Wouldn’t it be wonderful to own a small, friendly domestic cat that looks like the big cats you see at the zoo? Now you can!
The Bengal is a new breed whose beauty is indescribable. They are alert, alive and incredibly quick. I like to say they are just so darn busy!
The Bengal is a breed originated by Jean Mill of Southern California. The breed is a cross between an Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic cat. The Asian Leopard Cat is found in southern India eastward through Thailand, Malaysia and China.
Jean Mill first documented hybridization between the Asian Leopard Cat and domestic cat in 1963. In 1985, The International Cat Association (TICA) welcomed the Bengal to their shows with exhibition only status. Soon after, Bengals were permitted to compete in the New Breed Color classes. A standard was written which described in detail the features to be rewarded in the show rings. A new breed had been born!
In 1992, TICA admitted the breed into championship status.
Thank you Jean!
