The Bengal cats that grace our homes today are
athletic, energetic, loving and simply beautiful. Many breeders have
worked hard for many years to bring us today's Bengals. The breed
owes its unique look to the Asian Leopard cats (ALC) which have been
used to create the exotic looking Bengals we love today. Most
Bengals today are called SBT's meaning that they are a least four
generations removed from the ALC. Bengals that are less than four
generations removed are called foundation cats. Foundation cats were
vital in the creation of the Bengal breed and are useful today for
increasing the genetic diversity of the breed. The first three
generations of Bengals are referred to as F-1, F-2 and F-3. All male
kittens are sterile until the forth generation so male cats from
other breeds were used in the beginning. The Egyptian Mau was
commonly used because their spots breed true from generation to
generation, but various other breeds also lent there genes to the
breed. Recently American Shorthairs have been used to add the silver
color to the Bengals. The kittens from these outcrosses must be
removed four generations to be called SBT's. The out crosses closer
than four generations are noted by the letters A, B and C. Today
only outcrosses to (ALC's) are permitted. A lot of hard work by many dedicated
breeders has today produced breath-taking cats that resemble their
wild ancestors.
Color and Coat
Brown Tabby, Seal Mink Tabby, Seal Sepia Tabby, Seal
Lynx Point, Black Silver Tabby, Seal Silver Mink Tabby, Seal Silver
Lynx Point, Seal Silver Sepia Tabby.
Spotted and Marbled are the only patterns allowed.
Stomachs should be spotted. The coat should be short to medium with
a soft and silky feel.
Head and Body
The head should be wider than long and a little
small in relation to the body. Ears should be small, short, and
rounded tips set equally on the top and side.
The body should be long, substantial, and very
muscular. Legs should be medium sized with the front legs slightly
shorter than the back. The tail should be medium length, thick and
rounded at the end.
Temperament and personality
Bengals should be athletic, aware of their
surroundings, friendly, curious, and confidant. Bengals have been
known to have an affection for the water and are very playful. The
temperament of the Bengals is like that of any other domestic cat.
They are great companions and enjoyable to have around the house.
