This is an excellent photo of a Bengal cat by Helmi Flick, the well-known, Dallas based, American cat photographer. The photo is watermarked with “Babbling Bengals” so this super looking cat must be one of theirs. Breeders often ask Helmi to photograph their cats. Helmi has a photographic studio at home but most of her photography takes place at cat shows using a mobile studio which is erected in a room attached to the show hall.
You can click on the image to see a full screen version on another page. It’s impressive.
The coat is a spotted tabby and the spots are described as ‘donuts’ for obvious reasons. Is there some Bengal glitter in the coat? I’m not sure. Glitter is a mysterious Bengal cat quality that breeders search for and desire (another page on glitter!)
Another unusual cat coat quality which you can see on this cat breed is embossing.
Now that’s a glamour shot. Beautiful kitty!
This Bengal has superb markings, nice clearly defined arrowheads as well as the rosettes.
Yes, I like the dynamic feel of the photo. Suits the cat. Ken Flick got the cat to turn like that. He would have placed the cat facing away and then used a cat tease to get him to look over his shoulder and at that brief moment, Helmi would have clicked the shutter.
Michael, these are most gorgeous kitties. . . I would so love to have one — but as I have told you, I am maxed at this time. .. I have always heard that the little “spots” are called rosettes also. . . never heard the donut term. . .and yes, Bengals are said to have “glitter” fur. . . beautiful babies indeed. . . ♥♥♥
They are rosettes. The term donuts is an alternative – hole in the middle! The Bengal is very impressive. I’d be scared to let a Bengal cat outside to roam free. It would be just too dangerous for the cat. I know of a man in London, UK who lets his F3 roam but he supervises. However, it is hardly practical and it seems unsafe to me.
I agree Michael. . .if I had a Bengal, he/she would NEVER be outside. . . I would walk them on a lead, but that is the only way I would let them out — including my current babies. . . ♥♥♥
Me too. I’d make sure he was thoroughly well leash trained. No other way.
A work colleague has a snow bengal whom she adopted through one of the breed specialist rescues. At first she had no intentions of allowing him outside, but that all changed when he kept trying to sneak out at every available opportunity. Initially she walked him on a harness, but eventually she relented and now allows him outside unsupervised during the day. He’s a rather assertive individual who used to bully their other cat, but is apparently much calmer now that he goes out every day.
I’ve asked her if she worries about him being stolen, as snow bengals are especially rare and expensive, but she says any stranger trying to pick him up would have a battle on their hands. He’s happy to play rough with their Newfoundland dog, but has been known to chase off strange dogs who pass too close to their garden!
I’ve a few friends with pedigree cats and apart from one, they all allow them outside and have been doing so for years.