About Bengals - Type & Standard
The Bengal is a medium to large, well-muscled cat most renowned for its richly coloured, highly contrasted coat of vivid spots or distinctive marbling. The markings can be of different types: Arrows, Spots, Rosettes and Pawprints. The marble bengal has a coat with a pattern of black swirls and can display a single or multiple colours. The Bengal is the only domestic cat breed that can have rosettes like wild cats. Some Bengals have “glitter” or “glister” – a sparkle at the tips of the hairs visible when the light catches them. Their pelt-like plush coat is like no other domestic cat. Ranging from rabbit-like softness to the resilience of the densest hand-tied rug, the Bengal fur is an unexpected treat.
Our Programme
The various unique Bengal colours are a particular passion of ours, and so we breed brown, silver, all three varieties of snow (snow lynx, snow mink and snow sepia), as well as all varieties of charcoal Bengals. Being one of only two breeders of charcoal Bengals in South Africa, in order to promote these fantastic colours and make sure that our cats conform well to breed standard, we show our cats regularly in Kimberly, and occasionally in other parts of the country too.
History
In 1963, Jean S. Mill crossed the domestic cat with the Asian Leopard Cat, a spotted, five to twelve pound, shy non-domestic cat species from Asia. This was the first effort to use hybrid offspring to create a breed of domestic cat with the loving nature of the best fireside tabby and the striking look of Leopards, Ocelots and Jaguars. The modern Bengal breed traces to cats bred by Mrs. Mill in the early 1980’s.
Temperament
The charm of the Bengal personality may only be eclipsed by its beauty. Bengals are generally talkative, confident and devoted companions. They get along well with other pets when properly introduced and enjoy being part of a family. Some Bengals love and enjoy water. Active and interactive, Bengals are curious and athletic and maintain a kitten-like energy and attitude well into their senior years. These affectionate cats engage their owners in play, learn tricks, learn house-rules, or just like to be close. Bengals can be vocal
