Bengal Cat
Posted on November 18, 2008
Filed Under Cats |
Bengal cat is a distinct breed of spotted domestic cat. It got its identity from the hereditary mix of domestic cats such as a Burmese, American Shorthair, Egyptian Mau and Abyssinian with an Asian Leopard cat.
The name ‘Bengal’ comes from the Latin name Feline Bengalensis, the name of the Asian Leopard cat. By genetic transmission, Bengal cat has received the stunning and exotic wild pattern from the Asian Leopard cat, which was found in the wild areas of Central Asia.
In 1963, Jean Sudgen of the USA developed this breed. Jean crossed a black short-haired cat with a female Asian Leopard cat. Keeping in mind the possibility of a second generation, Sudgen produced the crossed breed of young ones.
In 1975, Jean Sudgen accomplished eight female hybrids from a geneticist, who was involved in a breeding program. As a part of study of feline Leukamia, the geneticist crossed Asian Leopard cats with domestic cats. Meanwhile, Jean was trying to promote the new breed. Finally, in 1984, the International Cat Association gave Bengal cat its recognition.
Personality and Physical Traits:
Size: Bengal cat is a large cat capable of reaching to a size of 15 pounds. Usually, female Bengal cat is smaller than the male. Female Bengal cat weighs around 8-10 pounds and is healthy with strong muscles. Legs of female Bengal cat are long in the back. The feet are rounded and large. It has a broad muzzle and high cheekbones on the whiskers.
Colors: Rosetted Bengal cats come in a variety of colors such as Brown, bright cream with rust markings and Steel Gray with black markings. Cats in Brown color have black color on their tail tips. The snow Bengal cats come in colors such as dark chocolate markings and Seal Lynx Point that have light cream base color. In addition, Bengal cats also come in Seal Mink, Silver, Seal Sepia, Blue and Solid Black color.
Temperament: Bengal cats are extremely intelligent, active and interactive by nature. A person can easily spot the legacy of Bengal cats in the way these cats appear. Bengal cats like to stretch out on the sofa and lay on the lap.
Every other day, the Bengal cats are full of vigor and energy. At times, Bengal cats can be very boisterous and mischievous. They like to be in company of human beings and crave to hear words of praise from their owners for the activities they do.
The Common Belief for Bengal Cats:
Many people believe that Bengal cats are not wild. Breeders bred them by crossbreeding domestic cats and the Asian Leopard cats. Over the years, Bengal cats have become popular because not only they are easy to domesticate, but also they have a wild leopard-like appearance.
Since Bengal cats are hybrid cats, they have successfully retained the wild look possessed by wild animals alone. For example, Bengal cats climb the tree just as a leopard does. This breed has won recognition in pet shows worldwide gaining immense popularity.
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