In this article
The Bengal is the cat that looks like a miniature leopard. Under that coat is a very active domestic breed. This profile draws on the CFA breed page and standard.
Origin
The breed began in 1963, when conservationist Jean Mill crossed a black domestic tom with a female Asian leopard cat, a small wild arboreal cat. Separately, Dr. Willard Centerwall ran similar crosses, interested in the Asian cat’s natural resistance to feline leukemia. Mill later used cats from Centerwall, along with spotted domestic cats, to develop the breed.
The CFA accepted Bengals for registration in 2016, requiring five generations of pure domestic ancestry, and advanced them to championship in 2018. FIFe recognizes the breed in category 3.
Size and build
The standard describes a medium to large cat with a sleek, muscular build; males are generally larger. The CFA gives no weight range.
Coat and colors
Bengals come in shorthair and longhair. The shorthair coat is soft, silky and close-lying; the CFA describes it as unlikely to mat and lighter-shedding than many shorthairs. Some Bengals have “glitter,” a shimmer caused by light catching the hair tips.
The best-known look is the brown spotted or rosetted tabby; marbled patterns are common too. Other colors include black silver, blue and the “snow” varieties (seal lynx point, seal mink, seal sepia). Eyes may be any color except blue, apart from Lynx Points, where blue is required.
Temperament
The CFA describes Bengals as confident, curious and athletic, extremely intelligent, with kitten-like energy that lasts into old age. They are fascinated by water and often trainable. How vocal they are varies widely. Properly introduced, they get along with other pets and children.
Grooming and care
- Brush once a week with a soft-bristled brush.
- Bathing: generally unnecessary unless showing.
- Lots of activity: tall cat trees, shelves, hunting toys and daily play sessions. A bored Bengal will find its own entertainment.
Health
Genetic testing lets breeders screen for several heritable diseases and remove carriers. The CFA singles out hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), “the most commonly seen heart issue in cats,” which can only be detected by echocardiogram. Most breeders have breeding cats examined by a cardiologist before the first litter and at regular intervals.
Ask for the parents’ heart screening reports and see a vet soon after your kitten arrives. This content is informational and does not replace a veterinary visit.
Who the breed suits
People who want an active, curious, interactive cat and have the time and space to burn off its energy. For a quiet couch cat, a British Shorthair or Persian is a better fit. Compare in the cat breeds guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Bengal a wild cat?
No. The breed descends from Asian leopard cat crosses that began in 1963, but the CFA registers only Bengals with five generations of domestic ancestry. A Bengal from a registered breeder is a domestic cat, just a very energetic and curious one.
Do Bengals like water?
The CFA describes them as fascinated by water, and many play with running taps or cat fountains. That does not mean they enjoy baths, which the CFA says are generally unnecessary unless the cat is being shown.
Can you walk a Bengal on a leash?
The CFA notes Bengals are often trainable, and some learn tricks or enjoy harness walks. Introduce a cat harness gradually, and accept that not every cat will take to it.
What is the main health concern in Bengals?
The CFA highlights hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which it calls the most commonly seen heart issue in cats and which can only be detected by echocardiogram. Most breeders have breeding cats checked by a cardiologist before the first litter and at regular intervals afterward. Ask for the reports.