About The Bengal

The Bengal cat as we know it today, was "created" from crossing the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) which is a small-medium forest dwelling cat  with a domestic cat, so has hybrid history. The main goal of this was to create a wild looking cat with the dependable, loving, loyal nature of the domestic cat. This experimental breeding was initiated by Jean Mills in 1963. Jean Mills still has a breeding program, she is now breeding under the "Millwood" prefix.  The first (F1), second (F2) and the third (F3) out-crossings for the cats are considered foundation or "filials". After four or five generations of Bengal to Bengal Matings, they are then accepted for championship status and can compete in shows. New Zealand Bio Security requires the Bengals to be at least 4 generations away from the Asian Leopard Cat before coming into New Zealand.  The Bengals have been in New Zealand since 1996, and have since increased in popularity. Allot of people still think the Bengal is a wild-natured cat, this is completely NOT true, most breeders in NZ (including us!) devote allot of time and attention to their Bengal cats and kittens, to ensure that they leave their/our home with laid back, easy going natures. The Bengals is a intelligent, agile, easily trainable, laid back easy going cat who loves attention. We prefer to sell to people who live out in the country or to people who can let their new Bengal kitten out, and run around outside, in the trees and bushes just like a normal cat. We also strongly recommend you have another "partner in crime" for your new naughty Bengal kitten, if you are going to be away for long periods of the day. This other companion cat be another cat or a dog (the Bengals absolutely LOVE the dogs). The name of the Bengal derives from the Leopard cat scientific name, Felis Bengalensis, and has nothing to do with the Bengal Tiger. Great interest arose with the Asian Leopard Cat because of their resistance to Feline Leukemia. It was possible to mate the Asian Leopard Cat with a Domestic or a Bengal as they are similar in size and their gestation periods are relatively similar (ALC 65-70 days and Domestic 63-65 days).

Appearance of the Bengal.

The Bengals are recognised in 2 main colours. Which are brown and snow. They come in 2 different patterns, which are spotted (leopard) and marble (clouded leopard). The Bengals body structure is supposed to be a lean, muscular, well built cat.

Brown Spotted

Have dark markings (spots or rosettes) on a lighter background.  Markings can come in different colours, ranging from a light chocolate brown, to a jet black colour. The darker the spot, the better as this will give them the more extreme contrast. The background can vary in colour as well, ranging from a charcoal colour, to a light buttery, golden  background, to the rufus (red) background.  Light buttery golden background would be the best for contrast.  Both brown spotted and brown marble should not have a ticked appearance on the coat, and should have "glitter" when looking at the cat in the sun. This is completely unique to the Bengal breed and looks like the cat has been sprinkled with gold dust.

Brown Marble

Pattern shall consist of horizontally flowing colors and patterns with sharp contrast, distinct shapes, and sharp edges to the markings when the cat is stretched with a chaining look being preferred. Vertical striping and/or classic bulls eye are undesirable.  Preference should be given to cats with three or more shades; i.e., ground color, markings, and dark outlining of those markings.  Contrast must be extreme, with distinct shapes and sharp edges.  Virtually white undersides and belly desirable.  Belly must be spotted.

Snow Spotted

The snows come in 3 different shades, which are lynx (blue eyed), mink (aqua eyed) and the sepia (yellow eyed). All 3 of these cat be either spotted pattern or marble pattern.  The markings of the snows generally range from light chocolate brown to dark chocolate brown. The background should a clear ivory white background. Both the snow spotted and snow marble should have a non ticked coat and should have "glitter". This looks like the cat has been sprinkled with "pearl" dust, and should be able to be seen in the sun.

Snow Marbled

Pattern shall consist of horizontally flowing colors and patterns with sharp contrast, distinct shapes, and sharp edges to the markings when the cat is stretched with a chaining look being preferred. Vertical striping and/or classic bulls eye are undesirable.  Preference should be given to cats with three or more shades; i.e., ground color, markings, and dark outlining of those markings.  Contrast must be extreme, with distinct shapes and sharp edges.  Virtually white undersides and belly desirable.  Belly must be spotted. (Except in blue-eyed snow kittens)

What is glitter?

Glitter is the reflection of light that is absorbed at the hollow tip of the hair shaft giving this impression of "gold" (brown) or "pearl" (snow) dusting.