Pedigree Cat Breeds - Bengal

The Bengal cat is a beautiful and unique breed. Derived from crosses between an Asian leopard cat and domestic cat. This breed has the looks of its stunning wild ancestors with a loving and playful nature. The Bengal cat is renowned for its intelligence and strong character, often dog like in behavior. The first cross wild cat to ordinary domestic cat or Bengal is called an f1, the second an f2 and so on. Bengals from f4 generation onwards are considered to be fully domesticated.


Several hybridizations were attempted however the first documented hybridization between felis bengalensis [ALC] and felis catus was credited to Jean Sugden in 1963 when mating a solid black tom mated with a leopard cat the resulting cub Kiki bred herself proving a second generation was possible. Due to bereavement the line was sadly discontinued. Several others who owned ALCs produced hybrids including Dr Centerwall working with Loyola university investigating the ALCs immunity to leukemia. Jean Sugden Mill now remarried obtained several of Dr Centerwalls first generation cubs and began breeding these beautiful cats resulting in the Bengals we see today.



Jeans tireless efforts to produce a domestic cat with the striking markings of its wild ancestors continues today.

The Bengal cat is a medium to large breed, the Bengal is sleek and should have slightly higher hind quarters than shoulders. Coat should be short, thick and soft to touch. The head should be slightly small in relation to the body and the muzzle should be full and broad with prominent whisker pads. The nose should extend slightly above the eyes with a slight curve. Eyes can be oval with slight almond shape. The most common Bengal cat is the spotted however due to outcrosses with different breeds and colors we now also have the marbled pattern and both patterns are either in Brown or snow colorings.

Spotted: Spots should be random or horizontal, rosettes formed by a dark outer circle with a distinctive red center center are preferable to spots but not essential. There should be good contrast between the markings and background color although background color does very somewhat from fawn to deep red (known as rufous)

Marble: Although derived from the tabby gene pattern should be random and free flowing resembling marbling. Contrast between colors again must be extreme three solid colors are preferable eg, ground color, markings and an outlining of the markings and the stomach must be spotted.

Bengals are extremely social and need lots of love and attention, they are intelligent and make terrific family pets. Bengals are good with children and can be lead trained, they will play fetch and hide and seek. Bengal cats love water and to swim and will often play in the bath or sink happily.

Leopardspots Bengals are reputable and experienced breeders of Bengal cats based in the south of England specializing in Brown spotted and rosetted Bengals.

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*Breed standards may vary according to cat governing body