Banning Bengals? Hybrid Cats and Breed Specific Legislation
Last Updated on May 11, 2021 by Holly Anne Dustin
When you hear Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) you probably think of Pit Bulls, right? But if you are considering purchasing or adopting a Bengal, Savannah, or Chausie cat, you may be surprised to discover that some people want to ban these hybrid cats as well. Some jurisdictions like NYC are completely banning Bengals and other hybrids while many other states have regulations on owning a hybrid.
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But aren’t they recognized?
Yes, they are. The International Cat Association (TICA) has recognized the Bengal in championship since 1991, the Savannah in 2012, and the Chausie in 2013. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) began allowing Bengals to show in 2016 and accepted to Championship in 2017. The Bengal is one of the most popular breeds of cats in the cat fancy.
So Why the Ban on Bengals?
These breeds all have their foundation in a wildcat. For example, the Bengal originated in a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard Cat (a small wildcat). The original stock was essentially wildcats. Many of the rules were written to prevent people from owning wild animals like tigers or wolves and including hybrids. Unfortunately, in some places, this has been interpreted to allow banning Bengals and other hybrid kitties.
An early generation Bengal (called f1-f3) retains a lot of its wild personality and is generally limited to breeders. It might be reasonable to have some restrictions on those cats. In some states, the legislation is written that way and any cat registered with TICA or CFA with at least a 4 generation pedigree is not subject to the ban.
The arguments made by the Wildcat Sanctuary and the Animal Legal Defense Fund, in support of legislation banning Bengals and other hybrids in the state of California, are that these hybrid cats don’t make suitable pets because they are more likely to spray, fight, and bite. One petition said “they threaten human health and safety” and “can cut you to ribbons”. It is suggested that they do not integrate well into human settings.
Domesticated Hybrids
But the hybrid cats we have today are as domesticated as any other cat. They are bred Bengal to Bengal, no more crossing with wildcats.
In fact, Bengals are the foundation stock of other breeds. Bengals were bred to Oriental Shorthairs to create a breed known as the Serengeti cat, currently recognized in TICA and can be shown as an advanced new breed. The Toyger breed is created by breeding Bengals and domestics specifically for a pattern, the classic tiger stripes. The Toyger is recognized in championship in TICA. The Cheetoh is a Bengal/Occicat cross and is currently considered experimental.
What Are Bengals Like As Pets?
Bengals can be great pets! But they are not the pet for everyone. They are bright, active, athletic animals that need a lot of stimulation. But one could say that about Abyssinians or Egyptian Maus or Occicats (which look wild but have not a drop of wildcat DNA.) Bengals and the other hybrid breeds need to be able to run and jump and climb. If you want a cat that isn’t going to jump on the counters or climb the bookshelves this is not the cat for you.
They do need a lot of stimulation from their people so don’t get a Bengal if you’re going to be gone for work and leaving it home alone 40+ hours a week. If you must leave your kitty at home alone then get two, they’ll entertain each other. They aren’t lapcats, they want to play with you! They love water. They’ll play in the sink, throw their toys in the toilet and jump in the shower with you. Think of it a little like having a toddler. They’ll also walk on a leash and go adventuring with you and love every minute of it. They usually get along with other animals. You will definitely want to get a male neutered young before they develop the urge to spray because they do have a stronger smell.
Not Badly Behaved
A study done and published in the 2007 issue of Tufts University journal Catnip found that Bengals were not surrendered for behavior problems more often than other breeds, contrary to the claims made by the Wildcat Society. Bengals are bred for a pleasing temperament. The standard for the hybrid cats is unique in TICA in that they specifically are to be disqualified in a ring if they show any aggressive behavior such as swatting at the judge. Other breeds can hiss and fuss as long as they don’t bite anyone.
What to do before buying a hybrid cat
Do your research if you are considering a hybrid cat as a pet or a show companion. They don’t just “look cool”. Don’t get one because someone famous has one, or because one was the best cat in your region. Not only do you need to be sure that an active, inquisitive cat fits in with your life but make sure that he will fit in your plans for the next 15 years or so. If you are likely to be transferred for your job or decide to move be sure the place you are going does not ban your furbaby. When you take him on you are making that commitment for his lifetime.
Some resources regarding breed-specific legislation relating to banning Bengals, but as always, contact your local government for the most current info:
