BENGAL CAT
Breed Information
What is a Bengal Cat ? _
The Bengal cat is a unique blend of nature! It’s a mix between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wild cat from Asia, especially the Bengal region. This combination creates a beautiful cat that looks like a mini leopard but has a friendly and sweet personality like a domestic cat. That’s why we named our cattery Wild N Sweet Bengals. Below, you’ll find all the basic information you need to know about the Bengal cat breed!
BENGAL CAT BREED ORIGIN
In 1963, American breeder Jean S. Mill created the first Bengal cat by crossing a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat. The resulting hybrids, known as “F1” (1st generation) and “F2” (2nd generation), were semi-wild cats. By the 4th and 5th generations, the Bengal cat was considered “domestic.” Our breeding program focuses on producing 7th and 8th generation Bengals, ensuring our kittens are very affectionate and friendly.
It took years for the International Cat Association (TICA) to recognize the Bengal cat breed, and it wasn’t until 1985 that Jean S. Mill took part in her first cat show. Her debut was a hit, and today, the breed enjoys worldwide popularity like never before!
BENGAL CAT HEALTH
One of the first things people notice about the Bengal cat is its stunning coat, which resembles that of its wild ancestors. The cat’s body is covered in spots, also known as rosettes, giving it an exotic look. When you stroke a Bengal cat, you’ll be surprised by the softness and silkiness of its fur. Sometimes, a Bengal cat may even have a shiny, golden sheen known as “glitter.”
Starting at 3-4 weeks old, a Bengal kitten enters a fuzzy stage, making its fur and markings less distinct. This period can last for 3 to 5 months and is an inherited trait from the Asian leopard, helping camouflage young leopards from predators. It’s important to note that, despite some claims, the Bengal cat breed is not hypoallergenic.
In the picture, you can see an example of a fuzzy baby cheetah.
Bengal Cat Patterns and Colors
While the brown Bengal cat is stunning, wait until you see the other potential colors and patterns of the Bengal cat. Many are truly mesmerizing! There are variations that resemble the snow leopard, black panther, and traditional leopard. Wild N Sweet Bengals is known for its rare and spectacular colors. The information and photos on these pages offer a true visual treat.
BENGAL CAT LIFESPAN AND WEIGHT
The Bengal is a medium to large cat breed. Adult male Bengals typically weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, while adult females weigh between 7 and 12 pounds. Their average lifespan is around 14 to 16 years.
ALWAYS IMPROVING THE BENGAL KITTEN CHARACTERISTICS
As Bengal cat breeders, we strive to continually improve all aspects of the breed. Our aim is to achieve high-quality cats that adhere closely to breed standards, including striking color with contrasting rosettes, smooth flow, a wild-looking head, a strong and muscular body, short silky fur, and a short thick tail, among other features.
While the perfect cat doesn’t exist, we work persistently to breed as close to perfection as possible.
