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.

It’s 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."

(the quote above is from TICA Bengal Breed Standard.)

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  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 them are little pack rats in a way. I will find them running around the house with some one's socks, underpants and moving other peoples belongings from room to room ending up in their own hiding space.
This is very cute, most of the time! Until you have guests!

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 really wild for 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!
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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 next 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.