The Bengal started as a hybrid breed resulting from the crossing of The Asian Leopard Cat (prionailurus Bengalensis or Felis Bengalensis),a small wild leopard cat weighing between 13-16 lbs, to a domestic cat. Bengal Cats were first exhibited in shows in 1985, in the new breed and color division. The publics reaction was overwhelming, crowds gathered in awe of this beautiful and magnificent new creation! The importation of the Asian Leopard Cat is limited. Rigid controls are enforced to those wishing to keep one of these wild cats. Crossing the domestic cat to the Asian Leopard Cat allows the lover of the exotic to own a fully domestic cat with the look of an exotic.

The first attempted hybrid records date back to 1871 indicating that a domestic shorthair was the original cross with the spotted Leopard Cat. The first hybrid with the intention to create a pet "leopard" is recorded as being accomplished in Japan in the 1941 Cat Fancy publication. Until 1960 there are no records of anyone in the United States breeding the Leopard Cat to domestic cats, and then, it was not until the 1970's that any effort was made to create the Bengal breed.