The Bengal Cat is a stunningly marked
domestic spotted cat exhibiting the personality and temperament desired for family
companionship while bringing the look and feel of the jungle into your home.
Although the first recorded cross in the United States between an Asian Leopard Cat and a
Domestic Cat was recorded in the early 1960's, during the late 1970's in California
genetic research was begun using the wild Asian Leopard Cat.
"F1" (or first generation foundation offspring) females were created as a result of this research program and
foundation breeding programs were begun.
The first Bengal Cat
was registered with the International Cat Association in 1983.
The ASIAN LEOPARD CAT is a small jungle cat that can be found in the forests of Southern
Asia, India, China, Korea, and has also been reported to live in Taiwan, Philippines,
Borneo, Java, Bali and Sumatra. Some subspecies are a bit large and others remain smaller
(10-15 pounds). Because of their smaller size, the Asian Leopard Cat is a scavenger and has
been reported to be somewhat nocturnal. They have a fondness for playing in the water and
are expert swimmers and coming in a variety of different
colors and spotting patterns.
Pictured Below The
Beautiful Asian Leopard
ACESWILD OF
ABSOLUTELY
EARLY GENERATION BENGAL CATS are
considered to be the first three generations resulting from the Asian Leopard
Cat/Bengal cross. The first generation is often referred to as an F1, the second an F2, and the
third generation an F3. Male Bengals born of these first generations are sterile, however
the females remain fertile. Early generation
Cats should be owned and raised only by those dedicated
to sharing their home with them forever as they do not transition to new
families or homes as easily as their later generation relatives do.
They
make good family pets depending upon the experience and time commitment
each family is willing to share with them.
DOMESTIC BENGAL CATS are considered to be 4 generations or more away from their Asian
Leopard Cat heritage. They are registered
with TICA (The International Cat Association) and referred to as "SBT" Bengals. Both
male and females born of these generations are fertile. Bengal females are smaller than
males and tend to weigh in the 7-10 pound range. Males
are substantially larger and often
obtain weights of 15-18 pounds or more. The best of both worlds, these
loudly
colored, spotted wonders are perfect domestic family companions!
If Bengals and their special traits interest you, please
let us know so that we can assist you in making the right choice for your home situation.
|
