Misrepresentation of the Bengal cat breed

I am extremely appalled The Gazette posted a photograph of a Bengal cat from the Cat Fanciers' Association show in such a non-positive manner.

Bengal cats are generally very sweet, social and lovable family members. However, there is a false perception about the breed in which people view them as mean or vicious. The fact is any cat or dog can be mean, but this is not generally the case.

Bengals are descendants of the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) which is a small, shy forest-dwelling cat. They are generally not hissing or growling at home, as portrayed in the photograph that was published regarding the show in the Midlands. I do not understand why, of all the photographs that could have been selected, editors chose to use such a photograph. It has taken many years for these beautiful cats to be accepted for showing within the Cat Fancy, and today I open my Facebook feed to see this photograph from the show of a cat 'hissing at judge.” I am happy to supply photographs of beautiful bengals from CFA with the same judge handling them for your use.

This has sincerely caused waves within our community of Bengal breeding and attempting to educate the public about these fantastic cats.

Ashley Miller

Dracarys Bengals

TICA and CFA registered cattery

Clinton, Ill.