Bengal Cat Breed
The Bengal evolved from an American breeding program in which a male domestic cat was crossed with a female Asian leopard cat. Egyptian Mau which is a domestic cat breed with a desirable temperament whose spotted coat patterns breed true from generation to generation. Those and other considerations made the Egyptian Mau, especially the Indian variety, one of the domestic cat breeds chosen to be used as domestic foundation stock that produced Bengals. Other breeds, such as the Abyssinian, the Siamese, Burmese and various domestic tabby cats were used as well. The cat has a striking spotted pattern of the wild cats of the jungle. The breed is bred primarily in the United States, where it was developed, but there are now some Bengal cats in Europe.
Bengals are inquisitive, active cats who like space. It means that they should never be shut up in a room. They should always have access to a large, sturdy scratching post. Although Bengals like company, most of them are not really cuddly cats. Their origins mean that they can be wilful and they still have traits that will remind you very strongly of their wild forebeareres. They are excellent hunters and will not be happy with a quiet, lazy life.
In general, they are very sociable creatures and will get along with other cats and dogs. Whether other cats in your household will readily accept these active, playful cats, is another question.
Although they like company, they need to be thoroughly socialized with people as young kittens, because kittens that are raised with their mother in a separate room will show little interest in humans when they grow up. Bengal's characters can differ considerably. Character is largely inherited, so if you are looking for an affectionate kitten, choose one whose parents exhibit this trait. The Bengal is not a breed recognized by the CFA in the United States. In 1990, the Bengals were accepted by TICA for championship competition in their shows.
One interesting feature of these cats is that they love water and can be regularly found in the bathroom. Owners should not be surprised to find the cat taking a bath if given a chance. Bengal kittens frequently play in their water bowls and their toys are often found floated in their water dishes. They are also known for their affinity for height.
Fur Colors and Patterns
The Bengal's spotted coat pattern is highly distinctive and quite unlike that of a Spotted Tabby. The large spots are arranged horizontally, ideally showing signs of developing into rosettes. There are two coat patterns in this breed: Spotted and Marbled. Rosettes spots, common to the wild leopard cats have multishaded light centers or shadows on the dark spots. Rosettes are quite striking in appearance, and are very desirable. Bengals are the only domestic purebreds that possess rosettes and the genetics of their transmission is still being worked out by Bengal breeders. The colors are Sorrel (light orange with brown spotting); Seal Lynx Point (obtained by crossing with Siamese); Sepia Seal Mink Tabby (obtained by crossing Siamese with Burmese). The coat of Bengal is dense, soft, and silky.
The kitten's coat is relatively coarse and may not achieve its full reddish fur color until kitten is 1 year old.
Bengals require little in the way of grooming. It is actually inadvisable to brush or comb these animals too much because the coat can be easily damaged.
Breed-related health problems include entropion and patellar luxation.
Bengal Cats For Sale