Australia is home to a dedicated and passionate community of Bengal cat breeders, owners and lovers, committed to preserving the breed’s beauty, intelligence, and health. But behind the scenes, ethical breeders are now facing an enormous challenge—the Bengal cat import ban.
This, prevents conscientious Australian breeders from introducing new and much needed bloodlines into their programs, a situation that has long-term consequences for the coefficiency of inbreeding (COI), genetic diversity, and ultimately the health and development of Bengal cats in Australia.
Why Has the Bengal Cat Been Banned from Import into Australia?
Bengal cats began as a hybrid of a domestic cat (Felis catus) and an Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).
Since 2013, Australian importers have been granted exemptions if they could prove their Bengal cat was at least five generations removed from an Asian Leopard Cat, by submitting a registered pedigree showing the cat’s lineage.
However, on 10 December 2024, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, removed Bengal cats from the Live Import List, stating:
“Their potential risk to the Australian environment needs to be undertaken first.”
This decision overlooks the fact that modern Bengals—both in Australia and abroad—are typically 10+ generations removed from the original hybrid, due to decades of breed development.
Bengal Cat Breed Acceptance Timeline:
- 1986 – Recognised by The International Cat Association (TICA)
- 1997 – Accepted by The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)
- 1999 – Accepted by Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) and the Australian Cat Federation (ACF)
Understanding the Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI)
Before examining the impact of the import ban, it’s essential to understand the coefficiency of inbreeding.
COI is a percentage that measures the likelihood two alleles at any genetic locus are identical by descent. In simpler terms, it indicates how closely related two cats are. The higher the COI, the more inbred the animal is likely to be.
Why it matters:
- Low COI = Greater genetic diversity and health
- High COI = Higher risk of genetic issues, weaker immune systems, and reproductive problems
Ethical breeders work to keep COI levels low to ensure healthy, thriving kittens.
How the Bengal Cat Import Ban Limits Genetic Diversity
No New Bloodlines = Closed Gene Pool
With the ban in place, Australian breeders can no longer import Bengals from overseas. This means:
- The gene pool is closed
- Breeders can only work with existing bloodlines within Australia
- Pedigrees become repetitive, with the same ancestors appearing over and over
Even with careful planning, a closed system eventually leads to increased inbreeding.
The Domino Effect of a Shrinking Gene Pool
1. Rising COI
As breeders are forced to rely on related cats, the average COI rises. Each generation without new genes pushes the breed closer to dangerous inbreeding levels.
- Some bloodlines in Australia already show excessively high COIs
- High COI is linked to:
- Inherited diseases
- Weakened immune function
- Smaller litter sizes
- Recessive genetic disorders
How Ethical Breeders Can Manage the Risk
Even under restrictions, responsible breeders are doing their best to preserve the breed.
1. Strategic Pairings and Line Management
Breeders must be more mindful than ever with pairings. The priority must be the health and longevity of the breed—not just appearance or show results.
Best practices include:
- Avoiding overuse of popular sires, which spike COI
- Researching pedigrees across multiple generations
- Pairing unrelated lines, instead of repeating widely used combinations
Even so, these efforts have limits without fresh genetics from outside Australia.
Conclusion
The Bengal cat import ban may have been introduced with good intentions, but in practice, it’s endangering the future of the breed in Australia.
Without access to new bloodlines:
- COI levels continue to rise
- Genetic diversity declines
- Breed health and vitality are at risk
Ethical breeders are working tirelessly to protect the breed. But without policy change, their hands are tied.
At Ashmiyah Bengal Cats, and among many like-minded breeders, we believe it’s time to revisit the import ban. With responsible protocols in place, Australia can reopen the door to ethical, health-focused breeding that ensures the Bengal cat’s future.
Bengal Cat Owners: Responsible, Loving, and Committed
Bengal cat owners in Australia are some of the most dedicated and responsible pet guardians you’ll meet. These stunning cats aren’t just pets—they’re beloved family members, deeply cherished for their intelligence, beauty, and affectionate nature.
Owners often invest in:
- High-quality nutrition and healthcare
- Enrichment activities and interactive play
- Secure outdoor spaces (like catios) or harness training
Most importantly, they support ethical breeders who provide Bengal kittens already:
- Desexed
- Vaccinated
- Microchipped
- Registered
Responsible ownership is woven into the Bengal community. Many owners actively advocate for animal welfare, educate others about avoiding backyard breeders, and proudly support ethical breeding programs focused on long-term health and wellbeing.
Protecting the Breed for Future Generations
As Bengal breeders and owners, we’re united by a common goal: to protect and preserve this extraordinary breed. We want future generations of cat lovers to experience the same joy, beauty, and companionship that Bengals bring into our lives.
The Bengal cat’s future in Australia depends on action—before it’s too late.