About the Bengal

The Bengal cat was developed in an effort to preserve the Asian Leopard Cat. This wild cat is crossed with domestic cats. The first 4 generations of this cross may require special handling, housing, care and/or special permits. After 4 generations from the Asian Leopard Cat, the Bengal is considered to be a domestic cat. 

Please see The International Bengal Cat Society website for more information regarding the Bengal.

Ocicats contain no wild blood, their pedigree is entirely domesticated cat, with the predictable temperament and personality of a domestic cat. There is no increased risk of instinctual (wild) behavior, such as spraying, biting, and scratching.

The Cat Fanciers Association, the largest cat registry, does not recognize the Bengal for registration or showing because it is a wild animal hybrid. Please see their policy statement, CFA Policy Statement.

For a rescuer's perspective on hybrids, see Hybrids.

We would much prefer to see this time and effort put into preservation of the actual Asian Leopard Cat (which is not endangered), rather than development of the genetically diluted Bengal (or any other wild hybrid).

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