Bengal cats are one of the most interesting domestic cats, as they’re one of the few wild and domestic cat hybrids in the United States that can be house pets. Compared to other domestic cat breeds, Bengals are still relatively new and because of their hybrid status, they are illegal or highly restricted in certain states and cities in the US. But while they do have a wild cat ancestor, many Bengals are incredible companions, particularly for folks looking for an active and interesting cat. The breed was first documented by Jean Mill, a California breeder who developed it by crossing a domestic shorthair with an Asian Leopard cat hybrid in 1963. Mill started breeding Bengals because she feared the possible extinction of the Asian Leopard cat and reportedly acquired Asian Leopard hybrids from Dr. Willard Centerwall, a scientist who worked on medical genetics in California during the 1960s and 1970s. Asian Leopard cats are wild cats found, naturally, throughout Asia and share a common ancestor with domestic cat. They’re roughly the size of our feline companions but do have long legs and stand taller than their domestic counterparts. The coat of an Asain Leopard cat is spotted, with a mix of solid spots and rosettes.
Today’s Bengal Cats are often several generations removed from their Asian Leopard cat ancestors and are frequently bred from other Bengals. But like other hybrid animals, bengals are often denoted by the generation they’re away from their wild ancestry. F1 Bengals are the first generation, meaning the cat has a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard cat parent. F2 cats have one Asian Leopard cat grandparent while F3 cats have one Asian great-grandparent. While some believe that by the F3 generation, Bengals have the temperament of a domestic cat, the International Cat Association only accepts cats of F4 or more generations into their shows. The generation of a Bengal is important for anyone interested in the breed, as some states and cities in the U.S. have laws that do not allow ownership of a Bengal or have very specific requirements for ownership. In New York state, Bengals have to be at least five generations removed from Asian Leopard cats to be housecats while Alaska requires they are at least four generations removed. Connecticut, Indiana, and Hawaii have all completely outlawed Bengals, regardless of generation. Delaware and Georgia require permits for all Bengals while states like Massachusetts require owners to register their Bengals with a breeding association or registry that certifies their pedigree. In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is the largest city to outlaw Bengal and other hybrid animal ownership within city limits.
Even after several generations removed from their wild ancestors, Bengals often still carry many traits from the Asian Leopard cat. Their coats still carry the iconic leopard spots and rosettes that are often rust, brown, or black in color. The coat color underneath the spots can come in a variety of colors, like golden, brown, orange, sand, and ivory. In addition to their iconic spots, Bengals also have striking facial markings and large eyes. These cats tend to be slightly smaller than their wild ancestors but will often have longer legs than other domestic housecats; these long legs allow Bengals to have a decently large stride and jump.
Temperament and personality-wise, Bengals can be energetic, confident, and very intelligent. They’re sweet cats but definitely need a lot of interaction and exercise every day, as they can get bored or frustrated and act out because of that. The good news is that these cats love to play games like fetch and have been known to pick up tricks if taught. Because of their long legs, Bengals often love to jump and can sometimes leap several feet in the air, making cat wands a particularly fun activity. Similarly, cat wheels, puzzle toys, and cat water fountains are all great ways for a Bengal to be entertained! Because of their striking looks, tenacity, and sometimes high price, it’s probably best to have your Bengal be an indoor cat. Supervised outdoor time, like having them on a leash, in a cat backpack, or access to a catio, is a great way to give a Bengal (or any indoor cat!) a fun experience out of the house.
With their short coats, Bengals don’t typically need a lot of help in the grooming department but regular brushing can help keep their skin and fur in great shape. Like any other cat, baths are really not required unless absolutely necessary; but unlike other cats, Bengals do tend to love water and might be interested in swimming if given the chance! However, they should not be forced to do anything they don’t want to. Regular vet visits are important for these cats and while the breed is relatively healthy, there are still genetic and general health issues that any purebred cat breeds are prone to because the gene pool is smaller. Some conditions that can be seen in Bengals include eye conditions like entropion and progressive retinal atrophy, feline infectious peritonitis, and peripheral neuropathy.
While Bengals don’t typically cost more per month than your average housecat, actually getting one is a completely different story. Between their striking looks and relative rarity, a purebred Bengal can set you back thousands of dollars depending on their generation, age, lineage, and the breeder. It’s pretty rare but not impossible to find a Bengal at a shelter or rescue but you’d have to be willing to wait until one is surrendered and made available for adoption. With breeders, the average cost for a Bengal kitten is $1,500 – $2,000 but the actual range can be $800 to $10,000. Additionally, there might be more upfront expenses for Bengals that aren’t always necessary for other cats, like getting a cat wheel (which alone can range between $50-$250) or added toys to ensure they have healthy ways to stay engaged every day.
If you decide to get a Bengal or any other purebred cat/dog breed, it’s incredibly important and absolutely necessary to do an extreme amount of research on the breed and any breeders. There are plenty of misconceptions around adopting a pet but the truth is, rescue pets are just as incredible as purebreds. And as mentioned, it’s not impossible for breeds like Bengals to end up in shelters waiting for a good forever home!