The evolution of the Bengal

Bengal cats are a hybrid breed developed over several generations through a program of selectively crossbreeding domestic cats, possessing desired features, with Asian Leopard Cats (ALC) and ALC hybrids.

The principle of hybrid vigor dictates that hybrid cats are often healthier and larger than either parent. The first three generation males are almost always infertile, though there have been the occasional, but rare F3 studs capable of reproduction. The early generation females are typically fertile, and responsible for continuing the genetic contributions of the ALC to the next generation.

Filial Generations

The first three generations of these hybrid offspring are properly referred to as the "filial" generations. A Bengal cat with an ALC parent is called an F1 Bengal, short for first filial. An F1 then bred with domestic male yields an F2, or second filial. Kittens from an F2 female and another domestic cat are then termed F3. Kittens from a subsequent F3 mating with a domestic are F4s. The F4 and later generations are considered domestic cats and correctly designated as Stud Book Tradition (SBT) Bengals, and can be shown and registered. Any SBT Bengal is at least four generations from the ALC. Filial cats (F1-F3) are also termed 'foundation cats' and are typically reserved for breeding purposes, or the specialty pet home environment.

A Bengal cat purchased as a pet is usually an SBT. Although some breeders occasionally offer filial (F1-F3) cats for sale, they are not for the average pet owner as early generation cats can be more aloof in temperament and not as easily housebroken. The ALC in its natural setting is a solitary, small, shy and reclusive cat not known for interacting with humans. The purpose of crossbreeding them with domestic cats was to obtain a wild-appearing cat with a desirable friendly personality and gentle temperament.

New developments

There are currently three new varieties of cats being developed from the Bengal:

The Serengeti Cat - developed from crosses with Oriental or Siamese with the aim to produce a domestic cat mimicking the look of an African Serval, without actually incorporating Serval genes by hybridization.
The Toyger Cat - developed from crosses with domestic cats with the aim to produce a striped 'toy tiger.'
The Cheetoh - an attempt to blend two existing domestic breeds of spotted cats with defined characteristics (Bengal and Ocicat), into a third.