I taught ballroom, latin and disco dancing while I was going to college for a degree in Fashion Design. I enjoyed it so much I started my own business making one of a kind dance competition gowns.

 

I loved it. It was a fabulous career! "Beautiful Dance Costumes covered in rhinestones". For 20 years I could not imagine ever doing anything else.

 

When I had my son, Robert, I was in the height of my success and known as one of the top designers in our field... but as a single Mom it was becoming more and more difficult to travel over 15 times a year on sales trips, run my shop, and to stay one step ahead of my dressmakers. I could not do all that and still be there for all my son's needs.

 

That's when our wonderful Bengals came into our lives. They have brought so much joy into my son and my life. This has changed my whole business direction and now we can bring a beloved Bengal kitten into your life too.

 

I have also created a very unique everything for your cat store "The Cat Gem Boutique".

The Cat Gems Boutique

Now I design cat trees, rhinestone collars, charms, dishes, totes, etc. Below  is a photo showing three of my Bengals showing off their custom jeweled necklaces.

You can purchase one of our designs or I can personalize any collar with your cat's name or initials, your favorite jewel or color scheme.

Cat Gems is offering a 15% discount on all products bought with new kitten from Bengal Gems.

The History of The Bengal Cat

The Bengal Cat is a relatively recent breed of domestic cat.

It was first developed by crossing a domestic cat with the Asian Leopard Cat in an attempt to develop a toy tame leopard cat.

In 1963, Jean Mill was the first breeder to cross a female Leopard Cat with a domestic male. It was her aim to combine the stunning beauty and unique coat markings of the wild Asian Leopard Cat with the gentle and loving temperament of the domestic cat. She registered the first Bengal Cat with the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1983.

The Bengal cat's name comes from the Latin name for the Asian Leopard Cat, felis bengalensis.

Because the Asian Leopard Cat is immune to feline leukemia, geneticists at the University of California began a breeding program with Leopard Cats and shorthaired domestic cats as part of of study of feline leukemia in the 1970's. Jean's cats were used as foundation stock for the project.

Other breeders began crossing the Leopard Cats with Eqyptian Mau, Ocicat, the Abbyssinian, Bombay. Siamese, and the British Shorthair.

The first three generations of Bengals are domestic/leopard cat hybrids. They are the foundation generations and commonly referred to as F1, F2, and F3 Bengals. Foundation females are usually owned by breeders. Foundation males are sterile and placed in select pet homes. The foundation Bengals require special care and attention, and might not be appropriate for certain households. Their wild beauty is very appealing, but consideration should be given to their temperament.

The fourth generation and beyond are called Bengals or "SBT" Bengals. It is only at this level that the cats are considered to have reached domesticity.

The domestic SBT Bengals have gentler, yet dynamic personalities: They are intelligent, lively, interactive cats and enjoy being an active member of the family.

The Modern Bengal

The Bengal Breed is a recognized breed in championship in both TICA (The International Cat Association) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) .

The Bengal is the most popular breed in the show rings of TICA and its future is very bright.

Appearance

Bengal Cats may be spotted or marbled and can be one of four different color combinations: brown tabby, seal lynx point, seal sepia tabby, or seal mink tabby. Spotted Bengals have black/brown spots or rosettes. The belly must be spotted. The pads of the feet must be dark brown, and the tip of the tail must be black.

The fur, when exceptionally soft to touch, is referred to as pelted. Bengals are often glittered, meaning it looks like the cat was sprinkled with golden glitter. I like to say that my cat, Miss Tinker Belle, was sprinkled with golden pixie dust.Bengal kittens are born with their full markings, but like their wild ancestor in the jungle, may go through a camouflage stage at about three to twelve weeks when the markings fade. Kittens can take five months to a year to develop their full color and pattern. 

Temperament

What I find so desirable about Bengal Cats, in addition to their exotic wild look, is their wonderful temperament. Bengals are affectionate, attentive, outgoing, playful, quick, intelligent, confident, and inquisitive about everything.

My Bengals meet me at the door when I come home. They follow me around the house, anxious to participate in whatever I am doing. They are eager to create games and are quick to train me to play the game of the moment with them. The Bengals are extremely curious about anything new I bring home, whether it's the groceries, the grocery bags, a new plant, or even a picture. Miss Tinker Belle loves little toy mice. She can find a new mouse in a bag from the pet store before I have time to unpack the bag.

Ambush, stalking, escape, and pursuit are skills young cats perfect during play. A cat in the wild, would later use these skills to hunt for prey. Many breeds of cats tend to play less as they grow older. Bengals continue to play the games of young cats into their adulthoods.

Water Babies

The Asian Leopard Cat is an accomplished swimmer. Therefore, Bengal Cats tend to be infatuated with water. My Bengals love to watch the water coming from the faucet and going down the drain, sometimes sticking their heads right under the running faucet. My stud cat, Tambuka, will splash around in any bowl of water, especially the toilet bowl, if the seat is left up! Some Bengals are reported to jump in the shower or the bathtub with you.

Bengals Are Talkers

Bengal Cats tend to have an extensive vocabulary. In addition to a cat's meow, my Bengals use a variety of chirps, peeps, and bleats, as well as the usual growls and hisses. When I say hello to Miss Tinkerbelle, or ask her a question, more times than not, she will respond vocally, (especially if I ask her if she wants to have dinner!). Alice Through the Looking Glass always responds with a series of chirps and bleats when I pet her. Perhaps Bengal Cats have such as extensive vocabulary due to their wild ancestry and the need for effective communication in the wild.