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Bengal Cats

Ready for Their Closeups

Bengals have such star power they glitter — literally.

By Elisa Jordan

With their movie-star good looks and charismatic personalities, Bengals have taken the cat fancy by storm. Currently ranked the No. 1 most-registered breed in The International Cat Association (TICA), the breed’s popularity shows no sign of waning. Like movie stars, though, the Bengal is pestered by nasty rumors. Those who know the breed best can set the record straight.

“They are not wild and aggressive,” says Margie Heil of Oregon, who has been breeding Bengals under the cattery name SnoPride for about 10 years. “Some people have heard that they attack you or they bite, and that’s not true at all.”

In fact, Bengals make great companion animals. “I think the huge misconception is that because they’re a hybrid cat, some people think that they’re not good pets and good companions,” says Sharon Kalani, who breeds Bengals under the name KalaniKats with her daughters Natasha, 17, and Tatyana, 12.

That misconception stems from the Bengal’s origins as a cross between Asian Leopard Cats and domestic cats. Although the Asian Leopard Cat is a wildcat, modern Bengals possess domestic temperaments with their wild looks.

“We’ve taken special pains to ensure that they’ll be sweet natured,” says California-based breeder Jean Mill, who founded the breed in the 1960s. The cat was suspect from the very beginning because of the wild blood, Mill explains. “We had to lean over backwards to have our cats be sweeter-natured than any others,” she says. “That’s resulted in a cat that’s very intelligent, learns tricks and wants to
please people.”

**For the full article, pick up the February 2007 issue of
CAT FANCY.**

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Reader Comments
I am having problems with my bengal female. She bites me. She lays in my lap and I am petting her. She is purring and all of a sudden she will turn around and bite me. She attacks my legs bitting me as I walk thru the house. I dearly love her but it is serious and I am cautious when petting her.
Evelyn, State College, PA
Posted: 7/14/2010 9:50:44 AM
I work at a boarding kennel and recently encountered 3 Bengals (my firsts). Two were in the same family and one of them was HILARIOUS and so outgoing and funny and lovey. Followed everyone around inside the cat room. The other was a smidge shy but never hissed or anything. The third? I WANTED HIM! He was a 5 month old kitten and just SUCH a love. He played all the time, he charmed our entire staff, and he was SO beautiful. Just a happy little funny curious lovey follow-cat. Total love. If I could afford it, I'd get one :)
Jules, Englewood, CO
Posted: 9/8/2009 11:14:55 PM
Bengals are AWESOME!!!! I have had other cats in the past from domestic shorthair to Persians and I have to say that Bengals are the best natured cats around. I have a 4 year old daughter who packs my Bengals cats around and they never hiss at her or bite they are very laid back and easy going. They dont mind traveling and follow you around the house. I have Never seen any wild traits come out.
RB, BA, OK
Posted: 12/27/2007 9:15:01 AM
We have two male 1.5 year old Bengal brothers, Wiley and Rascal. They are just such sweet boys and such a fun breed. I never thought cats would love bathtime! I do agree with the article in that you should buy 2 bengals if you are not home all day. They make great companions and are able to tell when you are busy and can't play. Ours are not declawed, but it is necessary to have a cat tree. BENGALS ARE GREAT!!
AH, Phoenix, AZ
Posted: 2/22/2007 5:54:29 AM
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