The Bengal cat is a breed of hybrid cat created from crossbreeding an Asian leopard cat to domestic cats (Prionailurus bengalensis × Felis catus), especially the spotted tabby Egyptian Mau. Bengals have varying appearances. Their tabby coats range from domestic spots to hybrid rosettes, arrowhead markings, and marbling. The breed is selectively bred and pedigree registered with most of the major cat registries. The breed's name derives from the leopard cat's taxonomic name. Due to the recent hybridisation with their wild ancestor species, the breeding, trading, and ownership of Bengal cats is legally regulated in several countries.

Closest relatives