a
All About the Bengal Breed

1

 

The Bengal Cat
11111111111

ALC

This gallery describes the domestic Bengal Cat.  If you want to learn even more, please click on the other links to the right.

 
11

 

Both my Bengal cats, Avalanche (right) & Colour Stay (left) are seen in 'Bengal Cats: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual' author Dan Rice, part of  Barron's Educational Series, found on pages 20, 24, 25, 40, 52, 56, 64 & back-cover. 
 

1
 

breeding goal
     Breeders in North America have one general goal: to create a unique spotted cat, unlike that of any breed seen by Cat Associations.  By using the genes of the beautiful ASIAN LEOPARD CAT, hybridizing and maintaining the gentle nature of the domestic cat, the Bengal cat was born.  Their unique qualities include rosettes, glitter as well intelligence & charm, make them one of the most remarkable feline companion pets of today.  Their popularity is know worldwide.

origin
     The Bengal Cat is a man made breed created by Jean Mill who resides in California.  Jean was kind enough to mentor me when I began my work with the Bengals in 1990.  She guided me with the development of our Canadian Bengal Standards.  Her objective was to maintain the uniformity of the developing Bengal breed throughout North America. Through my work with Jean & our love for the Bengal breed, she has remained a very close family friend.

1

SBT Bengal
   The domestic Bengal is generally referred to as an SBT Bengal.  This term was created by TICA, the first Association to accept the Bengal as a domestic cat breed.  This acronym allowed the Association to differentiate our hybrid Bengals (not allowed to show at competitions) from the domestic Bengal (allowed to show at competitions).

At the SBT level any trace of wild timidness and mistrust are non-existent.  Only a few quirky behavioral wild cat habits are noticeable, and of course, the beauty of the wild cat is still maintained.  The SBT Bengals include the 4th generation and beyond (to the Fnth generation).  The term SBT, Stud Book-Three generations removed, designates that Bengal cats are a recognized breed able to compete for Championship status.  Including & after the fourth generation, Bengals are commonly referred to as SBT Bengals.  After all, it would be too confusing for both breeders and Cat Associations to keep track of each generation and would become redundant.
1
personality
     I have learned over many years, that Bengals should be regarded as a dog in a cat's body.  Meaning that they are extremely people oriented by nature and want to be around you most of the time, if not all of the time.  They love to be the center of your world and will demand attention from you.  They are loyal to the end and always know how you are feeling.   In general, the Bengal cat is a people pleaser.
1
1

Below are pictures showing typical things that Bengals enjoy!  

  • When playing, they often bring back their toys to share and play tug of war or they may just want you to throw it for them.  It is not uncommon to hear your Bengal growl like a dog telling you that the toy is mine.  But don't worry, it is all bark and no bite!  

Crystal fetching her favorite candy toy.

Keeper retrieving his favorite stuffed bear.

Avalanche playing with his favorite ball.

  • Bengals love any type of toy that is interactive, meaning makes them think, or invites them to touch and they especially love toys with moving parts.

SeeMe playing with a feather toy...he can jump 6 feet, no problem!

Great interactive toy.

Buni in Toyland heaven!

  • One favorite toy that all Bengals love is the laser light.  They can chase that forever...it is hard to keep up with them once they start!  

Avalanche chasing the laser light.

This picture of Avalanche was taken from 'Bengal Cats: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual' author Dan Rice, part of  Barron's Educational Series, found on page 25. 
1
NOTE:  It is important to watch how your Bengal plays with any new toy to make sure that it is safe.  Rule of thumb when looking for toys:  Make sure there are no loose parts that are small enough for a cat to swallow.  If there are, pull those parts off and let your Bengal play with the rest of the toy.  I also recommend to never leave feather toys out where your Bengal can play without your supervision.

  • Water and Bengals go hand in hand, or should I say paw in paw...often their paws are dunking into the running tap or in the soapy water making sure the temperature is just right.  If it tastes 'ok' the next thing you know, your Bengal is stepping right in for a dip! 

Crystal playing with the bathtub tap.

Just tasting the waters!

If she could fit, Blossom would dive right in!

And their love for water can even be pool side!

  • It maybe very hard to keep your pet Bengals away from their curiosity of water.  They absolutely love water. If the opportunity arises they will not resist the temptation to touch it, lick it or even jump into it.  There is nothing off limits when it comes to water; this means, a glass of water, a running tap or even the toilet bowl!

  • Bengals are extremely social with other animals as well as their human owners, including children.  They do well with almost any animal, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and other cats.  However, if you want a cat playmate of another breed, then it is good to match a Bengal with other active cat breeds, i.e. most shorthair breeds are compatible.   Also, as well as other animals that don't mind a warm body sleeping next to them!  Your Bengal will socialize with the other household pets when you are not there, but once you come home, the Bengal will be right at your feet for your undivided attention! 

Bengals & dogs sharing their dog bed together...shhhh, don't tell the Bengal he's not a dog!

 

Brandon & Peaches getting ready for a cat nap!

Zimba & Max are best friends!

  • Even though Bengals are extremely athletic & active cats, they also enjoy cuddling and being picked up & patted, often to have a tummy rub.  They will want to relax and watch TV with you, and if they get board watching TV they may start chasing the figures on the screen,  
  • At bedtime, they may be the first into the bedroom, finding the best place on the bed for a good night's sleep!  

111

Colours & Patterns as well as other Unique qualities of the Bengal. 
1

Colours
     The Bengal is accepted in Brown Tabby, Seal Lynx Point Tabby, Seal Sepia Tabby, Seal Mink Tabby.  (Breeders will often refer to their Brown Spotted Tabby Bengals as BST's.)  Each of these colours should display good contrast between the ground colour and markings.   Examples below:
1

brown spotted tabby seal lynx point spotted tabby seal sepia spotted tabby seal mink spotted tabby
1

Glitter
     This unique quality only seen on a Bengal, comes from a domestic outcross, a wild Egyptian Mau that was found on the streets of India.  It is a simple recessive gene giving a ‘metallic’ look to the hair and a softer texture.  It may appear on the coat as gold glitter or just a very shiny sheen on the coat.  The latter is not as obvious, but still classified as glitter.
1

PATTERN & CONTRAST
     Spot colours with ground colour must be extreme, giving distinct pattern and sharp edges.  The ground colour has agouti banding, the uniformity of this banding gives clarity to the ground colouring.  Pattern that lies deep on the hair shaft gives more contrast.
1
1

SPOTTED PATTERN STANDARD
 Pattern must be random, horizontal or diagonal; with little or no resemblance to a ‘broken’ Mackerel or Classic tabby.  Rosettes showing two distinct colours or shades are preferable to single spotting, but not required. Paw print, arrowhead, doughnut or smudged; clustered or other odd shapes showing patterning distinct from domestic cats, examples below.  Strong, bold chin strap and horizontal shoulder streaks desirable.  Belly must be spotted. White underside and belly highly desired. Special merit given to unique patterning that strikes the eye as being non-domestic. 

1

paw-print

 smudged donut arrow-head
1

MARBLED PATTERN
 – Markings, while derived from the Classic tabby gene is combined with the horizontal pull of the non-domestic resulting in a uniquely different pattern with as little “bull’s eye” similarity as possible. Pattern shall, instead,  be random giving the impression of marble, preferably with a horizontal flow when the cat is stretched. Vertical striped mackerel influence is undesirable. Preference to be given to cats with three or more shades, i.e. – ground colour, marking, and dark outlining of those markings. Contrast must be extreme, with distinct shapes and sharp edges. Strong, bold chin strap and mascara desirable. Necklaces can be broken or unbroken. Belly must be spotted. White underside and belly highly desired. Special Merit given to unique patterning that strikes the eye as being non-domestic.

1
 

A few last notes:
1
     Bengals are vocal cats.  The tone of their meow will let you know how they are feeling.  However, Bengals are NOT whiners like the Siamese breed.  Bengals are what I call conversationalists, who just like to talk to you.
     Bengals will always keep you laughing with the antics they may get themselves into. But, all in all, if you are lucky enough to bring a Bengal into your family, it will be an exciting, interesting and loving addition to your lives. 
     Even though Bengals are athletic, energetic animals, they are fine in an apartment, so long as they have QUALITY time spent with them!  
1

The secret to owning a happy Bengal is to just love it!
1
11
11
11

Email 

All materials on this site:
Copyright © by Lisa Arvay CIPO © 451096
All rights reserved.

Page Update:  July/02/05
11