Bengal Kitten Breed

This breed is the result of a cross between the spotted feral domestic cats and one of the wild species, Felids bengalensis, the Leopard Cat of Southeast Asia, which occurs from Siberia and Kashmir to Bali. The breeder's aim was to keep its dark spotted patterning of body and legs, and the black bands running over the forehead. The spots, despite the 'leopard' appellation, are solid, and not like the open rosettes of the larger cat. Males from initial mating proved sterile, but females were then mated with a red feral cat with brown spotting; found living in Delhi Zoo, and with a brown spotted tabby from a Los Angeles cat shelter. Previous hybrids between wild and domestic cats have usually resulted in rather aggressive kittens, difficult to keep as pets, but Bengal breeders claim that they have managed to retain the gentleness of the domestic cat while giving it the exotic look of a leopard-like coat.

Long, thick and heavily-muscled with strong legs and unusually large feet; tail carried low.

Rather large in proportion tithe body; nostrils sometimes slightly bulbous; ears small and rounded.

Slightly oblique and well apart; yellow.

Texture more pelt-like than the usual domestic cat, resembling that of the Leopard Cat.

Leopard (black spots on bright orange), sorrel (brown on lighter orange), mink (black on rich mahogany).