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The Bengal

    For many feline fanciers, one of the most appealing aspects of the cat is its inherent "wildness."  That is not to say that cats are untamed creatures waiting to pounce on their prey and tear it to pieces.  But anyone who has ever seen a kitten "stalk" its owner's ankles, or watched a cat basking in the sun, can't help but be reminded of an ancestral big cat.  Just to watch as a cat lies down is to see the stateliness of a lion as it prepares for a nap.  This regal wildness is no more apparent than in the Bengal cat.  

A Wild, Wild World

    A new breed, the Bengal traces its ancestry to the wild Asian Leopard cat, which, in 1963,  was bred to a domestic cat.  The resulting offspring retained the beautiful and distinctive spots of the wild Asian cat while inheriting some of the more favorable personality traits from its domestic ancestors.   The breed was recognized in 1984 by The International Cat Association.   If you are interested in sharing your home with one or more of these lovely spotted creatures, bear in  mind that a Bengal must be four or more generations removed from its wild forebears.    

    Fanciers of the breed usually describe Bengals as friendly and loving.  Bengals are playful animals.  They can be mischievous at times and their frisky nature has been described as kitten-like.  Intelligent and easily-trained, many Bengals enjoy being walked on leashes.  (Despite their wild ancestry, Bengals have the same litter box habits as any other domestic cat.)  Bengals attach themselves quite easily to the people who care for them and they can be affectionate companions.  They enjoy children and other animals.  It is not unusual for a Bengal to greet you at the door upon your arrival and then follow you around your home as you go through your day.  And don't be surprised if, while you're having your bath, your pet Bengal decides that the bath water makes a great plaything.  Unlike many other cats, Bengals love water, and yours might even jump into the tub with you.

    The Bengal is a fairly large cat with males weighing between 14 and 20 pounds.  Females are slightly smaller, weighing between ten to twelve pounds.  A sturdy, muscular cat with a large head, the Bengal maintains a look of ferocity.  Large round eyes and pronounced whisker pads contribute to the Bengal's wild beauty.  

Can a Bengal Change Its Spots?

    The Bengal coat is perhaps the most unique characteristic of this lovely cat.  Thick, plush and spotted, the Bengal coats comes in several variations.  The most popular, and the one that most resembles the ancestral Asian Leopard cat is the brown spotted Bengal.  The spots of this cat are clearly marked against the background coat, which can be of varying shades, and, like its wild forebears, the Bengal's belly is spotted.  Bengals can also have coats that are "marbled".  Instead of distinct spots, the coat of this type is a riotous swirl of distinct hues.  Perhaps the rarest, and some might argue, the most lovely, is the Snow Bengal.  With its spotted or marbled coat ranging from ivory to light tan, and its blue or green eyes, the Snow Bengal looks like it should be romping on a faraway  mountain top on a wintry day.  

Good Breeding

    If you want to share your home with a Bengal or two (and many owners claim that two is the minimum number of Bengals to consider), look for a reputable breeder, one that understands the breed and the history of this unique cat.  Ask questions about the cat's ancestry and, if possible, get written documentation.  (Most breeders will be happy to provide the cat's pedigree in writing.)  Also bear in mind that the spectacular coat of the Bengal does not become apparent until it is a mature cat.  Once it does, however, be prepared to answer lots of questions about your "little leopard".  

Brown spotted Bengals, Amber and Jet.  To learn more about these lovely cats (and to see more beautiful photos) Marie's Place.  

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