This unusual cross-breed between a wild cat and a domestic cat has been described by its own breed founder as the "domestic reproduction of a leopard." Though not at all wild in temperament, this playful and affectionate breed's looks give away its genetic origins.

Bengals are said to be more like dogs than cats. These playful cats love to be the center of attention. Most have a fondness for climbing, and enjoy playing in water immensely, particularly running water. Some have been known to jump right in the tub or shower with their owners! The intelligence of the Bengal is well known to all who have met a Bengal. Their intellect lends to their dog-like behavior, some Bengals are known to play fetch with their owners and use their paws very much like hands. They are not overly vocal, but their voices sometimes tend to carry the mark of their wild origins. There are exceptions to this rule, as one Bengal owner reports that her Bengals are quite vocal. Exuding with physical prowess and activity, the Bengal is the perfect pet for someone who enjoys a pet who is a constant, inquisitive playmate. Most breeders suggest that Bengals make even more excellent pets when fixed, and that it will not hamper the breed's naturally active and curious personality whatsoever. Whether fixed or not, a cat tree is an absolute must for the owners of a Bengal. Though partially wild in origin, Bengals are very adaptive to almost any family situation or environment, and make excellent, playful companions for children.

Weighing in at an average of nine to twelve pounds, with the males sometimes reaching up to 15 pounds, this beautiful cat appears to be a small predator, but its nature is actually quite gentle and loyal. The Bengal's breed standard asks for a cat that is large, but not one that is larger than the largest domestic breed. Bred to retain its wild appearance, however, it carries a long, sleek and muscular body with its hind legs resting slightly higher than its shoulders. The tail is rather short, with a black tip, and is carried lower than other domestic breeds. The head is longer than it is wide. The head is topped with short, rounded ears and well-spaced, ovular eyes, bright green or gold in color. The nostrils are rounder and somewhat wider than normal domestic cats, and its whisker pads are prominent, similar to wild cats as opposed to any domestic breed. The Bengal's most prominent feature is its beautiful spotted or marbled coat of short, dense fur, which almost resembles pelt. When spotted, the pattern is random or horizontal and stands out distinctly from the background color of tan, gold or mahogany. The marbled variety of the coat has randomly arranged, horizontal stripes, which blend slightly more with the background color, causing the "marbled" effect. According to the Bengal Standard, for show purposes, the cat's belly must be spotted; not just one or two spots, but many. This spotting lends to its "wild" look. Most domestic Bengals have cream or buff colored bellies. There are also black Bengals, which are considered to be faults in breeding programs. It is reported that these cats retain much of their wild behavior.

The Bengal is native to the United States, but genetically is a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard cat. The name "Bengal" is not derived from a place, but rather the Latin name of its wild, genetic parentage, "Felis bengalensis" (Asian Leopard cat). There seems to be a lot of debate as to the exact origins of this magnificent cat. Some sources state that it was first developed in the 1980s in Arizona, while others maintain that it was developed in the 1960's in California. The debate also continues as to who the originator of this bred is and who named it. Some state that it was Jean Sugden of California who first developed the Bengal, while others hold that it was developed and named by a woman in Arizona, and others give strong support that credits William Engler of the Long Island Ocelot Club for first naming the breed. The majority of the research indicates that the Bengal began in California, but because there is so much debate the various opinions are all presented here.

Luxating Patella, rib-cage deformities, and cardiomyopathy have been problems in certain cats, and lines. Some Bengals have diarrhea from cheaper commercial diets that contain soy-based protein as opposed to higher quality meat-based proteins. They may also have skin problems due to food allergies. Some breeders have reported entropion as a breed related health concern, however, it does not appear in all lines.

Care should be taken when feeding the Bengal, as their stomachs are not completely domesticated and they may have problems digesting normal cat food. Breeders suggest a diet high in protein and fiber to help balance this problem. Owners are also advised by breeders to use caution when buying a Bengal, since those within three generations of the original crossbreeding may still exhibit wilder temperament.

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