Leopard Cat
The Bengal is a relatively new breed of cat which was first bred in the U.S.A and was originally created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat. The domestic Bengal gets its name from the Latin name of its wild ancestor, Felis Bengalensis (Asian Leopard Cat). Whilst the domestic Bengal is similar in appearance to the Asian Leopard cat, and its genetic makeup contains a contribution from that wild cat species, its temperament however is purely domestic. The goal in developing the domestic Bengal cat breed was to preserve a strong physical resemblance to its beautiful wild ancestor and at the same time the new domestic breed was designed to be a pleasant and trustworthy family companion.
THE ASIAN LEOPARD CAT I took this picture whilst at a wildlife park I was very pleased to see her
Breeding of the Bengal-a quick guide
The F refers to Foundation Generation, the cross between Asian Leopard cat (ALC) & Domestic cat. The F-number is used for quick reference.
F1-is the first generation cross; meaning one parent is an ALC with 50% or higher wild blood.
F2- is the second generation there will be a grand parent who is an ALC. males are usually sterile.
F3 -is the third generation, some males are fertile.
F4- is the last generation before a cat is recognised, as a true Bengal Both sexes are usually fertile.
BENGAL
Patterns and colours explained
These are the main colours of the Bengal: -
Brown Spotted -Also known as Leopard Spotted.
Seal Sepia Snow Bengal's- The coat is cream/snow coloured. They have green or gold coloured eyes. AOC any other colour
Mink - As above but with a very light brown coat.
Seal Lynx / Snow - This is for all the blue eyed (BLU-E) Snow Bengal's.
Black--- These are black markings on a black background, some breeders call them" Pantherettes".
Silver--- Silver background with black/ brown spots (a silver Bengal is not a colour but caused by the inhibitor gene). So you would need a silver stud and queen to guarantee silver kitten
Patterns and Pelts
Spotted -- As the name suggests the coat is covered in spots. They must be random, or horizontally aligned. There must be spots on the torso, tummy and legs
Marble -- Is as the name suggests. Horizontal markings, swirls down the side of the cat. The pattern should be random. Vertical striping is undesirable. Belly once again must be spotted.
Bengal's have more of a pelt coat; this is a lovely soft coat that has come from their wild ancestors. At around 6 weeks the kittens will begin to get what is called the fuzzies, The fuzzies is when a kitten begins to grow longer guard hairs which disguise the spots from a front view, we some times call it the fuzzy uglies, but the beautiful markings can still be seen from behind.
The coat will then develop a glitter, as if someone has thrown a handful of glitter dust on to the coat, the snow also has glitter but is more like pearl dust.