Bengals are a relatively new breed of cat, becoming recognised during the early 1980s. It all began in the USA in 1965 when Jean Sugden Mill crossed a wild Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat. The bloodlines of today's Bengals originated early in the 1980s and through the efforts of the breeders of that time breed standards were established. In 1990 TICA accepted Bengals for championship status and they are now an authentic domestic cat breed.

The name 'Bengal' is derived from its wild ancestor the Asian Leopard Cat - Felis Bengalensis. Bengals are similar in appearance to this wild species but with the loving, affectionate and playful temperament of a domestic cat. The goal of Bengal breeders is to preserve the resemblance to the Asian Leopard Cat while retaining a pleasant, companiable nature. The Bengal's domestic ancestors include the Egyptian Mau, Abyssinian, Burmese and domestic Tabby. Bengals of the F-4 generation and beyond are acceptable as family pets.

Typically, the personality of a Bengal is curious, playful and affectionate. They are highly intelligent and trainable, enjoying close social bonds with their human companions. Generally they have an extrovert disposition, rarely being timid or reclusive. They are lively creatures that love to climb and can often be found in stately posture surveying their kingdom from above! Bengals are reputed to have an affinity for water and many will leap into the bath or shower. They make curious sounds quite unlike other domestic cats and will happily 'converse' with humans given the opportunity.

There are two recognized coat patterns: spotted and marbled. This depends on the genetics of the parents with the spotted gene being dominant and the marbling gene recessive. Rosette spots are particularly desirable with multishaded light centres and darker shading to the edges. The spots or rosettes are set against a lighter background colour and arranged horizontally or randomly over the body. The marbled pattern is also very appealing with its horizontal flow, often of three or more shades within the swirling design.

Recognised colours for Bengals are Brown (or Brown-Black) and Snow. Snow Bengals can have blue eyes (also know as Seal Lynx Point) or green eyes (also known as Seal Mink) or green - golden eyes (also known as Seal Sepia). Sometimes the Snow Bengals are classed as either Blue Eyed or Any Other Colour (AOC). Other Bengal colours that are currently being bred are Silver, Blue and Solid Black. All Bengals should have black or nearly black tips on their tails and light coloured, spotted bellies.

Bengals generally weigh up to about 15 pounds. They have small, rounded ears and a slightly roman nose. They are usually of a powerful and muscular build with sleek athletic bodies. Their coat is short-haired and typically very soft to the touch.

Some Bengals are sold as 'pet quality' whereas others are sold as 'show/breeding quality'. This all depends on the variations of physical conformation, coat and colour of the kittens and it is up to the breeder to decide how they are sold. All categories should meet the minimum standards for the breed, but whether your Bengal is a future Supreme Grand Champion or simply an adored family pet there should be no great dissimilarity in the temperament and personality of these wonderful cats.