The Prionailurus Bengalensis(Asian Leopard cat), at the origin of the Bengal cat

The Bengal is a recent breed; the first cross between a domestic cat and the Prionailurus Bengalensis took place in 1963, in the United States. The goal of this hybridization was to create a cat as soft and sociable as the domestic cat but bearing the exceptional beauty and wild look of the Asian Leopard Cat. Bengals were born, with their beautiful spots and lovely personality. The first three generations of Bengals, called foundation or filial(F1 to F3), resulted from the crossing with the Asian Leopard Cat are known as hybrids. Starting from the fourth generation, the cat is no longer know as a hybrid but a domestic breed, also called SBT on the pedigrees.

Bengals are active and very skilful cats, that adore to climb and play. Responsible breeders select the sweetest and most sociable animals for breeding; this is why they are generally very nice in spite of their wild ancestors. Generally, Bengals like to play with dogs and are very gentle with children. They like to be cuddled and we just never get tired of stroking them. Their pelt is incredibly soft! Moreover, these splendid cats have a quasi non-shedding fur. But Bengal cats are not necessarily hypoallergenic since humans are usually allergic to cat secretions and not to their hair.

Most Bengals do not fear water, some even love to bathe and play in the water… These small leopards are also very intelligent and they quickly understand what we want to show them. In short, the Bengal is an exceptional breed that makes very good companions. However, we should remember that each cat is an individual who has its own personality.

Bengal kitten come trought a camouflage period call fuzzies. This period can last untill 6 months. In this period, their coat are grey and not defined. This is not the best time to take pictures because we can’t see well their beautiful rosettes and their color.

Here is an exemple of the fuzzies at diffrent stage. I will show you with Puzzle’s pictures:

3 weeks : The fuzzies are absent

1 month: The fuzzies begin

2 month: There is a grey hair appearing on the coat

2 ½ months: The coat is very light and not well defined

3 months: Rosettes are almost invisible. The coat is grey and very light. The fuzzies are at their peak!

4 months : The fuzzies are leaving, the coat begins to clear.

5 months : The coat begin to color, the background is more clear.

6 months : Beautiful color, fuzzies are gone !