The Bengal, with its wild looking striped or spotted coat, looks much like a small leopard or jaguar. While still rare worldwide, their popularity is growing rapidly. The Bengal is a relatively new breed of cat which was first bred in the U.S.A and was originally created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat. The domestic Bengal derives its name from the Latin name of its wild ancestor, Felis Bengalensis (Asian Leopard Cat). Whilst the domestic Bengal is similar in appearance to the Asian Leopard cat, and its genetic makeup contains a contribution from that wild cat species, its temperament however is purely domestic. In the 1970s the University of California created a project to determine if the Asian Leopard Cat's immunity to Feline Leukemia could cross over to the domestic cat (unfortunately this was not the case). Several of the hybrid females were provided to Jean Sugden (Mill). These hybrid females were instrumental in establishing the Bengal breed as it is known today, with the incredible markings of the Asian Leopard Cat, and the gentle temperament of the domestic cat. The Bengal breed was recognized in 1984 by TICA (The International Cat Association). To be registered, the Bengal must be four generations away from the wild cat. Requires space and exercise. Affectionate, developed from wild Asian Leopard Cat, so care must be taken to ensure good temperament; good with children and other pets.