Introduction to Bengals
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The Bengal cat originated in the 1990s when Jean Mill crossed an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) male with a black domestic short haired female. The goal was to create a domestic cat breed that was immune to Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) like ALCs are. Unfortunately, this immunity did not transfer to the resulting offspring. Though it may be possible that Bengal cats are more resistant to FeLV, they are not immune. According to Feline Infectious Diseases, Chapter
7, page 54, by Niels C. Pedersen, D.V.M. Ph.D - it may be dangerous and even lethal to give a Bengal an FeLV vaccines. At Nemera Bengals, we choose to not take this risk with our cats. We test for but do NOT vaccinate for FeLV. |
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Bengal cats can be wonderful, loving household pets. They are very striking with patterns of beautiful leopard-like spots or swirling marble. Bengals come in a variety of colors. Reputable Bengal breeders test for PK Deficiency, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in all their breeding cats. Breeding cats should also be checked for luxating patella. Most quality breeders will also color and pattern test their cats to ensure they are only producing cats which they can reliably find homes for.
Responsible breeders early spay/neuter their pet kittens OR require by contract that the buyer have them spayed/neutered before they will receive papers. Your breeder should be able to provide you with proof of registration and health testing of the parents of the Bengal kitten you wish to buy.
You should be allowed to visit the cattery by appointment to view the adult cats and the kittens in their home.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, don't buy! You owe it to yourself to do the research and
find a top quality Bengal kitten that will be with you for many years to come!
Responsible breeders early spay/neuter their pet kittens OR require by contract that the buyer have them spayed/neutered before they will receive papers. Your breeder should be able to provide you with proof of registration and health testing of the parents of the Bengal kitten you wish to buy.
You should be allowed to visit the cattery by appointment to view the adult cats and the kittens in their home.
If at any point you feel uncomfortable, don't buy! You owe it to yourself to do the research and
find a top quality Bengal kitten that will be with you for many years to come!
A standard is what is used to judge cats in the show ring. The closer the cat comes to the written standard, the better it should do in shows. This means that the Bengal is well-bred because it conforms to the standard better than other.
The International Cat Association (TICA) is considered the world's largest genetic cat registry.
They register cats and their kittens and keep track of pedigrees.
Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) is another popular genetic cat registry.
If your breeder is not registered with at least one of these groups, DO NOT BUY from them!
Click the buttons above to see the standards and descriptions of the Bengal cat by each of these registries.
They register cats and their kittens and keep track of pedigrees.
Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) is another popular genetic cat registry.
If your breeder is not registered with at least one of these groups, DO NOT BUY from them!
Click the buttons above to see the standards and descriptions of the Bengal cat by each of these registries.
