Bengal

From Pet Encyclopedia

Bengal

Bengal Cat

Origin of Breed

United States

Breed Nick Names

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Origin and History 3 Appearance 4 Temperament 5 Health 6 External Links 7 References

[edit] Introduction

The Bengal cat breed is a new breed of cat which has been developed to have the markings and body structure similar to an Asian Leopard Cat whilst still having the a friendly and gentle temperament like a domestic cat. Originally the leopard cat was mated with Abyssinians, Burmese, American short hairs, Egyptian Mau and domestic short hair to produce the first generation (F1). The resulting males are sterile and other domestic outcrosses like the aforementioned breeds are used to breed to next generation (F2 and on wards). Most males are sterile until F3 (3 generations removed from the leopard cat). The Asian leopard cat was used to introduce the short pelts (coats) making the hybrid offspring closely resemble their wild ancestor. The Amur leopard cat (from Russia) is larger than the Asian subspecies with thicker and longer fur and less vivid markings. This subspecies was mainly introduced to add a larger size to the breed. The first generation Bengal (F1) is extremely difficult to breed. Within the UK there are few leopard cats in private owner ship and only a minimal number of these cats when hand reared and raised alongside domestic cats will go on to produce off spring. Hence first and second generation Bengal’s (F1 and F2) should be introduced into the home environment as pets with great caution and only to experienced homes that have been licensed to handle wild animals. Information about this license can be obtained from your local council F3 - F4 and so on do not need this license.

[edit] Origin and History

A geneticist named Dr. Willard Centerwall has been involved in the breeding of leopard cat hybrids (F1 Bengal’s) for use with leukaemia research. In 1975 eight of these fertile female hybrids found their way to the ownership of Jean Sudgen (now Jean Mills, now retired ). These cats were bred from and produced the founding cats of the Bengal breed. In 1984 the Bengal breed became recognised by The International Cat Association (TICA). We now breed Bengal to Bengal and a small number of breeders are still breeding leopard cat hybrids (leopard cats crossed with later generation Bengals).

[edit] Appearance

Bengals vary in size (depending on the domestic breeds and subspecies that has been used to create the first hybrids) Males typically weigh between 14 to 20lbs , with females being usually smaller 10 to 12lbs. The earlier generations of Bengals more closely resemble the leopard cats and later generations can vary in appearance (according to their heritage). The usual colours are brown spotted, snow spotted, blue spotted, black spotted and silver spotted although all colour variations come in the Marbled pattern too. The spots are more desirable if they form open rosettes showing 2 or 3 shades of colour. Marble pattern is also common within the Bengal breed such as the tri-coloured marble pictured at the top of this page. The marble comes in standard and tri-colour.

The Bengal should have small rounded ears , a strong chin, puffy whisker pads and wild expression. Over all the cat should be muscular and marked with spots rosettes or marbled. A pale back ground with well defined markings. A whitened chin and tummy is highly desirable. Coats maybe glittered or un glittered although the glitter coat is highly desirable not all Bengals will show glittering in the coat the asian leopard cat is not glittered. The glitter gene was introduced by the domestic cats that were used to create the hybrid Bengal.

[edit] Temperament

Bengal cats are active cats and always ready to play. A lot of breeders and owners deem them more dog like than cat like as often they play games such as fetch. Bengals make great pets. A well bred and socialised Bengal will often follow its owner from room to room and greet you when you arrive home. Unlike most cats the Bengal often likes to play in water. A slightly running tap or play pool of water provides hours of fun. Bengals are good around children and other pets and this exotic looking and majestic breed would grace anyone's home and is highly adaptable to different lifestyles. This highly sociable cat does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Should new owners have many work or other commitments outside of the home, the Bengal cat would appreciate a play mate of the same or other breed of cat for company. Although the Bengal cat is also capable of jealousy therefore introducing a new play mate of whatever breed will need to be done gradually over on average 1 to 2 weeks.

[edit] Health

The Bengal is usually a very healthy breed of cat due to originating from a hybrid mating. Your cat should however be treated against internal and external parasites and be kept up to date with his or her vaccinations. Care should be taken if you choose to let your Bengal into the garden and there is always a risk of your cat getting lost stolen or hit by a car.

[edit] External Links

PoesPoes Cattery - Supplier of some photographs on this profile page. Breeders of Bengals F1 to SBT.
Diamond Dust Bengals - Supplier of some photographs on this profile page. Breeders of Bengals.

[edit] References