ASIAN LEOPARD CAT ANCESTRY IS THE
BASIC CRITERION WHICH, MAKES
THE BENGAL BREED UNIQUE ©
By Karin Donoyan
The approximately 10 subspecies of leopard cats all have
identical markings. They do, however, occur in a variety of colors and patterns
ranging from beige or gray to medium brown undercoats with light brown to black
spots and rosettes.
Bengal cats are the result of the cross between a leopard cat
(Asian Leopard Cat, ALC) and a domestic cat, usually Egyptian Mau or domestic
shorthair, and generations of their offspring. Bengals are strong, intelligent
cats who form strong bonds with their owners. They eat regular cat food and use
the litter box, just like other domestic breeds. Bengals are medium size and
muscular, weighing between 8 to 16 pounds at maturity.
Some of the Bengal colors and patterns are as follows: Brown
spotted tabby includes leopard spotted (black or dark brown spots and rosettes
on beige, tan, or reddish background), sorrel spotted (light brown spots or
rosettes on light beige or tan background), and charcoal on gray. Classic brown
tabby includes black marble pattern and sorrel marble pattern on lighter
background in two or more colors. Seal-lynx point includes blue-eyed snow
leopards and snow marbles with medium gray or brown pattern on off-white
background. Silver spotted or Pearly white snows are black spotted on light
silver or gray background, currently being developed. There are still some other
color combinations not mentioned here.
Regardless of colors and patterns, all Bengals should display
the same conformation which is reminiscent of their ancestor, the Asian Leopard
Cat.
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