Why are Bengal cats called that? - briefly
Bengal cats are named for their wild ancestry, specifically the Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), from which they were originally bred to create a domestic feline with a wild appearance.
Why are Bengal cats called that? - in detail
Bengal cats derive their name from their wild ancestor, the Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a small wild feline native to regions of South and East Asia, including parts of India, Bangladesh, and China. The term "Bengal" specifically references the scientific name of this wild species, highlighting the breed's origins and its unique genetic heritage. The breed was developed in the 1960s and 1970s by Jean Mill, a breeder who aimed to create a domestic cat with the striking appearance of a wild leopard cat but with the temperament of a house cat. By crossing Asian leopard cats with domestic cats, she established the foundation for the Bengal breed. The name "Bengal" was chosen to honor the wild lineage of these cats, emphasizing their exotic and visually distinctive characteristics, such as their spotted or marbled coats, which resemble those of their wild ancestors. Over time, selective breeding refined the Bengal cat into the domesticated yet wild-looking companion it is today, while retaining its connection to its namesake, the Asian leopard cat.