The Bengal cat is a breed of hybrid cat created from crossing of an Asian leopard cat, with domestic cats, especially the spotted Egyptian Mau. It is then usually bred with a breed that demonstrates a friendlier personality, because after breeding a domesticated cat with a wildcat, its friendly personality may not manifest in the kitten. The breed's name derives from the leopard cat's taxonomic name.
A female Bengal cat with tricolored rosettes and a clear coat.
A charcoal Bengal kitten, with white "goggle" markings, and black rosettes.
A brown Bengal cat stalking. This cat displays rosettes and spotting typical of the breed. Bengals have longer rear legs and carry their tails low.
A brown marble Bengal being judged at a TICA show (2013)
The leopard cat is a small wild cat native to continental South, Southeast, and East Asia. Since 2002 it has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List as it is widely distributed although threatened by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range.
Image: Prionailurus bengalensis bengalensis 2 Découpe
Image: Chat Léopard de Sibérie
Image: Leopard cat distribution 2022
An adult leopard cat