Why a Bengal Cat?

First, who wouldn't want a friendly, little leopard as a companion! The most obvious appeal is their striking appearance. They are bred to mimic the look of wild cats, like Leopards and Clouded Leopards. Then, it is their engaging and playful distinctive personalities that catch you. They love to be "part of the family" and are very interactive. So, read on... the more you know about them will make it clear as to why they are one of the most popular Domestic Pets. We're sure that you will want one to join your family!

Historically, cats have been a part of human cultures throughout recorded history. Click HERE to find out more about how they began their relationship with humans.

The Bengal Cat is a Domestic Cat breed that was a hybrid created by Jean Mill originally in 1963 to 1965. Jean started new bloodlines in the early 1980's and we all have Millwood Bengals (Cattery), and all of Jean's hard work, to thank for such a wonderful breed of Domestic Cat. Bengals really do "have it all" - the exotic looks of a Wild Cat and the temperament of a Domestic Cat. Santa Fe Bengal Cattery has Championship blood lines from Millwood and other Catteries.

Bengals are originally a cross between the WILD "Asian Leopard Cat," Prionailurus Bengalensis (sub species, Bengalensis, from India), commonly referred to as the "ALC," and most often with the Egyptian Mau, Felis Catus.

There are two pattern types of Bengal coats, also called pelts, in reference to their heritage to the sleek, shiny wild ALC “pelt.” Spotted/Rosetted or Marbled are the two Bengal coat patterns; both looking very much like a wild cat. The TICA accepted colors are Brown/Black, Snow, and Silver.

Click HERE to find out about the TICA Breed Standard.

Bengals are big on personality. They are outgoing, curious, playful, and affectionate. These cats are not timid or reclusive and enjoy being a part of the family. Reputed to being the most intelligent of all domestic cats, they will greet you at the door, play fetch, and walk on a leash – they adapt well to being "taught”. Dispite their (desirable) differences from most Domestic Cats, Bengals don't require special feeding or care. But just like any creature - cat, dog, human... when given high quality food and lodgings, the result will be better health and appearance.  View photos of our beautiful Bengal Cats and Kittens on our Photo Gallery pages.

Click HERE to find out more about "How Bengals are different from other Domestic Cats."

Click HERE to watch a short video of "How Bengals love to play fetch!"

Click HERE to review "How to Introduce your New Kitten to Other Pets in your Household."

Click HERE to find out more About Bengals and The International Cat Association.

The DOMESTIC Bengal is Felis Bengalensis and is four generations (F4) or more away from the original cross with the WILD Asian Leopard Cat.  DOMESTIC Bengals are TICA registered and make superb House Cats!

  F1, F2, and F3 Foundation Hybrid-Bengals are NOT DOMESTIC and are not good house pets, still being "too wild" in their temperament.  These hybrid cats still have many of the WILD habits (like not using a litter box), WILD personality (preferring to be alone, rather than with humans), and WILD temperament traits, which makes the Foundation hybrids unacceptable house pets.  It is important to know about your new potential Kitten's genealogy and that they are TICA registered DOMESTIC (F4 or later) and not an early Foundation hybrid.

Santa Fe Bengal Cattery has been a member, in good standing, of The International Cat Association (TICA) and of The International Bengal Cat Society (TIBCS) for all the years of membership and participates in the Breeders' Voluntary Code of Ethics.