This cat is a unique breed originating from a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC). "Bengal" is derived from Felis Bengalensis, the Latin name of the ALC. The ALC is a timid, solitary, forest dwelling cat. In the early 20th century these stunningly beautiful spotted kittens were imported as pets, but temperament and wild nature rendered them unsuitable for domestication. Hybridization efforts began in the 1960's by Jean Sugden (Jean Mill) (Millwood).

The Bengal is a medium to large cat with a sturdy build, the males being slightly heavier boned than the females. The head is relatively small, with large eyes, a broad nose with prominent whisker pads, and short rounded ears. The tail is medium in length, thick and carried low, balancing the overall look of the cat. The coat is the Bengal's glory. Short and dense, displaying either a randomly spotted, or a marbled pattern, it is unusually soft and silky to touch. Commonly referred to as "pelt-like", it is totally unique to the Bengal.

There are several colors and patterns available in the Bengal Breed. The "Leopards" have dark spots on a lighter base color, ranging from grey, to golden red. The "Snow Leopard" has spots on a ivory background. The "Marble" pattern is comprised of swirls of brown, or, black, flowing in a horizontal fashion, on a ivory, grey, or golden red background. Eye color can be Blue, Green, or Gold.

Bengal Kittens will get along with most household pets, but they do need to be introduced into their new environment slowly, and with love, and affection. Bengal Kittens mature slowly, and go through a "fuzzy" stage from, three weeks, to six months. The coat does not fully develop for one, to two years. Therefore, your kitten is but a suggestion of the mature cat he, or she, will become.

Pelt:

We hear that term a lot with the Bengals. In fact, it is one of the few pelted domestic cats today. A pelted coat has a definite grain to it. It grows in one direction, towards the back of the cat. So that when it is stroked, the hair-coat lies flat and close to the hide. The pelt is generally shorter and so offers a nicer, thicker, more velvety plush feel to the touch. Not unlike the mink!

Only Bengals have Glitter:

No one really knows what fluke of nature caused this gene, but we fight desperately to keep the "Icing on the cake", so to speak! Glitter is caused by a clear, hollow hair shaft. It offers a shiny reflection in the coat as the light prisms into and back out. In appearance it resembles gold and copper metal flake of glitter! It lends, in effect, a silky, glossy, polished appearance. Much like an ice-storm leaves a glassy sparkle on the trees.

We are proud to have some of our cats & kittens featured in

"Bengal Cats,  A Complete Pet Owner's Manual"