Are Bengal Cats Good Or Bad Pets?

3. Bengal Cats Are Part Wild Animal

Bengal cats are a hybrid between domestic and this pictured wild Asian Leopard cats. Each cat has an "F-number" for example F1, F2, and F3. This number shows how close they are to their wild ancestor. An F1 cat is a first generation hybrid with one domestic and one Asian Leopard parent. As the wild Asian Leopard genes are diluted down the family lines the F-number changes. A cat with two F1 parents is only one-quarter Asian Leopard making them an F2. Each step up the F-number shows the cat has less wild Asian Leopard genes.

As a general rule, the lower the F-number, the wilder the cat's behavior. F1 cats can have undesirable behaviors like aggression and loud vocalization. F1, F2, and F3 are uncommon today because the breed is more established so that fewer hybrids are needed with Asian Leopard cats. Today, most Bengal pets are F6 or higher.