The Bengal cat originated from crosses between
the Asian Leopard cat (ALC) and domestic/pedigree
cats carried out in America. This was done
as a research project to try and increase the resistance
to Feline Leukaemia, as the ALC was found to have
a natural resistance.
The breed was then further developed by Jean Mill
of Millwood Bengals who acquired some of the original
cross cats.
Since then the breed has gone from strength to strength
and although at first primarily brown spotted there
are now a variety of different colours and patterns.
Brown spotted and brown marble, Snow spotted and
Snow marble and the newer Silver varieties, namely
Silver spotted and Silver marble (recently accepted
by the GCCF for registration) and the almost accepted
blue colours, they hope to become accepted in the
next few years.
The breed is continually developing with breeders
concentrating on different aspects of the ALC, some
are focused on developing a stunning clear rosetted
coat while others are concentrating on whited tummies,
wild heads and other ALC features. Others are trying
to do both. It is an exciting time for the breed
with some spectacular cats being produced.
The Bengal cat
although derived from the ALC, is a completely domestic
cat and should not be confused with its wild ancestors.
Bengals are not in the least bit wild, apart from
in looks. They have beautiful and exotic coat patterns
with the temperament of a normal, loving, domestic
pet cat.
Wow!!
|
Asian Leopard Cat kittens
The
Breed