Profile Of The Bengal Cat Breed
The Bengal cat breed is a newcomer to the cat world. The
breed was derived from the Asian Leopard Cat and from a
domestic cat but other hybrid cats were also included in
perfecting the breed along with the American shorthair and the
Egyptian Mau. The breed was initially started in the early
1960’s but the project was abandoned soon after. Interest in
producing a Bengal cat breed was revived during the early
eighties.
Characteristics Of The Bengal Cat Breed
The Bengal cat breed is physically characterized by very
recognizable horizontal striping on its face. The body of the
Bengal is covered by rosettes or spots, pretty similar to those
of a Jaguar, on the sides and the back. On the other parts of
its body, the Bengal sports distinct stripes. Another variation
of the Bengal cat breed is a marbled appearance of its coat but
the most desirable markings are two toned rosettes.
Males are relatively larger and heavier than females. They
weigh a maximum of around 15 lbs while females weigh about 8 –
10 lbs. The Bengal cat breed comes in three filial generations.
This means that the F1 generation is a pure breed where one of
the parents of the offspring is an Asian Leopard Cat. When the
F1 Bengal mates with an ordinary domestic cat, the offspring is
an F2. The F2 will produce F3 if it mates with a domestic cat.
The further dilution of the Bengal cat breed will produce cats
which will be considered as ordinary domestic cats.

Only cats up to F3 generation should be bred with each other
in order to preserve the lineage of the Bengal cat breed. Any
other additional mating with domestic cats will dilute the
strain too much and the distinctive marking will not be
retained or the offspring will retain characteristics from the
domestic parent.
Temperament Of The Bengal Cat Breed
Bengal cats are not afraid of water and are often seen
showing an avid interest in running or still water. The Bengal
cat breed has lots of energy and is very lively. They are
naturally curious about everyday activities and are often seen
following their humans around the home as they perform daily
tasks. These intelligent cats appreciate a good game of fetch
or any other game that involves energy. They are quite friendly
with people but are not your typical couch potatoes of lap
cats.
The Bengal cat breed is a cat that needs lots of things to
do or else it will turn destructive from boredom. They love to
go outside and play with people but they are not noted to be
quite good with other animals other than cats of the same
breed.
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