Phoenix is a first generation (F1) Bengal cat who arrived at the sanctuary in 2004. He was a year and a half old at the time.
An F1 Bengal is a hybrid, meaning one of the parents was an Asian Leopard Cat and the other was a Bengal domestic Domestic Cat. Learn more about hybrids and why we do NOT support breeding them.
Phoenix and his brother Bronx were imported from Malaysia to New York. Within the first year, authorities seized the pair. The owner said he’d imported them to breed and make money selling small exotic cats. Little did he know, he’d been sent two male cats. The authorities contacted our sanctuary to take in the two brothers, which we did.
Life at the Sanctuary
Both cats are absolutely gorgeous, but very unsocialized to humans. They lived together for many years with other hybrids and domestic Bengals and they all got along wonderfully. They choose not to want human contact, but will accept our presence as long as we have a feather toy in hand.
Bronx passed away in 2019. But Phoenix was comforted by his longtime bungalow buddies Ty, Ledger, and a new arrival named Gabby. They’re all living wild at heart, which is what makes life the best for them.
How You Can Help
Caring for a wild cat for life – even a small hybrid like Phoenix – can be quite expensive. Hybrids usually come to us with special needs, genetic and/or medical issues due to their breeding.
Our sponsorship program helps support the cats’ care costs and allows you to form a special bond with them. Would you consider becoming Phoenix’s sponsor parent?
Or even a one time donation toward his care would be so appreciated. It’s easy to do using the buttons at the top of this page.
Thank you for caring about the little wild ones, too!