About Bengals
The Bengal is a new breed of cat which originates from crossing a domestic breed of cat (like an egyptian mau or abysinian) with the asian leopard cat. The Asian Leopard Cat is a small wild feline that inhabits Southeastern Asia which preys on birds, rabbits, rodents, fish and reptiles.
Unfortunately, the Asian Leopard Cat is aggresively hunted for its fur and faces eventual extinction. Therefore, the Bengal was developed to preserve the beauty of the wild while maintaining the temperment of a domestic house-pet. The offspring from the first filial generation cross between any two species is called an F1. At this generation, male Bengal offspring are born sterile. Therefore, F1 females are bred to produce the F2 generation. The males in the F2 generation are also usually sterile. Consequently, F2 females are used to breed the F3 generation. F1-F3s are all categorized as Foundation Bengals. After F3s, the Bengals are SBT(Stud Book Tradition). SBT can compete for champion status in TICA and ACFA shows. SBT Bengals are active, intelligent and very affectionate toward their owners and other animals.
Bengals have a very soft pelt-like coat. The Bengal colors are brown tabby, seal lynx point, seal sepia tabby, and the seal mink tabby. The patterns are spotted and marbled. The most common Bengal is a brown spotted tabby. Bengals are very firendly and love high places. They also love playing in the water and could even join you in the tub if you let them. Bengals are a somewhat doggish breed of cat. The sometimes play fetch and come when you call them.
For the Bengal breed standard go to the TICA website.