BENGAL

A golden, black-spotted coat like that of the Asian Leopard Cat, the Bengal Cat's wild ancestor.In 1963, Jean Mill, a Californian breeder, purchased a wild cat, the Asian Leopard Cat, Felis prionailurus bengalensis, a miniature leopard with a spotted coat that is a strong swimmer and excellent fisher.She crossed the cat with an American Shorthair queen, creating a breed of domestic cats presenting the physical features of wild cats. The females resulting from this cross were fertile. When crossed with the sire, they gave birth to kittens with spotted coats. Thus was the Bengal breed created.In 1973, Dr. Centerwall of the University of California continued this crossbreeding program to determine the Asian Leopard Cat's resistance to feline leukemia. He gave eight of these hybrids to Jean Mill, who continued her selective breeding program.Siamese, Egyptian Mau, and Burmese cats were used by breeders to create new lines.The first specimen, "Millwood Finally Found" was registered with T.I.C.A. in 1983. The F.I.Fe only recently recognized the Bengal; the C.F.A. does not recognize the breed. The Bengal cat was introduced in France in 1991. This breed is part of the new generation of "wild cats" and is still quite rare.

Head:Rather large with rounded contours. Slightly longer than wide. Gently curves from forehead to bridge. High, prominent cheekbones. Full, broad muzzle.Large, broad nose with very slight concave curve.Pronounced jaws (u).
Eyes:Large, oval, set wide apart, slanting slightly up toward the base of the ear.All colors permissible except blue and aquamarine (u).Blue in Seal Lynx Point Blues; yellow to green in Brown Tabbies; Blue-green in Seal Mink Tabbies (?).
Body:Long, large, and powerful, but not oriental.Robust bone structure and powerful musculature.
Tail:Medium in length, thick, tapering to a rounded tip.
Coat:Short and fine. Thick, luxurious, and unusually soft to the touch.Colors and patterns include:- Spotted Tabby, with spots being black, chocolate, or cinnamon in color. Orange ground color is preferred. Black horizontal shoulder streaks and rings on the tail, with the tip being black. - Marbled Tabby, with broad oyster shell pattern on the flanks and butterfly markings at the shoulders. The coat of the "Snow Leopard" is white with spots and marbling ranging from red to black; blue eyes.