Bengal Cats are hybrids; they are the result of a cross between the Domestic Cat and the Asian Leopard Cat, which is a small wildcat found in Asia. It is a new breed and was recognised by The International Cat Association in 1986. Bengal Cats are intelligent and inquisitive and have a beautiful wild coat with striking stripes and spots. Bengal Cats are not very far removed from their wildcat ancestry, and therefore are considered to be on the wild side compared to other domestic cat breeds.