pads and
large oval, almost round eyes in a slightly small head enhance the
wild appearance and expressive nocturnal look.
Its very slight, to nearly straight, concave profile and relatively
short ears with the wide base and rounded tips add to the Bengal's
distinctive and unique appearance. The coat area is one of the most
distinguishing features of the Bengal cat. The short, dense coat,
displaying either a randomly spotted or marbled pattern, has a
uniquely soft and
silky feel.
The coat may be glittered or not glittered, with neither type to be
given preference. A thick, low-set, medium-length tail adds balance
to the cat." (From TICA Bengal Breed Standard.)
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Bengal Cat Traits
Attempts were first been made to re-create the Jungle Feline by
crossing the Asian Leopard with the short hair domestic . That was
the primary cat used.
Other domestics cats that have been used is the -Abyssinian-the
American short hair-Burmese-Egyptian Mau and Ocicat. In 1983 Mrs.
Joan Mill registered with T.I.C.A. the first hybrid cats. The first
hybrid were exhibited in 1985.
Today's Bengal cats are the size of a medium to large house cat and
do make make excellent companions for anyone at any age. They are
highly active and playful cats, love to fetch and with some of that
comes very natural and never has to be taught. They will bring it
right back to you and just drop it at your feet. This can go on for
hours. The bengal cat is very willing, after getting used to the
harness, to learn to be leashed train. They would rather go with you
then be left home alone.
Traits From the wild:
They love water, pick up object with their front paws, stalk,
retrieve and hunt They LOVE to climb. Mostly to the highest place in
your home. They enjoy shelves, cat trees etc. Get your home ready
for them. You have to watch out for plants and costly items you
don't want tipped over from even the highest shelves. Remember, you
live with them.
Bengals are really for the" Wild at Heart." They exhibit all the
beauty of the wild Leopard cat but are incredibly personable and
gentle. The Bengal cat is known to become you best and loyal friend.
Running water can be a fixation for them so don't be surprised to
find your bengal jump up to your kitchen sink and when the water is
turned on start to play and drink from faucet. They are even known
to jump in the tub with some people. I have cured the kitchen sink
problem by having a cat fountain with a filter to drink from. Its
always running for them.
Some of then are little pack rats in a way. I will find them running
around the house with some ones socks, underpants and moving other
peoples belonging room to room ending up in their own hiding space.
This is very cute, most of the time!
Bengals do talk! bengal cats tend to have an extensive vocabulary.
Besides the meow my bengals use a variety of chirps, peeps , bird
sound bleats as well as the growl and the hisses. I really question
them and get a answer, especially if it is about food. They seem to
be talking to me and I to them all the time. It appears they are the
only one that listen to me in this house since there is one adult
male and 2 teen sons! Perhaps Bengal Cats have such a extensive
vocabulary due to their ancestry and the need for effective
communication in the wild. It is real wild to them communicate with
each other and their young. Zoey has a very special language for her
babies. I have heard it over and over with her litters. When mommy
and them are out and about there is just so far they are aloud to
wonder off!
The best time of the year is the cold months with a bengal cat. They
will get under the covers and snuggle if you let them. I used to
have a bengal cat named bandit and he used to put his head on the
pillow nest to me and be under the cover at the same time. He didn't
even snore! They will find many comfortable spaces with you that
both of you, or all of you, will be quite happy with.
You will never find yourself lonely again with a bengal cat. They
will always be the first one to great you at the door. Its just a
shame we have not yet taught them to have our slippers and favorite
beverage waiting for use when we return. Heh , you never know
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