Today we want to tell you about a rather rare, but already very "fashionable" breed of cats. It's about a leopard cat (bengal).
This is a short-haired, artificially bred breed, obtained by crossing an Asian wild leopard cat with a domestic one. The first, obsolete breed name is leopardetta. Today this breed is one of the most popular, and therefore one of the most expensive.
In 1961, an American Jane Sugen bought a wild Asian cat in Taiwan, named her Malaysia, and brought her to the United States, where she grew up with an ordinary black domestic cat. In 1963, the feline couple had offspring - the kitten KinKin. Then it seemed like a miracle, and Jane decided to create a domestic cat breed that would look like a wild animal.
In 1983, a leopard cat (Bengal) was registered with TICA, and in 1985 cats of a Bengal breed were first presented at the exhibition, where they created a real sensation among connoisseurs.
Today in the USA this breed is quite widespread - there are about 9000 representatives, and in the nursery Jane Sugen (Mill) there are more than 60 individuals.
In our country, a domestic leopard cat is just starting to gain popularity. But there are already several kennels in which Bengal cats have been bred since 1997.
Leopard cat (bengal) is a rather large animal. An adult cat weighs 5-6 kg, a cat - about 4 kg. The body of the animal is muscular, strong, flexible, slightly elongated. Cats are slimmer and sleeker than cats. Strong muscular legs, with the hind legs much longer than the front. Large and rounded paws. Massive head with a wide muzzle and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Short, shiny, thick and silky coat.
A leopard cat can have a different color: against the background of shades of brown, a distinct brown or black pattern, spotted or marble on a golden background - these shades are recognized by the standard. Bengals have two types of patterns - spotted and marble.
Leopard cats are a breed that has very rare, original colors. For example, force links (snow leopard). On an almost white background, spots from a reddish color to black contrast sharply. Most recently, the third color was officially adopted - blue (silver). Currently, the breed is considered fully formed.
The opinions of the Bengal owners regarding his character were divided - some believe that this is a wild and uncontrollable cat, others are sure that she is as tender and affectionate as an ordinary pet. Leopard cat is affectionate. Having chosen a master, she will run on his heels, taking an active part in his household chores. It gets along well with other animals.
Bengals usually have good health, they are very neat, clean. Leopard cat is an active animal. For games, she needs a spacious room. They are magnificent jumpers, love water very much and enjoy swimming even in a regular bath. With pleasure they walk along the street on a leash.