HIS ORIGINS
The Bengal is the result of a cross between a domestic cat and the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wild feline found in about twenty Asian countries as well as on the island of Iriomote. It was in 1963 that a domestic cat and a wild feline were first crossed. It is an American, Jean S. Mill, a geneticist, who carries out the crossing and chooses a black cat of the American Shortair breed.
From this cross come the so-called “F1” (1st generation) then “F2” (2nd generation) hybrids, semi-wild cats. A “domestic” Bengal belongs to at least the 4th and 5th generations. He can then participate in competitions or exhibitions.
Endowed with exceptional intelligence, he is a curious, confident and friendly cat, a mixture of strength, agility, balance and grace. Unique fact, his kindness and his ability to live alongside the man are always registered in his standard.
Fuzzy
The Bengal has a camouflage period called Fuzzy, when he is a kitten. It is a legacy of its ancestors, the Asian leopards. In their natural environment, baby leopards, curious by nature, can move away from their mother.
The fuzzy period allows them to camouflage themselves and move around unbeknownst to potential predators.
Therefore, between the age of 3 weeks, and the age of more or less 3 months, the patterns of the dress fade and appear washed out, even bland and without precision.
At this stage, it is often difficult to imagine the beauty of the dress and the patterns, which will unfold later.
On the other hand, the experienced breeder can have a good idea! Your cat's coat may become clearer and more intense until the age of 1 year. In some subjects, slight changes were observed up to the age of 2 years. This is also the case for fixing the color of the eyes.
ITS PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Bengal has an athletic body and strong bones.
Its triangular head is longer than it is wide, and the sides are rounded.
The eyes are oval, almost round, and well spaced.
The permitted colors are green, gold, blue and turquoise, depending on the color of the coat.
The nose should be wide, and the cheekbones should be high and prominent.
The ears are medium to small in size, and they are rounded at the tip and point forward.
The tail, of medium length, is thick at the base, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.
The legs are well muscled and have a robust bone structure. The feet are large and round, and have prominent toes.