The Bengal breed special

Is the Bengal the right breed for you?

> Home loving? Reasonably.
> Friendly & affectionate? Very much.
> Quiet? Not especially.
> Intelligent? Very much.
> Non-destructive? Reasonably.
> Loyal & devoted? Very much.
> Love of the outdoors? Reasonably.
> Lively; playful into adulthood ? Very much.
> Good with children? Reasonably.
> Good with other animals? Reasonably.
> Average weight: Males 6.8kg to 9kg; females 4.5kg to 5.4kg.
> Coat type: Shorthair.
> Lifespan: Ten to 15 years.
> Availability: Good.
> Show reference: breed number 76.

About the Bengal

Many cat owners have found their perfect match in the Bengal, falling head over heels for the ‘domestic cat in wild wrapping’. Originally created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic cat, the Bengal has been bred for temperament, while preserving a strong physical resemblance to his beautiful wild ancestor. Loyal and loving, the Bengal will quickly become part of your family, mixing well with children and other animals. With looks and a personality that are hard to resist, you may think you’ve found true love — but be warned they are not for the faint-hearted, with masses of energy and a mischievous streak to boot.  The breed has also retained some of its wild instincts, including a love of water, so owners are advised to keep toilet seats closed and expect to see their Bengals drinking from a tap.

History of the Bengal

The Bengal was created in America after it was discovered that the wild Asian Leopard Cat was immune to feline leukaemia and attempts were made to breed this immunity into pet cats. The original aim may not have been achieved, but the resulting cats went on to form one of the most stunning breeds ever; a ‘domestic cat in wild wrapping’.

The closeness to the original Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) is denoted using an F code. For example, an F1 is a cat with an ALC parent, an F2 has an ALC grandparent, and so on. Only F4 Bengals onwards may be shown at Governing Council of the Cat Fancy shows and it is not advisable for anyone, other than experienced breeders with suitable specialist accommodation, to consider a cat that is not fourth generation or beyond. This is not because the early generations are ‘dangerous’, say The Bengal Cat Club, but because they are shy, nocturnal animals that find it difficult to cope with a busy household. From the fourth generation onwards they are well socialized and ready and willing to join in the hustle and bustle of the average family home.

Bengal - Coat and colouring

Their coats are thick and luxurious in spotted or marbled tabby coat. Colours and markings include black or brown spotted, black and gold or brown marbled, snow spotted and snow marbled. The classic brown background colour can range from a rufus brown shade through to silver/grey or even light orange. The spotted pattern can appear in a variety of darker shades — from a lightish brown through to black — with a good contrast between the spots and the background colour. The spots are arranged in a random or horizontal pattern, with few stripes. All Bengals have stripey markings on the face, head, neck and shoulders and the best examples develop rosettes. This is where some spots are made up of an outer circle of dark colouring around a lighter inner circle, similar to the spots on a leopard or jaguar.

All Bengals should have lighter coloured tummies, which are also spotted.
The marbled pattern is made up of brown, black and gold. Snow spotted and snow marbled cats have a creamy white background colour, and their pattern can be tan, brown or pewter. Blue-eyed snows have very light coats with delicate markings. Other Bengal eye colours can include green to light blue/green or gold.

Blue coloured cats occasionally appear (the markings are grey rather than blue) and like the snows, the contrast is subtle. The silver Bengal is the newest colour and still quite rare.

Bengal - Type and build

The Bengal is a ‘wild’ looking domestic cat with a conformation reminiscent of its wild ancestors. The standard calls for a large, sleek, very muscular cat with hindquarters that are slightly higher than the shoulders, and a thick tail that is carried low. The Bengal’s head is rounded and slightly longer than it is wide. The nose is broad and the muzzle full, with a light coloured, strong rounded chin and pronounced whisker pads created by the wide-set canine teeth. The ears are medium to small with rounded tips pointing forward in profile. The tail is medium length and thick, tapered towards the end.

Case study: Living with a Bengal

Julie Betts from Selly Oak in Birmingham Tia, short for Tiara, is the latest addition to the Betts feline family and is so affectionate that she not only grooms the other four cats, but Alice the Yorkshire Terrier too! Owner Julie says: “Tia is very independent and able to do her own thing, but is full of love. Tia and our Toyger, Ty, often play chase together and both have to be doing something all the time. They spend more time in our company than the moggies, and are also far more vocal — with Tia in particularly fine voice in the morning when waiting for her breakfast!” While Tia is allowed out into an enclosed garden under supervision, she is mainly an indoor cat and Julie does her best to keep her entertained. “Tia’s favourite toy is one of those common ‘feather and bells tied to a stick’ toys. She often carries it around, including up and down the stairs, making a hunting call as though she has caught something.” Despite having a number of beds to chose from, Tia’s favourite spot is cuddled up with another cat or Alice, especially when it’s chilly. “Her fur is short, which means she doesn’t need grooming, but does dearly love laying by the fire in the winter.

“Her pattern is striking and as well as gorgeous, big rosettes, she has a pretty face, a range of hues from pale on the belly to dark gold on her back, and a sparkling glitter than runs along her body fur. One particularly interesting feature is her short ‘curly’ tail, which she often coils into a ring as she sits down.” And it’s not just all about looks, as Julie explains: “I would definitely recommend a Bengal as a pet as they give lots of laughter. Tia is very adaptable, fearless and interacts well with the whole family; a fantastic pet all round!”