Asian Leopard Cat “Art Deco”
If you are new to the Bengal breed, you’ll find a brief introduction here. Please also see the page “Before you Buy” before you begin your search for available cats or kittens.
“Early generation” Bengal Cats are derived from crossing the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC), a small 8-10lb exotic feline from SE Asia, with domestic cats. The ALC has a natural immunity to the feline leukemia virus, and in the late 1970s genetic researchers first crossed the ALC and domestics. (Note: Bengal Cats have no inherent immunity to FeLV.) Most Bengal Cats weigh under 15 lbs.
Bengals are eligible to show in all-breed championship cat shows of The International Cat Association, Cat Fanciers Association, and nearly all other international purebred cat associations. As of May 2020, there are over 157,000 Bengal Cats registered with TICA worldwide!
Bengal Cats are spectacularly fun, sociable, gorgeous pets, but they are not for everyone.
Seal Lynx Point “Snow” Spotted Bengal
Is a Bengal Cat the right cat for you?
There are of course many things to keep in mind, the first of which is to DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Research the Bengal breed to make sure they are right for your needs and your lifestyle. Bengals, especially those that are F4 or more (four or more generations from an Asian Leopard Cat) make wonderful pets, and the earlier generation cats can be also. But this breed is not for everyone. Bengals are very active, intelligent, curious cats. Don’t be too surprised to see a Bengal leap from the floor to a shelf hanging on the wall or your mantel, they love to jump and watch the world from the highest places they can get to. They are typically very sociable and love to help you with whatever you are doing, but some are not lap cats and and do not like being held in a restraining manner. They typically are not couch potatoes, and for example, one Bengal Cat would probably not be happy without a companion in a home if you have long days at work, and will entertain themselves however they can! Their lifespan, diet, and other needs are basically the same as any other domestic cat.
Important note: there are a few locations where Bengals are not legal to own, due primarily to misinformation and ignorance regarding the nature of the breed. In the USA, Denver, New York City, Alaska, and Iowa allow Bengals only if they are 3-4 generations or more from an ALC. Connecticut also has specific restrictions. If you live in one of these areas, you should follow up on the legal status of owning a Bengal. See helpful links below.
Brown marble Bengal kitten
Please see the Before you Buy page for things to remember before you purchase or adopt.
Additional Resources:
The International Cat Association (TICA):
– Bengal breed introduction
– Longhair Bengal introduction
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA):
– Bengal breed description (PDF)
Bengal Cat info on Wikipedia
The International Bengal Cat Society TIBCS
American Cat Fanciers Association Bengal breed introduction
Animal Planet youtube video “Cats 101 – Bengal”
Bengals and other cats with a hybrid background and Iowa laws
Up-to-date information on country and state laws pertaining to cats with a hybrid background (eg Bengals and Savannahs) – Hybrid Law
Bengal Cat Rescue Network
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