The Bengal cat breed was created from the dream of Mrs Jean Mill, who wanted to create a domestic cat with all the physical characteristics of a genuine feline bengalensis, combined with the personality and temperament of a domestic cat.
The Bengal breed is a unique breed of cat, with their wild leopard coat, intriguing qualities of a wild cat, their agility and high intelligence, separates the Bengal cat from a typical domestic cat.
Images: Asian Leopard Cat (ACL) | SBT Bengal | The ‘Fuzzies’ stage
The Bengal cat has many attributes to a wild cat . Bengal kittens as like wild cats too undergo a period of “fuzzy” as a camouflage against predators in the wild . The “fuzzy” stage or more commonly known as the “fuzzies” can last up to the age of 6 months . After this time their beautiful coats will clear up to show off their amazing spots/rosettes (see our stunningly beautiful rosette Queens). The Bengal colours and coat will continue to develop further for the following 2 years.
The Bengal is the only breed of cat to have rosettes, its fur is soft, silky and feels like velvet to touch. A Bengal coat should appear to be covered in a fine layer of gold glitter (see our glitter coated stud Bali Bengal Quartz). Bengals can also have a marble coat, as well as various colours including seal minx, silver, blue and charcoal, the traditional brown spotted/rosetted is still the most sought-after coat. Dreamstone Bengals U.K, specialise in the traditional brown spotted/rosetted Bengal (see our amazing stud Brokenmoor Dax), combining the best bloodlines from America, Canada and Europe.
31 Bengal Cat Facts!
#1 Tiny Leopards in Your Living Room!
At first glance, Bengals might look wild… like miniature leopards prowling your home.
But don’t let that fierce coat fool you—they’re 100% domestic and make the best loving and loyal fur friend!
Here’s why:
• They’re generations away from their wild ancestors
• Bred for cuddles, playtime, and companionship—not survival
• They rely on humans for food, care, and love
• Playful, social, affectionate… zero wild instincts
Think of them as cats in a leopard costume—fierce-looking, exotic, and adventurous on the outside, but curious, loving, and totally people-oriented on the inside.
#2 The Asian leopard cat connection
Their wild appearance comes from ancestry with the Asian leopard cat.
The Asian leopard cat (ALC) is a small wild cat native to Asia. It has a naturally spotted coat, a sleek body, and strong hunting instincts—features that closely resemble big cats like leopards, just on a smaller scale. In the 1960s–1970s, breeders intentionally crossed Asian leopard cats with domestic cats. The goal was to create a cat that looked wild and exotic but behaved like a loving house pet. This is how the Bengal breed began.
#3 Bengals & their sparkly coats, called “glitter.”
“Glitter” isn’t a colour or a pattern—it’s a unique hair structure found in many Bengal cats. Each individual hair shaft has translucent, hollow tips that refract and reflect light. When light hits the coat, it creates a sparkling or shimmering effect, almost like the fur has been dusted with gold or frost. The glitter trait is believed to come from the Asian leopard cat ancestry, where wild cats evolved coats that reflect light in ways that enhance camouflage.
Not all Bengals carry the glitter gene, it is more common in well bred Bengals and is seen as a bonus trait, not a breed requirement. All Dreamstone babies carry the glitter gene & sparkle!
#4 No two Bengal coat patterns are exactly the same!
Their patterns are genetically complex. Bengal coat patterns aren’t controlled by a single gene. Instead, they’re shaped by multiple interacting genes that influence: Spot size, Spot shape (solid spots vs.rosettes), Spacing between markings, Contrast between markings and background colour, Direction and flow of the pattern. Because so many genes are involved, the number of possible combinations is enormous—far more than in breeds with simple tabby patterns.
#5 Bengal cats are built like feline athletes!
They are extremely athletic & love to climb.
Bengal cats have a body structure that supports power and agility: Long, muscular bodies with very little bulk, Powerful hind legs designed for jumping and launching upward, Strong shoulders and core, giving them excellent balance, Slightly longer back legs than front legs, which boosts vertical leaps.
This build allows Bengals to jump higher and farther than most domestic cats.
#6 You can leash train a Bengal!
Many Bengals enjoy walking on a leash like a dog due to their specific breed traits, such as:
Their intelligence,
They crave exploration,
They are adaptable to new environments,
They have high energy levels.
Walking your Bengal on a leash encourages a strong bond between cat and human. For Bengals, leash walking becomes less like “taking the cat outside” and more like going on an adventure together.
#7 They’re famous for being very vocal and chatty with Strong communication instincts.
Bengals are highly social cats that actively communicate with their humans. Instead of quietly existing in the background, they:
Announce their presence,
Comment on what you’re doing,
Ask for attention, food, or play,
Respond when spoken to.
For Bengals, vocalizing is a tool, not just noise. Because Bengals are very intelligent, they notice routines, remember what usually happens, and get frustrated when expectations aren’t met. If dinner is late, playtime is skipped, or a door is closed, a Bengal is likely to voice their opinion—loudly and clearly.
#8 Bengals are often described as the “geniuses” of the cat world.
They are highly intelligent and can learn tricks easily. Bengals inherit problem-solving skills from their Asian leopard cat ancestry, where survival required:
Planning movements,
Learning quickly from experience,
Adapting to changing environments.
Those instincts translate into modern Bengals who think before they act.
Many Bengals can easily learn tricks to: Sit, High-five, Spin, Fetch, Jump through hoops, Walk on a leash, Ring a bell, Come when called. Bengals are also great candidates for clicker training.
#9 Some Bengals can figure out how to open doors and cabinets!
Bengals are highly intelligent and observe their humans behaviours carefully. They love to test actions to see what works. For example, if they see you twist a handle, pull a lever, or push a door, they may experiment until they figure out the same movement themselves.
#10 Bengals are famous for their unusual love of water, which sets them apart from most domestic cats
Bengals often enjoy water because they inherited curiosity and some wild-cat comfort from running water. Their intelligence makes water a playground of possibilities. Unlike most cats, a Bengal might join you at the sink, splash in the bathtub, or even “help” with dishes—all while having a blast.