Bengal

• Alternate Names: none
• Country of Origin: United Sates
• Breed Characteristics: (1 = Low - 5 = High)

Characteristic	Score	Rating
Owner Affection	4	Quite affectionate
Energy	5	High energy
Stranger Tolerance	5	Very friendly
Grooming	5	Rarely requires grooming
Trainability	5	Very easy

• Average Lifespan 12 - 15 years
• Average Weight: Varies by pedigree
• Male: 7 - 9 kg
• Female: 4 - 6 kg
• Average Height: Medium to large - Varies by pedigree
• Available Colours: Brown spotted or Snow spotted
• Available Variations:
• History: The Bengal is a hybrid cat derived from crossing a domestic cat with an Asian Leopard Cat. It is quite a new breed that has has taken some work to bring into readiness as a pet.

  Early references to such a cross occurred in the late 1800s, and again occasionally. It was not until the 1960s that the experiments were taken past the first generation and not until the 1970s before they were shown in experimental classes.

  This has resulted in an exotic cat with wild markings such as spots, swirls and other wild cat camouflage looks. The temperament of the wild breed needs to be softened, so the first few generations from the original must be tempered with domestic cats.

  It takes at least three generations for these wild tendencies to become suitable for their offspring to become cherished pets.


• Characteristics: Only the Brown-spotted and White-spotted colours are accepted by the cat societies for a Bengal. To have good pet characteristics, the cats should be at least fourth generation from the original cross.

  Otherwise they are not seen as suitable as companions, rather they are considered "foundation cats" for further fixing of the characteristics they have been bred to offer.

• Temperament: Once they reach fourth or preferably fifth generation from the wild cat, they will become a very good pet. Active and inquisitive.

  Enjoys climbing and staying high up. Usually quite active, jumping, climbing chasing and being right where the action is. They do not seem to be afraid of water, such as showers and taps.

• Space requirements: Good for families that enjoy an active and inquisitive cat that is looking to be wherever the action is. Certainly not a passive lapcat, unless they feel like it, occasionally.
• Recognized By:
• The International Cat Association (TICA): Championship Breed - Registered 1986
• Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF): Foreign
• American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA): Standard Listed
• Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe): Categoy 3 - Shorthair and Somali
• Breed Standards:
• Breed Standard: TICA
• Breed Standard: ACFA
• Breed Standard: FIFe