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The Bengal cat is a hybrid, descendant from the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis or Felis bengalensis) and domestic cat (Felis catus). The wild Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) is widely distributed in eastern Asia. However, populations from Bangladesh, India and Thailand are listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). The populations in other countries are listed in Appendix II. One of the most beautiful small wild cats, the Asian Leopard Cat is a tiny spotted feline, weighing about 10 - 12 pounds. There are different sub-species that are found in Southern Asia`s forests; from India through China, Korea and also, on small islands such as Taiwan, Philippines, Borneo, Java, Bali and Sumatra.
The base coat as seen on the feet and face varies in colour according their different geological areas of origin. Most of them have different shades of tan to orange, blending to white underside. Leopard cats tend to be yellowish-brown in the tropics and greyish-brown in the northern parts of their range. The leopard cat’s pelt is dotted with dark spots (Brown Spotted) which sometimes are solid ( Brown Marble), sometimes rosettes (Hollowed out Spots). The tail is banded with black rings toward the tip. As they have magnificent fur which reflects the sunlight (Glitter), frequently they are prey of fur trappers and the illicit trade. These spectacular little felines are shy and nocturnal. Bengal cats are the descendants of a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic cat. .
A first generation cross is called an F1. An F2 is the progeny of one F1 parent and one domestic parent. To import the Bengal Cat into Australia It must be of F3 Generation or higher. The fourth generation removed from the wild and beyond can be considered a domestic animal, and is officially a Bengal, rather than a Leopard Cat hybrid. Given that the breeding programme will have been explicitly aimed at producing good pets. F3+ Bengal’s should display the beautiful markings and unusual behaviour of the wild cats, whilst inheriting the domestic cat’s social nature and adaptability to human lifestyles. |
