Breed Portrait of Bengal Cats

The wild version of the Bengal cat (Felis Bengalensis) is found between the southern regions of Indonesia and the Himalaya Mountains. Due to the protection of the species the import of such cats is strictly forbidden.

Jean Mill, an American scientist with a doctorate in genetics, is known for being the first person to breed a Bengal cat. In 1963 she crossed a female Felis Bengalensis with her black domestic male cat. She wanted to create a cat that resembled the phenotype of a leopard or ocelot.

Because the first breeding attempts failed, Jean Mill later tried to cross Egyptian Maus, Abyssinian, a spotted oriental shorthair with an American shorthair, hoping to get a cuddly companion with a wild cat look.

In 1985 the new breed was officially recognized as a new species and has since enjoyed great popularity.

There are two major visual distinctions of Bengal cats. Spotted and marbled. This elegant and muscular cat impresses with its original and wildcat appearance. But behind this wild façade hides a very "clingy" and curious individualist, requiring a close relationships to humans and a socialized upbringing.

The raising of Bengal's with other cats is generally problem-free, since they have no aggressive behaviour patterns.

Bengals are very much attracted by running water, water cups and such. Soaked cotton mice and small play balls should be part of their daily entertainment program.