Which wild cat species contributed to the development of the Bengal cat breed?

The Asian leopard cat contributed to the development of the Bengal cat breed. Early Bengal breeding crossed this small wild cat with domestic cats to create a domestic breed with a spotted or marbled coat and a wild appearance.

Jean Mill played a major role in establishing the modern Bengal breeding program in the United States. The breed’s name comes from the Asian leopard cat’s scientific name, Prionailurus bengalensis, not from the Bengal tiger. Later-generation Bengals are domestic cats, although early-generation hybrids may retain more wild-cat behavior.

Bengals are often confused with Ocicats because both can be spotted. Their histories differ: Bengals have Asian leopard cat ancestry, while Ocicats were developed entirely from domestic breeds. Bengal coats may be spotted, rosetted, or marbled, and some have a glittering effect caused by translucent hair shafts.