The Bengal cat is a domestic pet that shares many characteristics with small, forest-dwelling wildcats. It also has the affectionate, reliable temperament of a family pet. The Bengal is a domestic cat breed that has some distinctive characteristics.
The unique personality of Bengals
Although the Bengal looks wild, some believe it is just as friendly and affectionate as any domestic cat. Bengals are full of life, very people-oriented cats, and they have a lot of feline curiosity. The Bengal is loved for their playful nature and personality. Bengals are loyal and strong friends. They can be trusted to love their families and will give you the love you need.
Bengals are agile and athletic and love to climb. They will often gravitate towards the highest point of any room. Bengals can be a great source of entertainment. Their intelligence is one of their most distinguishing characteristics as companions. Bengals are smart as furry tacks, which is not surprising considering that survival in the jungle requires both intelligence and lightning reflexes.
Bengals are quick learners and love learning new skills. They may even learn tricks that you would prefer they didn’t. For example, turning on and off lights, opening doors and flushing toilets. A curious Bengal can get into anything, and often gets a quick response when there are changes to the house. If a cupboard isn’t up to his standards, your Bengal might open it and take a peek.
What about Bengals and water
Some Bengals learn how to use the bathroom because of the habit of leopard cats to eliminate in water. Bengals, like their wild relatives, love their freedom and don’t like being restrained or held. This is not only a Bengal characteristic, but it’s also a trait shared by all active breeds. Bengals love water, especially if it is running. While some cats may only occasionally dip their paws under the water faucet, others might take to the shower or tub if they feel the need. Some cats are obsessed with water. Bengal owners learn quickly to keep their pets safe by keeping the toilet lid closed.
Bengal breed history
The Bengal cat was a cross between a domestic cat (Felis Silvestris catus), and a leopard cat, Prionailurus Bengalensis. =
The leopard cat is very similar to a domestic cat except that it has larger, more snappy eyes, longer legs and stunning leopard-style markings. It looks like a miniature leopard.
A female leopard cat purchased in a pet shop was the first to be introduced to Bengali cats. Today, leopard cats were not available at pet shops in the United States. Due to the state regulations and special needs of these cats, this is no longer true. Jean Mill wanted a unique pet and not to breed a new cat.
Mill realized that her leopard cat was lonely after several years and so she got a male domestic cat. Mill was completely surprised when her leopard cat had a litter in 1965. Kin-Kin, a female hybrid kitten, was the only one to survive. Mill contacted Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York for help with the hybrid. She was informed that Kin-Kin was likely sterile. This was not true as Kin-Kin, who grew up and mixed with her domestic father, gave birth to two kittens. One of the kittens was blessed with the sweet domestic disposition of her father.
Mill considered the possibility of creating a crossbred leopard cat breed. She also felt that it would help the American market to have a domesticated spotted alternative. Mill set out to accomplish this. It was later discovered that the Bengal’s temperament changed after four generations of cats lived with the leopard cat.
Nevertheless, there were many hurdles to overcome. F1s are the first generation of hybrid kittens. They were often shy and nervous cats, much like their wild relatives. The temperament of the cats changed only after they were many generations removed from the leopard cat. The breed’s development was slowed by the fact that the male kittens were sterile and the female kittens could not be born. This is also true for many hybrids. The second generation males (F2s), are also sterile, while only around 50% of third-generation males (F3s), are fertile.
She had enough generations to become the Bengal today in 1985. Current standards state that Bengals must have at least four generations (F4+) to be mild, docile, and happy, healthy pets. The Bengal has been accepted by all associations, except the CFA. The Bengals have proved to be a happy breed and are a pleasure to live with. The Bengal has a loyal following today because of its exotic appearance and vibrant personality.
