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Imagine
having one of nature's most exotic wild cats in your own
home! Plus, imagine this cat having the personality and
size of large domestic cat -- much more practical! This
cat, known as the Bengal, is a new breed of domestic cat
developed and bred to preserve the exquisite beauty of
the Asian Leopard Cat.
A Brief Bengal History
The Bengal is a distinctive feline hybrid breed. The
foundation cats for the breed were created by crossing
domestic felines and wild Asian leopard cats found
throughout southeast Asia. The resulting hybrids are
carefully being bred to create the exquisite Bengal, an
exotic domestic cat that closely resembles its wild
ancestors, and yet has the sweet and reliable
disposition of its domestic cousins.
Bengal Characteristics
Females are 6-12 lbs. at maturity. Males are 10-18 lbs.
when full-grown, with a few getting to 20 lbs.
Bengals display an extraordinarily soft, short-haired
coat. Coat colors include brown spotted (dark
leopard spots on a background ranging from grayish tan
to golden red), snow leopard (off white or ivory
with contrasting spots that darken with age) and
marble (a dark swirling pattern with a horizontal
flow) with a brown or snow background.
Many Bengals exhibit a very distinctive "glittered pelt"
trait. Glittered pelts appear to be sprinkled with gold
dust (snows sprinkled with silver) & have a shine and
sparkle like no other, domestic or wild. Black tipped
tails, black paw pads and intense facial markings that
accentuate their expressive eyes and exotic head
structure complete the package.
Kittens are spotted or marbled but go through a fuzzy
stage between 6-16 weeks, just like the camouflage stage
wild cubs go through. It can take up to a year for their
extraordinary color to fully develop. By seeing the
parents, you can get a good idea of the wonderful color
and coat quality the youngster will have as an adult.
Bengal Temperament (Also Visit
TIBCS for more
information on Bengals.)
"Personality with Pizzazz" is the best description for
the Bengal's personality. They are highly intelligent,
affectionate, and curious cats. They enjoy the
companionship of their families, other breeds of cats
and household pets. While regular house cats grow out of
the playful kitten stage, Bengals remain their
distinctive playful personalities. They are very
athletic and love water. (You will usually find a Bengal
with at least one paw in the water bowl!) They have
domestic litter box habits and have the same nutritional
and immunization requirements as other domestic felines.
What Type of Bengal is Right For You?
There are three categories you can choose from when
making the right decision about which Bengal you want.
PET QUALITY - These are kittens from the same
champion bloodlines that our show and breeding cats are
from. They may have type, color, or spotted pattern that
we are not using in our breeding program. These healthy,
playful kittens will be an exciting addition to your
family. These kittens would not be used as breeding cats
and are required to be spayed or neutered.
BREEDERS - Breeder kittens have distinctive
markings with strong contrast between pattern and
background. The best Bengal personality traits should be
present with extra genetic strength for improving the
breed. These cats may have a minor fault that will keep
them from the show ring but are otherwise an excellent
example of the breed.
SHOW & BREEDING PROSPECTS - Show ring quality
cats possess spectacular color, markings, and
conformation and have the most exotic and wild
appearance. Cats sold as a show prospect cannot be
guaranteed a certain level of championship, but they
will be of the highest quality. We are very selective
about which kittens are show quality. There can be a
wait for kittens of this caliber. Those with advance
deposits get first choice on top kittens.
Note: Occasionally retired cats and
breeders are available for adoption. These are young
neutered cats (usually 2-4 years old) that have worked
hard to produce and show well for Razzeldots
Bengals. They are now ready to relax and become a part
of your family, and be an affectionate, loving pet.
These cats are available at reasonable prices to the
right home.
How to Adopt a Razzeldots Bengal
It is always best if you can choose your kitten in
person, but we will be happy to send photos to those of
you farther away. Razzeldots kittens are ready for their
new homes between 9 and 12 weeks of age. They will
have been litter box trained, weaned and
they will be eating on their own. Kittens can be chosen
as early as 5 weeks and a deposit will hold your kitten
until it is ready to travel.
We are happy to help you make arrangements to fly your
kitten in the case of long distances.
Links to TICA and ACFA Bengal Breed standard:
http://www.acfacats.com/bengal_standard.htm
http://www.tica.org/binary/pdf/publications/standards/bgstd.pdf
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