Bengal cats are the descendants of a cross between an Asian
Leopard Cat and a domestic cat, originally Egyptian Maus, Abyssians or Ocicats
amongst others.
The first three generations resulting from the ALC x Bengal
are considered “Foundation Bengals”. The terminology regarding the early
generation Foundation Cats can become somewhat confusing.
The term “filial” comes from the Latin word filius or “son”.
The genetic meaning of the word filial is “of or relating to a generation or
the sequence of generations following the parental generation”
Bengal breeders refer to F-1 as the first generation cross
between the ALC and the domestic Bengal. The F-2 is the second generation cross
(the offspring of the F-1 and the domestic Bengal). The F-3 is the third
generation (the offspring of the F-2 and a Bengal). The International Cat
Association (TICA) considers the fourth generation (F-4) to be a “SBT”
(studbook tradition) Bengal, eligible for competition in the show ring and a
fully accepted domestic cat.
The fourth generation removed from the wild and beyond can
be considered a domestic animal and is officially a Bengal rather than a
Leopard Cat hybrid.
The goal in developing the domestic Bengal cat breed was to
preserve a strong physical resemblance to its beautiful wild ancestor with
large spots, rosettes, and a light/white belly, and a body structure and at the
same time the new domestic breed was designed to be a pleasant and trustworthy
family companion.
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