The Bengal Newsroom - Here you can find some of the latest news concerning our beloved bengal in the limelight:

Halle Adopts a Bengal -
(As seen on www.sky.com) Halle Berry reportedly wants to adopt the rare Bengal cat she shares the screen with in her new superhero film Catwoman.

On-set sources said she enjoyed a closer relationship with the feline film star than any of the human actors - including Sharon Stone. Teen Hollywood quoted one as saying: "Halle cuts a slightly aloof figure where her human castmates are concerned. She only seems interested in that tiger thing. She takes it to her dressing room and even to production meetings."

Film bosses are believed to have told Berry she can keep the cat if she keeps it under control. The animal previously caused havoc by attacking an executive's fish tank. In the film, Berry plays Patience Prince, who becomes Catwoman when her father is murdered and searches for the killer. Stone plays Patience's employer, cosmetics icon Laurel Hedare - who hides a dark secret. (January 07, 2004)

Denver council sanctions exotic pets -
(As seen on the Denverpost.com) The Denver City Council on Monday blessed the ownership of hedgehogs, sugar gliders and Bengal cats within the city limits.

The council agreed to loosen the city's rules on pets after hearing the laments of residents who want to own the animals. "You should allow people to have one of the most beloved pets," said Rebecca Farleigh, an Adams County resident who breeds sugar gliders. She said sugar gliders are the perfect pocket pet - an animal that will snuggle in a shirt pocket "next to your heart". Previously, such animals were barred under the city's animal-control rules as wild or dangerous animals that could carry diseases. Sugar gliders are small gray marsupials that resemble flying squirrels. Hedgehogs are prickly hamster-sized animals. Spotted Bengal cats are crossbreeds of domestic and Asian leopard cats.

The council considered changing the rule to allow sugar gliders and hedgehogs a month ago, but scheduled a public hearing to discuss the issue. Bengal cats were added to the list Monday. Farleigh dismissed worries about the animals carrying diseases by kissing one of the two sugar gliders she brought to the council chamber. Mark Reinhardt, a member of Rocky Mountain Animal Defense, urged the council to block the change. "History tells us that today's fad animals are tomorrow's unwanted animals," Reinhardt said. Advocates said the animals aren't fads, but ideal pets for people who can't have cats or dogs. Sugar gliders are good for elderly and handicapped people who want pets that are easy to care for, said Larry Stone, a Northglenn resident. Hedgehogs are similarly good for people with allergies, said another. Priscilla Dressen, a Fort Collins veterinarian, said hedgehog and sugar glider owners can find many vets qualified to provide services. Several council members said they were persuaded that the animals could be controlled and cared for. The council voted 10-2 for the change. Councilwoman Judy Montero and Rosemary Rodriguez were opposed. (...) (January 27, 2004)

FELINE GOOD AT £100,000 -
(As seen on www.sky.com) The world's most expensive cat has gone on show for the cameras. TV presenter Jonathan Ross has got one of the animals, as has Hollywood star Kevin Bacon and the Sultan of Brunei. The latest British-bred Bengal cat to show off for the public costs an estimated £100,000.

His name is Zeus - and he is 90% Asian leopard cat and 10% domestic puss. But prospective buyers need not worry about his upkeep. Once they have bought him, Zeus is cheap to feed as he is happy to eat the same tinned food as an average moggie. Breeding the cats has proved to be a new career for cat lover Esmond Gay.

He decided to change his life while recovering in hospital after suffering from a stressful job. Their breeding programme started with two Bengal females from a cat rescue centre. The sales of kittens - or babies as he calls them - supports various wildlife and rescue projects.