Glossary

Filial generation

A count of generations since a wild-cat ancestor, with F1 the first cross, used for hybrid breeds such as the Bengal and Savannah.

Also called: F1, F2, F3, F4, SBT, stud book tradition, early generation

Filial generation describes how far a hybrid cat is from its wild ancestor. The letter F stands for filial, meaning child. An F1 cat has a wild parent and a domestic parent. An F2 cat is the child of an F1 cat and a domestic cat, F3 follows, and so on. Each step in the chain roughly halves the wild share of the cat's ancestry on paper, although inheritance is not exact.

Breeders also use the label SBT, short for stud book tradition. It marks cats that are several generations from the wild cat and are bred from domestic-type lines. Many Bengal registries treat F4 and later cats as SBT, but cut-offs differ by breed and by registry, so ask which one applies. Some experts argue the F system is confusing and use other labels, but the letters remain common in sales ads.

Generation matters for behaviour, size, fertility and the law. Early generations are usually more demanding, and males are often sterile. Some places restrict F1 to F3 cats or require a licence, while later ones are treated as ordinary pets. This is general information, not legal advice. Check local law and a breeder's papers before committing, and have the cat seen by a vet who knows hybrids.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Hybrid cat A cat bred from a domestic cat and a wild species, such as the Bengal from the Asian leopard cat or the Savannah from the serval. Pedigree A cat whose parents, grandparents and earlier ancestors are recorded by a registry, showing it belongs to a recognised breed. Cat registry An organisation that records cats' ancestry, issues pedigree certificates, defines breed standards and licenses cat shows. Breed standard The written description of the ideal cat of a breed, covering head, body, coat, colour and temperament, used by judges and breeders. TICA The International Cat Association, a worldwide registry founded in 1979 that registers pedigree and household pet cats and recognises many newer breeds.