Early Generation Bengals

What does it mean to be an F1, F2, or F3?

Early Generation Bengals are the first 3 generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat. When labeling them we refer to them as F1 to F3 (F standing for Foundation) or sometimes G1 to G3 (G standing for Generation.)

F1(G1) – Asian Leopard Cat parent
F2(G2)- Asian Leopard Cat grandparent
F3(G3)- Asian Leopard Cat great grandparent

Meraki is a silver, rosetted, female F1 Bengal.
Meraki is a silver, rosetted, female F1 Bengal.

Early generation Bengals are of course beautiful cats, but it is important to remember that they are not for everyone. Life for both the cat and the owner can become very uncomfortable if the household is not prepared or willing to accept the early generation Bengal’s traits and characteristics.

Cricket is a silver, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.
Cricket is a silver, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.

Having early generation Bengals takes a different and more serious level of commitment for the life of the cat. Even though early generation Bengals require a bit more attention than later generation Bengals, in my experience, they are also very devoted, loving animals and bond very strongly to their people.

Cricket is a silver, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.
Cricket is a silver, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.

Some will bond so strongly to their owners that they may die if separated from them, so again, a lifetime commitment. These wonderful creatures require early and continued socialization, more enrichment, and more time.

Bellatrix is a seal lynx point, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.
Bellatrix is a seal lynx point, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.

A lot of patience, understanding, and love goes into figuring out certain behaviors that can be linked back to the Asian Leopard Cat. Keep in mind, the early generation Bengal has an Asian Leopard Cat as a parent, grandparent, or great grandparent.

Delta is a brown, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.
Delta is a brown, rosetted, female F2 Bengal.

The closer the early generation Bengal is to the Asian Leopard Cat, the stronger the instinctive behaviors can be and the less likely those behaviors can be modified to fit the owner’s expectations.

Kola is a brown, spotted, female F2 Bengal.
Kola is a brown, spotted, female F2 Bengal,

They are very energetic and highly intelligent cats which can lead to destructive behavior when not properly channeled into a positive, more acceptable direction.

Koka is a silver, spotted, female F2 Bengal.
Koka is a silver, spotted, female F2 Bengal.

By nature, they can sometimes be a bit shy or standoffish so it is important to work with them daily from the time they are a kitten and as they age to desensitize them to all types of sights and sounds.

Sniglet is a silver, rosetted F2 female Bengal.
Sniglet is a silver, rosetted F2 female Bengal.

Even with all that work, some early generation cats will never be as social as others. It is key to recognize this and love them for who they are, not what you want them to be.

Anromeda is a brown, rosetted F3 female Bengal.
Anromeda is a brown, rosetted F3 female Bengal.

They are also each very unique in personality from one another. I have not owned one early generation Bengal that is like the next, their personalities are very unique and individual.

Delphini is a brown, rosetted F3 female Bengal.
Delphini is a brown, rosetted F3 female Bengal.

Early generation males are sterile. These male cats are placed as pets, while the females are usually used in breeding programs.

Leo is a brown, rosetted, male F3 Bengal.
Leo is a brown, rosetted, male F3 Bengal.

TICA (The International Bengal Association) will not accept Bengals for competition until they have reached the 4th generation removed from the Asian Leopard Cat. At the 4th generation and beyond they are referred to as SBT (stud book tradition) Bengals.

Aradia is a brown, spotted, female F3 Bengal.
Aradia is a brown, spotted, female F3 Bengal.

If you want to learn more about the cats pictured here, please see their linked pages below.

 

F1 – Tecspot Meraki of KotyKatz

F2 – KotyKatz Cricket

F2 – Sephora Bellatrix of KotyKatz

F2 – GraceOnHigh Delta Dawn of KotyKatz

F2 – Sniglet of KotyKatz

F3 – KotyKatz Anromeda

F3 – KotyKatz Delphini

F3 – WitchingHour Aradia of KotyKatz