Our Story

About Adelhills

Nestled on fourteen acres in the Northern Adelaide Hills with panoramic views overlooking One Tree Hill, Adelhills Bengal Cats places top quality Bengal cats for companion pet, showing and breeding.

Meet the Breeder

A Passion for Bengals

Hi, I'm Melinda. I am married to a lovely man who is by nature an animal lover and by trade a Software Engineer. We have four children who are all actively involved with the cats. When searching for a feline companion that wouldn't trigger my husband's allergies, I was smitten by the Bengal Cat — their exotic appearance and hypoallergenic qualities won me over completely. Our first Bengal, Neko, sparked a passion that has only grown since.

Animals have been my lifelong calling. I started breeding rabbits at age seven under the stud name “Sunray Satins”, was training horses by fourteen, and at twenty-two began breeding Australian Labradoodles under the “Sunset Hills” kennel name. I went on to found the Australian Labradoodle Association (ALA), the world's first breed-specific organisation for the Australian Labradoodle. My Labradoodle bloodlines became therapy dog foundation stock in Japan through Nichii Gakkan.

After extensive research into the current state of the breed, lines, pedigrees, colours, patterns, type and form, I established my Bengal breeding programme in 2009. We relocated from the Northwest USA, bringing our Bengal lines to our fourteen-acre property in the Northern Adelaide Hills. I believe in investing of myself into my animals and families — I maintain contact with our companion families and provide ongoing support for the life of every kitten.

Melinda of Adelhills Bengals with one of her Bengal cats

Our Breeding Philosophy

Beauty & Type

Our programme was established after extensive research into lines, pedigrees, colours, patterns, type and form. Every pairing is carefully planned to produce kittens of outstanding quality for companion pet, showing and breeding.

Family Commitment

We believe in investing of ourselves into our animals and families. Our four children are actively involved with the cats, and we maintain lifelong contact with our companion families long after their kitten goes home.

Health Above All

Health is the foundation of everything we do. All breeding cats are PKD, PRA, FiV, FeLV and HCM tested. We make responsible breeding decisions based on health data.

Health Testing Commitment

Responsible breeding starts with comprehensive health testing. Every cat in our breeding programme is tested for the following conditions before entering our programme:

PKD Screening

Screening for Polycystic Kidney Disease, a condition causing cyst formation in the kidneys.

PRA DNA Test

DNA test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a hereditary eye condition that can lead to blindness.

FiV / FeLV Testing

Screening for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukaemia Virus to ensure breeding cats are clear.

HCM Screening

Echocardiogram screening for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease in cats.

PKD, PRA, FiV, FeLV & HCM

Every breeding cat, fully tested

The Adelhills Family Care Programme

When you bring home an Adelhills Bengal, you become part of our extended family. We believe in investing of ourselves into our animals and families — our commitment does not end at pickup.

Fourteen-Acre Cattery

Our cats enjoy life on fourteen acres in the Northern Adelaide Hills, with panoramic views overlooking One Tree Hill.

Family Raised

Every kitten is raised in our family home with our four children actively involved in their care and socialisation.

Lifetime Connection

We maintain contact with our companion families and are always available for questions, advice, and support.

Fully Health Tested

All breeding cats are PKD, PRA, FiV, FeLV and HCM tested, with results available to kitten buyers upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Bengal cat?

Bengals are domestic cats with a wild appearance, originally developed by crossing domestic cats with the Asian Leopard Cat. They are fully domestic, safe for homes with children, and make wonderful family companions.

How long do Bengals live?

Bengal cats have a life expectancy of 12 to 16+ years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Do Bengals require special care?

No, Bengals require standard feline care with no special requirements beyond what any domestic cat needs. A quality diet, fresh water, regular vet visits, and plenty of enrichment and interaction will keep your Bengal happy and healthy.

Are Bengals lap cats?

Most Bengals are active and playful rather than lazy lap cats. They are highly intelligent, curious, and trainable. They love interactive play and mental stimulation, and many can learn tricks and commands.

Do Bengals respond to catnip?

On average only 70% of domestic cats in general are affected by catnip. The other 30% can have low to no interest.

Do Bengals like water?

Yes, most Bengals enjoy water. It is common for them to play in water bowls, join you in the shower, or be fascinated by running taps. This is one of their more unique and entertaining traits.

Should Bengals be kept indoors?

Bengals should be kept indoors with supervised outdoor access on harnesses or in secure cat enclosures. This protects them from traffic, predators, disease, and theft while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Do Bengals spray?

Bengals are like most domesticated breeds and are easily litter box trained without issue. While most altered (desexed) cats don't spray, in rare cases this can happen. Training and environmental changes can be done to assist in this.

Ready to Join the Adelhills Family?

We would love to hear from you. Submit an application and start your journey to bringing home your perfect Bengal.

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