established 1989
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History
The documentation of the first non-domestic to domestic hybrid is documented from the early 1930s. Most of the original crosses went only to the first generation and were developed no further. The Bengal represents the first non-domestic domestic cross registered in the cat fancy and developed into a domestic cat.
In 1983 by Jean Mill registered the first Bengal cat with The International Cat Association (TICA.) . This began the process of formal acceptance into the cat fancy. Though others crossed non-domestic Asian leopard cats with domestic cats prior to 1983, Jean Mill focused on creating a domestic cat. The International Cat Association welcomed the Bengal cat and judges worked with the foundation cats in the New Breed and Color Section until in 1991. In 1991 the fourth generation, SBT (studbook) generation, moved into Championship. . The Bengal cat seen today in the show halls replicates the look of “a small forest dwelling cat” with pattern, coat, and conformation while exhibiting the domestic personality. Selective breeders have been able to accomplish this through careful evaluation and breeding.
Some of the original foundation cats came from cancer research in the early 1970's. An apparent genetic immunity to feline leukemia in the Asian leopard cat (felis bengalensis bengalensis) began the crossing of domestic to non-domestic. The hope was to transfer this immunity to the domestic. This research was abandoned with the discovery of the feline leukemia vaccine. Today the possible implication of genetic immunity has new interest in the research of human cancers. This research is currently being done at the National Cancer Institute.
The first three generation cats are “foundation cats”. These cats are not domestic pets in the normal sense of the word, and are different from the domestic Bengal cat found in the show ring and in homes. Foundation cats are not Bengal cats, they are foundation cats for the Bengal cat. This may seem like a small point, but it is in actuality a fairly major one. Foundation cats have tendencies that may make them inappropriate in active households. They require special consideration before purchase. This is stated so that anyone acquiring an early generation cat will do so with the proper attitude by providing a loving, secure environment for the cat.
Later generation Bengal cats (SBT), bred for temperament and appropriately socialized, have stable personalities that make beautiful and loving companions. Some Bengal cats are nine, ten and more generations of Bengal cat to Bengal cat breeding. The SBT Bengal cat is accepted as a domestic cat in several registries.
Bengal cats were presented to the Cat Fanciers’ Association in the 1970s. Unfortunately a few cats presented were unmanageable and inappropriate for the cat fancy show hall. These cats were foundation generation presented as domestic. The stigma attached to these early generation cats follows the domestic Bengal cat today.
Thanks to TICA, Bengal cat breeders continued to work within the cat fancy and time has shown the cat fancy that there is nothing to fear from these loving, interactive cats. The popularity of the Bengal is unprecedented in the cat fancy. This growth speaks of the public’s desire for a wonderful, loving cat that has a look of a small leopard. It also points to the random selling of cats into breeding programs that results in a wide range of quality, socialization, and health not always to the benefit of the breed or the public.
The Bengal cat is registered in championship in the American Cat Fanciers Association, The United Feline Organization, and many more. The Bengal cat is an extremely popular breed and is much sought after by the showing public. The Cat Fanciers Association states that they will never allow the Bengal cat in its registries because of the non-domestic blood.
TICA titled Bengal cats as of August, 1997.
| Champion 158 Champion Alter 14 |
| Grand Champion 17 Grand Champion Alter 0 |
| Double Grand Champion 22 Double Grand Champion Alter 1 |
| Triple Grand Champion 16 Triple Grand Champion Alter 4 |
| Quad Grand Champion 34 Quad Grand Champion Alter 0 |
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Supreme Grand Champion 43 Supreme Grand Champion Alter 6 |
total registered Bengals.... 15,583 TICA registered Bengal cats by 1997...
Bengal cats will often make up to 25% of the cats at The International Cat Association shows.
The Bengal cat is recognized in the following registries:
| Registry | date | status |
| American Cat Fanciers Association |
1997 |
championship |
| Cat Fanciers Federation | 1993 | New Breed and Color |
| The International Cat Association | 1991 | Championship |
| United Feline Organization. | 1995 | Championship |
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Outside the United States: |
1992 | Championship |
| Canadian Cat Association | ||
| New Zealand Cat Fancy | 1996 | |
| Queensland Independent Cat Council | 1996 | |
| Australian Cat Fancy | 1996 | |
| FIFE in mainland Europe | 1998 | |
| Governing Council of Cat Fancy | 1997 |
ACFA has many shows in the midwest. The Bengal cat is in championship in ACFA and enjoys a good deal of popularity. I encourage you to consider supporting ACFA. www.acfacat.org
The Future of the Bengal cat...
Foundation Bengal, Asian leopard cat, and Bengal cat
BENGAL CATS CERTIFIED REGISTRY
| Bengal cats and kittens are the fourth generation of breeding. This is recognized in TICA as SBT For further detail on the number, letter system used in TICA , see www.tica.org for the charts that are used to show progression. I have them on my site as well as they were created by me for TICA. |
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These cats are domestic cats. The state of Georgia does have restrictions for the ownership of Bengals. This is now being worked on for correction. |
| The state of Conneticutt also has some restrictions on Bengal cats. |
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In general, well socialized Bengal cats are interactive, friendly and confident. This is a requirement in the standard. |
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In general Bengal cats are born friendly and that friendliness is reinforced by the breeder. Be sure to note the interaction of the breeder with the kittens. Be sure to tell the breeder YOUR expectation. |
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The SBT Bengal cat has normal litter box habits and eats the same foods as other domestic cats. |
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The SBT Bengal cat makes an excellent family pet. As personalities vary, be sure to explain expectations to breeder. |
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If possible, visit the cattery. If that is not possible have video and photos sent to you. |
FOUNDATION REGISTRY
| The Foundation Registry of TICA exists because
TICA's premise to register all possible genetic
possibilities. This registry allows for new blood to be
brought into existing breeds and to have those crosses noted. So,
for instance, if I want to introduce some new genes into the
Abyssinians, I can cross an Abyssinian to a Maine Coon and this
combination can be registered. It would say:
Foundation Registry
Registration number: AON birth date
Note: N - Nonpermissible
Description: ________ Abyssinian/Maine
Coon male born ________
Likewise the Bengal cat can be crossed with other breeds to introduce new genes. A British Shorthair bred to a Bengal would be: Foundation Registry Registration number: AON birth date Note: N - Nonpermissible Description: brown spotted tabby Bengal/British Shorthair born ____________In the case of the Bengal cat there is a further clarification, this is because of the use of another SPECIES than felis catus, the domestic cat. An Asian leopard cat bred to any domestic cat is: Foundation Registry Registration number: A1S birth date Note: S = different Species from felis catus Description: brown spotted tabby Bengal/Asian leopard cat born ____________NOTE: The difference in the last letter of the registration code! This is significant: N = Nonpermissible P = Permissible (there are no permissible outcrosses to the Bengal cat) S = Different Species was introduced. |
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Foundation Bengal Asian leopard cats or Bengal British Shorthair and kittens are not Bengal cats. They are not in the certified registry of the Bengal cat. In TICA these are separated by two different registries. Foundation Registry, explained above, and Certified Registry, which means the cats are felis catus (domestic cats) with stable genetics and both sexes are reliably fertile. |
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The first three generations of any outcross to a certified registry cat in TICA are not considered to be the breed itself, but the genetic foundation of the breed. The Bengal cat is unique in that its foundation registry can include a different species as well as different breeds. |
| The species introduced into felis catus (the domestic cat) is in the case of the Bengal cat, felis bengalenisis. This is a different species and is not one that would breed with felis catus in nature... the crosses are purposely made through human intervention. |
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As each generation is bred and more of the intended breed is introduced into the foundation cats, the cat becomes increasingly true in its genetics. It becomes more homozygous (like producing like) as the breeder selects for characteristics. In the case of the Bengal cat generations are designated as follows: |
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There may be restrictions on owning foundation cats. Check local laws and regulations, as well as with your insurance agent for liability. |
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| In general, foundation cats are shy and avoid human interaction. This is important to remember as they may require special living environments and many do not thrive in a busy human household. Consideration of the whole life of the animal must be made prior to accepting the responsibility of ownership. One question to ask a breeder is if she/he will take back an animal and help you in placing one that is unsuitable for your home. Note: Many times the breeder will try to help you, but to actually take the cat back requires a lot of testing of the animal before bringing it into the cattery. The breeder has to consider all the animals... |
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Placing an animal in a human environment should be done with awareness. If your idea of a pet is one that welcomes interaction, be sure to note that to your breeder. |
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In general: there is a difference between an animal that is social from birth and one that must be individually socialized. This process of domestication is noted in the book: The Book of the Cat: "Some mutation (inheritable genetic change:) must have taken place... for a domestic cat is born tame, whereas the taming of a wild species must start afresh with each generation. Even so, any genetic taming effect needs reinforcing by condition kittens to accept people from a young age..." |
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Be aware of the term “pet”. It is often used in two ways. One way refers to the animal not being used for breeding and the other refers to the quality of the individual. Rarely does the term refer to the appropriate behavioral characteristic of being a family pet. Consider what you are expecting of your new pet and communicate this clearly to the breeder. Explain your life style: family members, other pets, where you live, work situation, travel. All of these facts influence a breeder’s selection of the perfect companion cat. A breeder should care about the individual animal as well as about you and your needs... to make sure that you get the right pet... and the kitten gets the right home. |
| Some homes are uniquely suited to the Bengal/Asian leopard cat Foundation generation and the cats live very happily within these environments. BUT be sure you are aware of the needs of this animal and are accepting of behavior |
gold lettering is for the Bengal cat speak...
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| Golden Similar to sorrel but more gold in tone. Spot tends to be dark brown in tone. |
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| Leopard Refers to a black spotted coat. |
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| Sorrel Refers to the golden/red coloring found on some brown spotted tabbies. This color is very highly rufoused and tends to have a brown spot. |
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| Rufus The yellowish-brown tint to the overall cat. |
| Snow Often used as a combination term for sepia , mink, and seal lynx point coloring. |
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| Marble The swirled pattern resulting from the classic tabby bull's-eye pattern. There should be three or more colors in this swirled effect. |
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| Rosetting Two toned spots. Some have doughnut shaped outer lining, some have arrow head shape, and some are formed with small spots around redder center. |
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| Agouti Banding. All tabbies have agouti banding in the background. It is what gives the coat its color as bands of color lie on the hair shaft. When you rub the coat backward you see the bands of color difference from hair tip to the skin... when this banding color difference is extreme the coloring is fuzzed, when the coloring is similar it is clear. |
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| Spotted to the skin. Is a way of referring to spotting that is self colored, all one color on the hair shaft with no apparent agouti banding. |
Registry
The Foundation Registry in TICA refers to the first three generations when an outcross is made from the original breed. The genetic theory is that it takes three generations of selected breeding to breed a consistent look that can be replicated. This is complicated in the Bengal cat because some of the outcrosses are made to non-domestic cats (the Asian leopard cat) that would prefer to not be around humans. There are exceptions to this, but the first three generations are not suitable as pets... they are foundation stock for the Bengal cat and should be brought into homes as pets only with much deliberation. The registry for the SBT is the Studbook Registry in TICA. Bengal cats are assigned to CATEGORY 1: ESTABLISHED BREED.
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F1 The offspring of an Asian leopard cat and domestic. In registry will say: A1T or in 2001, A1S. |
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F2 The grandchild of an Asian leopard cat and domestic. In registry will say: B1T or in 2001, B1S. |
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F3 The third generation. In registry will say: C1T or in 2001, C1S. |
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SBT Refers to the fourth generation or Studbook generation in the registry. Only SBT Bengal cats can be shown. These are the generation that is considered domestic. |
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| Wild Blood % Refers to the supposed wild blood of the Asian leopard cat held in the cat. This is a mere mathematical figure and has nothing to do with actual genetic inheritance. The non-domestic look is more likely to be attained from generations of selective breeding. |
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| Cub Breeders use this term to describe kitten. Playing on the language to make the Bengal cat seem more wild and exotic. |
Coat
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| This is a hard area to evaluate without seeing the kitten or cat . Refers often to coat texture and patterning. |
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| Clear Coated The hair shaft has little variation in the agouti banding of the background color making the spotting contrast more extreme. |
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| Pelt Refers to the textured feel of the Bengal. There are at least four basic types of "pelt" . velvet feel, satin, plush, and coarse. |
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| Striping The pattern is vertically striped “mackerel” this usually occurs on the rib area and is not desirable. |
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| Ticked Refers to bands of color that lie on a single hair, this gives the coat a blurred effect when the colors are too extreme and when the spots are also agouti bands without color density. |
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| Glitter is the hollow air shaft that surrounds the coloring of the hair. Unique to the Bengal. |
Evaluation
This is where the breeder's expertise comes in... How many litters breeder seen or evaluated? What criteria for evaluation (it should not be price)? Does the breeder know the Standard? Does the breeder show?
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| Breeder Quality Has some flaws that keep the animal from the show ring and place it in breeding programs. Be very hesitant about this... sometimes breeder quality means merely more money. |
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| Pet Ask the breeder to describe their idea of pet to see if it agrees with yours. Not every one has the same view. |
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| Show This means that the breeder feels this cat will Champion if shown. |
There are many more terms and descriptions. Some of the above are explained in further detail in other sections of this website. These are linked.
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