The origin of the Bengal Cats
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The Bengal is a relatively new hybrid breed of cat developed to have a very gentle and friendly temperament, while exhibiting the markings (such as large spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly), and body structure reminiscent of the wild Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). In other words, a Bengal cat such as Fang has a desirable "wild" appearance with a gentle domestic cat temperament, provided it is separated by at more than 3 generations from the original crossing between a domestic and Asian Leopard Cat.

The name Bengal was derived from the taxonomic name of the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC), as shown above, and not from the more widely known Bengal Tiger species, which is unrelated to the Bengal's ancestry.

The history of the Bengal cat breed
The first Bengal Cat was registered with the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1983. The Bengal has been welcomed as a pedigreed breed by several cat associations - most notably, The TICA - but has been refused acceptance by the more traditional Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) of the USA, the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats. The CFA is reluctant to accept wild/domestic hybrids.


The Bengal cat personality
Note "mascara" (horizontal striping alongside the eyes) and foreleg striping, both typical of the breed. Bengal cats are very high-energy, intelligent, and curious. They are particularly interactive with their human house-mates, wanting to be in the middle of whatever the human is engaged in such as following the human around the house. While friendly and with very distinctive personalities, Bengals generally are not "lap cats." There are exceptions, but most Bengal cats prefer being petted or played without being held. The best way to bond with a Bengal kitten is to play with it for at least half an hour every morning and every evening (and they need to be taught what is acceptable play behavior like any young animal).

Small or young Bengal kittens
Bengals often have dominant personality types and demand attention. As their activity and play requirements are high, this is not a cat best left to its own devices for long periods of time as they can be quite mischievous and destructive when bored. If an owner is likely to spend much of the day away from the cat, it is an excellent idea to have another high-energy feline companion to occupy the Bengal cat. However, Bengal cats are quite capable of behavior reminiscent of "jealousy" and "spitefulness" if they feel that another feline is getting more attention, or if they are being ignored.


Bengal cats can take a great deal of interest in running water. Many owners have stories about their cat's affection for running water or even jumping in a sink or tub. Bengal cats commonly play games with their owners such as "fetch" and "hide-and-seek." Bengals cats vocalize to communicate with their humans. Bonded cats can be taught tricks such as sit and shaking hands, and go outdoors on leashes for walks.

View the photo pages of Fang
Photos album of Fang our Bengal cat

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The toys Fang likes
Fang's favorite toys