Bengal Cat
The original Bengal was a feral cat - impossible to tame one would have said - all teeths and claws and ready to attack anyone and anything foolish enough to approove - human or animal.
Today, the cat known as the Bengal is tame if not entirely peaceful, but it is not of course the same cat. There are strong points of resemblance but it is the result of multiple cross breeding.
The Bengal does look like its wild brother, however. It has clearly drawn markings, sometimes random, sometimes fanning out from a central point. Large and solid, it has muscular paws. The head is triangular with a firm chin and wide apart rounded ears, which inclined slightly outward. The almost almond shaped eyes are usually yellow or amber. The tail is long and ringed.
This cat now - after 2 or 3 generations - has aquired a more - or - less calm temperament and breeders are sure that it will become an affectionate little animal ready to live quite happily with its owners.
There is no final standard established as yet for the Bengal. It is distinguished mainly by its coat, where darker markings contrast with a lighter background color. They may be brown or black, reddish brown or dark yellow, even orange. The eyes, lips and nose are outlined in black. We are told that the Bengal will soon make an acceptable pet and that the price - rather high at the moment - will come down enough to make it affordable.
PICTURES
Information and pictures taken from
'1001 Images of Cats'
1992 Tiger Books International PLC, London
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