Tri-Colored Rosettes
References:www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/evr_ct_hypoallergenic_cat_breeds, weissmuellers.weebly.com/cambodia.html,, www.wnybengals.com/asianleopard.html, www.kingsmarkfarms.com/bengals/wALC-TaroLftsideb.jpg, sites.google.com/site/asiaticbigcats/gallery, www.titanbengals.com/bengal-kittens-questions-answers.php#1, http://crazyaboutbengals.com/about-bengals/, www.wunderground.com/blog/Ivansrvivr/mokees-wild-ancestors, www.bengalcatworld.com/home/bengal-cat-facts
What is a Bengal and Asian Leopard
(Prionailurus bengalensis)
The original Bengal cats are a hybrid of the Asian Leopard Cat and domestic cats. They were developed by various people, most notably Jean Sugden Mill, in the 1970s and 80s with the aim of harnessing the beauty of the wild cat, yet maintaining the temperament of the domestic cat. Through careful breeding, this aim has definitely been achieved!
Physical Appearance
The Famous Bengal Markings! The first thing most people notice about the Bengal cat is the wonderful coat that they inherited from their wild ancestors.Bengal's do not have fur but more of silky cashmere pelt coat; this is a lovely soft and sleek coat that shines in the light with a glitter that permeates through every hair shaft. This genetic characteristic is another reason why they are unique to most other breeds, as they in fact rarely shed. The tri-colouring is what can give spotted Bengals “rosettes” – where each individual spot has an outline of a darker colour, giving a look similar to that of a Jaguar, for example.
At around seven weeks of age the kittens will begin to get what is called the "fuzzies", this is something else that is passed down from their ancestors providing them with a camouflage in the wild. The fuzzies is when a kitten begins to grow longer guard hairs which disguise the spots from a front view, but the beautiful markings can still be seen from behind. Within a month of this, they usually grow out of their coat creating the pronounced exotic spotting/markings similar to the Asian Leopard.
Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds:
Want to adopt a cat, but suffer from allergies? Maybe you’ve tried coping by taking antihistamines, and have a HEPA air filter in your home. You may have even heard the term "hypoallergenic pet" but not know it applies to cats. Some feline breeds exist that are considered "hypoallergenic," or produce fewer allergens than others. Cats do produce pet dander, a common allergen, but the culprit for the estimated 10% of the population who are allergic to cats may be a protein, Fel d 1, that is present in cat saliva. Technically, there are no 100% hypoallergenic domestic cats, but Bengals have a short cashmere like pelt coat(not fur) that rarely shed & is recommended by petMD for people who want to adopt a feline, yet feel options are limited due to allergies.
Temperament & Purr-sonality
All Bengals posses their own unique personality, but most Bengals will be very interactive, curious and social, and they will carry on a conversation with you. Bengals also like to play with other cats, dogs, and humans, love to explore, are highly intelligent, and most have an affinity to play in water. Domestic Bengals are specifically breed for a friendly and social temperament and are known to have more "dog like" characteristics, usually come when you call them, fetch their toys when they want to play and can be trained to do tricks. They aren’t scared of new people and prefer to investigate them or greet them at the front door. They always want to play and they love to climb and be up high.
Asian Leopard
Our Family German Shepard & King 'Crown Jewels" going for their daily walk together...
Bengal and Asian Leopards