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Bengal |
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TranslationFrancis Vandersteen |
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OriginThe Bengal is a breed of cat that originated in the United States. |
| This medium to large breed, compared to other cats, is characterized by its fur resembling that of the Bengal Leopard Cat, a species of wild cat from which it originated through crossbreeding with domestic cats. | |
| The possession of this animal is not authorized Royal Decree establishing the list of mammals not kept for production purposes that may be kept (M.B. 24.08.2009) |
Standard |
| In Belgium, the Walloon Region does not recognize the Bengal as a domestic cat. In 2016, the Minister for Animal Welfare, Carlo Di Antonio, pointed out that, under the law, Bengals are considered hybrids of wild cats. Breeding this breed would require a regular input of genetic heritage from wild individuals, which raises the risk of wildlife trafficking. |
A brief historical overview |
| The Bengal is the result of a cross between a domestic cat and the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wild feline found in Asia, particularly in the province of Bengal. The first cross-breeding of domestic and wild cats took place in 1963. It was an American geneticist, Jean S. Mill, who carried out the cross-breeding and chose a black American shorthair cat. From this cross came the so-called "F1" (1st generation) and "F2" (2nd generation) hybrids, half-wild cats. Domestic Bengal cats belong to at least the 4th and 5th generations4. They can then take part in competitions and shows, and be sold to private individuals. Since 1963, a selection process has been underway to retain the wild appearance of the Bengal Leopard Cat, but with the character of a domestic cat. Jean S. Mill was helped by the University of Davis in California, which supplied her with eight females from the same cross for feline leukemia research. Crosses were also made with Egyptian Mau, Burmese and Siamese to fix certain physical characteristics and avoid excessive inbreeding. It wasn't until 1985 that Jean S. Mill was able to show one of his cats. The success was immediate, and TICA soon recognized the breed as a "new breed" in 1986 and authorized it to enter the championship in 1991. Meanwhile, in 1989, the first Bengal arrived in France, imported directly from Jean S. Mill's cattery. A female, she was soon joined by three males. The first French litter was born in 1993, and French Bengal breeding began. The LOOF recognized the breed a few years later, in 1997. England welcomed its first Bengals in 1991. In 2009, the CFA did not yet recognize the breed, while the FIFé recently did. Cross-breeding with Bengal Leopard Cats is no longer permitted. In 2009, the Bengal is enjoying great success. Although it was not yet one of France's 10 favorite breeds in 2003, it was ranked eighth in 2007, ahead of the Siamese and the Ragdoll. That same year, in England, it came third, with almost 3,000 Bengals registered. It is also one of the most represented breeds at TICA. |
Behavior / characteristics |
| Bengals are generally described as lively, intelligent and curious, but also very affectionate, especially with other animals and children. A particularity: it loves water and particularly likes to perch high up. They are athletic and talkative. However, these character traits are entirely individual and depend on the history of each cat. |
Head |
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Cranial region |
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Head |
The head, with its rounded contours, forms a triangle that is longer than it is wide. It is fairly small in relation to the body, but without exaggeration. The expression of the Bengal's head should be as close as possible to that of a domestic cat. | |
Facial region |
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Forehead |
The curve of the forehead, slightly rounded, gently joins the bridge of the nose, without breaking. | |
Nose |
The nose has a slightly concave, even straight line to the tip. The cheekbones are high and pronounced. The nose is broad, with a characteristic leathery swell. Jowls are permitted on males. | |
Muzzle |
The muzzle is formed by highly developed dough pieces that produce a slight pinch. | |
Eyes |
Large, set wide apart, oval, almost round but never bulging. Eye color is green, gold, blue or aquamarine, depending on coat color. The deepest, brightest shade is the most popular. | |
Ears |
Medium to small in size, the ears are relatively short, with a broad base and rounded tip. They are spaced about the width of an ear. Viewed from the side, they point forward. Lynx tips are undesirable. | |
Neck |
| The neck is long, muscular and well set. |
Body |
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Generality |
The body is long, with powerful, well-developed muscles and strong bones. This gives the Bengal a powerful yet graceful appearance. | |
Tail |
| Medium to short length, thick at the base, tapering to a rounded tip. |
Limbs |
| Of medium length and well muscled, the legs are straight and robustly boned. | ||
Forequarters |
Hindquarters |
Feet |
| Large and round, Bengals have prominent toes. |
Coat |
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Coat and texture |
Short, thick, close lying to the body and exceptionally soft and silky to the touch. The coat can be sprinkled with gold, an effect known as "glitter", although this hue has no advantage over a cat without glitter. | |
Patterns |
Spotted and rosettes: Two types of spotting are allowed, rosettes and spots, which are arranged randomly or horizontally aligned. Rosettes are made up of at least two different colors and can be shaped like a paw print, an arrowhead or a ring. They are preferred to simple spotlights, but cannot be required. Whether spots or rosettes, the contrast with the background color must be extreme, with distinct shapes and clean edges. Shoulders are covered with mottling, while legs and tail are spotted or ringed. The belly is imperatively spotted. On the head, the make-up typical of tabby cats is strongly marked. The pasterns, throat, undercoat on the belly and inside of the legs are off-white, as light as possible. Both spotted and rosette patterns compete in the same class. Marble: The marble pattern is different from the blotched tabby pattern. Here, the classic markings (oyster shell, butterfly wing) are elongated horizontally to resemble marble veins or panther markings. The base color bands should be as wide as the marbling, which is closer together in the center. Preference should be given to dresses with at least three tones: the base color, the color of the markings and the intense color underlining these markings. Contrast should be extreme. Drawings on the belly are a must. On the head, the make-up typical of tabby cats is strongly marked. The pasterns, throat, belly coat and inside legs are off-white, as light as possible. |
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Size and weight |
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Height at withers |
Medium to large. | |
Weight |
From 4 to 7 kg. | |
Tolerances |
 Kittens may have a slightly longer coat than adults. Pads and nose leather may be the same basic color as the coat, or partially or totally pink. |
Penalties |
| Strongly concave profile. Vertical stripes (mackerel). Spotting not in accordance with coat description. |
Refusal of any title |
| Belly without drawings. Lack of make-up on nose. Presence of a stop. White medallions and white spots in general. General faults and defects eliminatory in show. |
Authorized marriages |
| Bengal x Bengal Only cats of at least 5th generation (F5) are eligible for the championship. Wild cats and hybrids F1 to 4 inclusive are forbidden in LOOF shows and presentations. Solid Bengals (non-agoutis) are considered breeding aids and are not eligible for the championship. |
Strict regulations |
| There are strict regulations for Bengal |
English (United Kingdom)