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THE AUTHENTIC BENGAL CAT FAQs
Links to past Newsletter articles: Coat Patterns and Colors Purpose of the Bengal Cat League Bengal Cat Ancestry Q: What is a Bengal Cat? A: Bengal cats are the result of the cross between leopard cats (Asian Leopard Cat, ALC) and domestic cats, usually Egyptian Mau or Domestic Shorthair, and subsequent generations of their offspring. The Bengals’ leopard cat ancestors are the size of domestic cats and are commonly found in the wild over most of Asia. Bengal cats are medium sized cats with muscular build and a strikingly spotted, rosetted, or marbled pattern, reminiscent of that of a wild cat. The most popular color combination is black or very dark brown pattern on a rich, warm brown, rufous or sandy-beige background. The breed standard for the Authentic Bengal Cat emphasizes resemblance in conformation and pattern to the leopard cat, while allowing color combinations, such as seal lynx point pattern on beige, light-brown or sorrel pattern on tan, and black pattern on silver or pearly-while, which are not found on wild leopard cats. The Bengals’ fur is often luxuriously soft and frequently has glitter or sheen to it. What is the Bengal temperament like? This is a question often asked. The early generation Bengals have much of the wild heritage in them and should be considered as breeders or pets only on an individual basis, meaning, the particular preference of the prospective owner and the temperament of the specific Bengal. Many people prefer the F1 and F2 (first and second generation hybrids) personality to all others, and breeders often choose to include an F1 or F2 female in their breeding program. Third generation Bengals and beyond may be evaluated along the same lines as other breeds, for pets or as breeders. Bengals are highly intelligent. They like to have close contact with people and are very entertaining, because they love to play and will find something to occupy themselves. They bond strongly to their owners, either individuals or whole families, in an almost dog-like fashion. Many learn to walk on a leash, to fetch, and to ride in cars. Bengals love water. They like to play in it or with it and many join their owners in the shower or bath tub. They are not lap cats. Though a favorite person is allowed to hold his or her Bengal for a while, the Bengal prefers to sit on or near "his" person at his own discretion. The Authentic Bengal Cat League The ABC League is a membership organization, devoted to the welfare of the Bengal breed. The purpose of the Authentic Bengal Cat League is: "To promote and maintain leopard cat conformation and appearance in the Bengal breed standard. To preserve and recreate the beauty of the Asian Leopard Cat in the Bengals in case there comes a time when the wild cats are no longer in existence. To unite Bengal breeders and owners who feel strongly about these goals into a league which keeps its membership informed of all matters concerning the Bengal breed and which becomes a strong factor in making changes for the better." Annual membership dues are $25.00 for USA, $30.00 for Canada and $35.00 for Europe and include a quarterly newsletter. Please apply to:
Q: What is the Bengal temperament like? A: They are active, curious and busy. No bookcase is too high. No drawer is too secure for its energetic examination. Enthusiastic owners rave about their personality, which they claim is not aggressive in any way. Bengals are loving, friendly, dependable, docile, full of life, responsive to people, and very intelligent. Tricks are leaned quickly, such as jumping over a stick, fetching, rolling over, sitting up and shaking hands. Playful well into old age, they do like their freedom. Typically they don't like to be held. An attitude toward running water is legendary. Some will even go swimming with their owners! Since the Leopard Cat has an elimination habit of defecating in water, this heritage means many Bengals can be taught to use the toilet.
Q: What is the color pattern of the Bengal? A: Their spots are aligned horizontally rather than in tabby or random configuration. Of high importance is the contrast between the spots and the background color. The edges must be sharp and the pattern distinct. The spots can be brown, black, tan, cinnamon or chocolate in the background of any of the brown spotted tabby colors. Belly fur must be spotted at well. An occasional Bengal has the recessive "glitter gene", which causes the fur to have an iridescent glow, as if covered with warm frost. It is particularly magnificent in the sun light. The Snow Leopard color has an ivory background with dark markings very much like the real Snow Leopard. The Marbled Bengal has bright patches or streaks of three separate colors. There also is a Snow Marbled, which is very fascinating.
Last Updated: 07/20/24 |
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