Bengal cats- not allowed?

I randomly came across a piece on Bengal cats being considered a dangerous hybrid under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976.


As you may have guessed, my two cats that I plan to bring with me to Scotland are bengals! Awesome.

I'm having trouble clarifying if I am not allowed to bring them into the UK, or if there are additional hoops I need to jump through

Can someone help?

Hmmm Im not sure but i am a cat lover and I know that Bengals are bred here and sold too so that wouldn't make sense that they wouldn't allow them in..
Hope you find a definitive answer soon.

I found literature saying you need a license to have them, and then some other literature saying you don't need a license.  But it looks like mine would be ok.

There's sooooo much conflicting information.  I guess I'm just looking for clarification.

The only reference I could find was a revision to the 1976 Act, saying that a license is no longer needed to own a Bengal cat in the UK. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to be able to bring yours in. If in doubt, contact DEFRA. They're really helpful and will be able to give you a definitive answer. Without that answer, don't assume it's all going to be OK.

I called DEFRA to check and they said that because my Bengals are of the F4 generation, they can enter under the PETS process without any additional documentation.

However, they did say that I might want to check with the airline I am flying them in through, since they may want to see something regarding their pedigree.


The DEFRA helpline was so helpful and speedy!  They even took down all my information and gave me a reference number in case I run into trouble!


Well, that's a little weight off my shoulders!

I'm glad you'll be able to bring them over! 

I'm glad too!!! My boys are my babies!!!  We're spending more money than we really should on bringing them over...

In fact, I bought a used wedding dress, and have been doing a lot of DIY things for our wedding to cut wedding costs and divert the money toward my cats!  My fiancee calls me his "Crazy Cat Lady In-Training." 

It will be interesting to see them on the island (Isle of Lewis.)  Somehow, I doubt they have many Bengal Cats there! 

It will be interesting to see them on the island (Isle of Lewis.)  Somehow, I doubt they have many Bengal Cats there! 

Well, when I start reading letters about panther sightings in the Stornoway Gazette, I'll know why. :p

Of course, the writers will probably attribute it to the wrath of God over lax Sunday observance.

When I volunteered at a US humane society, Bengals who were F4 or higher were legally considered domestic pets.  F3 and under were considered wild and required permitting. 

Well, when I start reading letters about panther sightings in the Stornoway Gazette, I'll know why. :p

Of course, the writers will probably attribute it to the wrath of God over lax Sunday observance.

You know the island well!!!  I can see it now:


"Spotted devil cats seen on Lewis.  Minister says it is a warning from God regarding the protest over Sunday ferries."