BENGAL CAT HISTORY
FROM THE ASIAN LEOPARD TO THE DOMESTIC "LAP" CAT OF TODAY
THE ASIAN LEOPARD
The Asian Leopard Cat is a small jungle cat which can be found in the forests of Southern Asia, India, China, and Korea. They have also been reported to live in Taiwan, Philippines, Borneo, Java, Bali, and Sumatra. Some subspecies are a bit large and others remain smaller (10-15 pounds). Because of their smaller size, the Asian Leopard Cat is noted to be a scavenger and has been reported to be somewhat nocturnal. They have a fondness for playing in the water and are expert swimmers. They come in a variety of different colors and patterns.
Absolutely Bengals
Asian Leopard
"Aces Wild of Absolutely"
FROM KITTEN TO ADULT
The Domestic Bengal Cat
The Bengal Cat is a stunningly marked domestic cat. Inquisitive and loving, they exhibit the personality and temperament desired for family companionship while bringing the look and feel of the jungle into your home.
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Although the first recorded cross in the United States between an Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic cat was recorded in the early 1960's, during the late 1970's genetic research was begun in California using the wild Asian Leopard Cat. "F1" (or first generation foundation offspring) females were created as a result of this research program and foundation breeding programs were begun. The first Bengal Cat was registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1883.
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EARLY GENERATION BENGAL CATS are considered to be the first three generations resulting from the Asian Leopard Cat/Bengal cat cross. The first generation is often referred to as an "F1", the second generation "F2", and the third generation as an "F3". Male Bengals born to these first three generations are sterile however the females remain fertile. Early generation cats should be owned and raised only by those dedicated to sharing their homes with them forever as they do not normally transition to new families as easily as their later generation relatives. They make good family pets depending upon the experience and time commitment each family is willing to share with them.
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LATER GENERATION BENGAL CATS are considered those to be four generation or more away from their Asian Leopard Cat heritage. They are registered with The International Cat Association (TICA) and referred to as "SBT" Bengals. Both male and females born of these generations are fertile. Bengal females are smaller than males and tend to weigh in the 7-10 pound range. Males are substantially larger and often obtain weights of 15-18+ pounds or more. The best of both worlds, these spotted wonders are perfect domestic family companions.
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COATS, PATTERNS,
COLORS
BENGAL CAT COATS
The Bengal is noted to have a luxurious short, soft coat which may be either of the spotted or marble pattern. Some coats feature "glitter" which gives an iridescent sheen to each hair. The spotted pattern features spots which can be large or small often including rosettes, like the spots of Jaguars and Leopards, which are two-toned spots. The marble pattern has a swirling random appearance with thick horizontal lines flowing across the back of the cat. Bengals come in a variety of background colors ranging from brown to gold, bronze, copper, mahogany, ivory, cream, light tan, dark chocolate, silver and black.
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(Designs by Laurent Jaccard)
All of the work below was lovingly created by Laurent Jaccard and we are grateful and appreciative of all the time and effort it takes to create such beautiful work. Please enjoy Laurent at: https: //www.bengalcats.co /bengal-cat.
BENGAL CAT
PATTERNS
Spotted Leopard Pattern
Clouded Leopard Pattern
BENGAL CAT BACKGROUND COLORS
BENGAL CAT
EYE COLORS
Brown Bengal Eye Colors
Snow Lynx, Mink, Sepia Eye Colors
Melanistic, Charcoal and Blue Eye Colors
Charcoal Lynx, Mink and Sepia Eye Colors
All of the work above was lovingly created by Laurent Jaccard and we are grateful and appreciative of all the time and effort it takes to create such beautiful work. Please enjoy Laurent at: https: //www.bengalcats.co /bengal-cat.
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Working together, "ABSOLUTELY BENGALS" and "BELLA BENGALS" share the same ethics, goals, and desires to create our vision of the perfect Bengal Cat. We share bloodlines, the highs and lows, heartaches and joy, and simply the best friendship one could ever ask for. Therefore, it makes sense to share with you the two best Bengal breeding programs you will ever find:
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ABSOLUTELY BENGALS
Walt Richard and Gail Sanford-Richard
Coeur d' Alene, Idaho
Call, Text, or Email
208-661-6534 or 208-660-8826
Email: waldo@absolutelybengals.com
hotspots959@gmail.com or catman959@gmail.com
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BELLA BENGALS
Paul and Nancy Dickman
Sunnyside, Washington
Call, Text, or Email
509-654-4989
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