About Bengals

First of all I would like to clear up 2 common myths about bengals:

1. MYTH: Bengals do not shed.  I have actually seen bengal breeders advertise their cats as non-shedding....this is UNTRUE.  There is no such thing as a non-shedding cat, unless they are naturally bald like the Sphynx.  Bengals shed just like every other cat.  However, they tend to shed a bit less because many bengals have less undercoat and shorter hair than typical shorthaired cats. 

2. MYTH: Bengals are hypo-allergenic.  NOT TRUE!  Most people with cat allergies will react to bengals just like any other cat.  I have heard of some people that don't react to bengals, but this is the exception rather than the rule.  Don't buy a kitten just because other people claim you won't react!

Bengal Temperament

A typical bengal temperament is affectionate, curious and confident.  Bengals are generally very active cats and love to climb and be up in high places.  They generally get along well with children, as long as the children know how to handle a cat properly.  Any cat can scratch or bite if it doesn't like something, and bengals are no exception, but they only do so if they have to and can't escape from whatever situation they don't like.  Most bengals love water and will happily play in the sink, tip over glasses of water left on the coffee table, and may even join you in the shower or bath.  Bengals can be very talkative and have a wide range of vocal sounds including yowling, chirping and trilling.  If you are looking for a calm, quiet cat this is not the breed for you. 

Socialization is very important for kittens.  Some bengals can be shy and skittish, and socializing them while they are young is the best way to minimize any issues.  Kittens should be handled daily so they get used to being held, having their nails clipped (which should be done weekly), and should get used to traveling in a crate.  All this should be done while kittens are still at the breeder's house, and should continue in their new homes.  The most important thing to look for when buying a kitten is that they are in good health and well socialized.  Do not buy a kitten that looks sick or you may have to deal with health problems for its entire life.  It's common that a kitten is scared and overwhelmed when first going to its new house, but this should only last for a short time: a few days or a week at the most. 

Bengal Type

What is a good bengal supposed to look like?  Well, we have to start with the "cake".  This is what a bengal should look like without its spots.  A bengal should have a long body with back legs slightly longer than front legs, not too cobby and not too slight.  Tail should be thick and of medium-short length.  Head should be somewhat egg shaped, longer than it is wide and slightly small in proportion to the rest of the body.  Profile should be straight or very slightly concave without a break.  Ears should be small with a broad base and rounded tips.  Eyes should be large and oval shaped, chin should be strong, muzzle should be broad with prominent whisker pads, and nose should be large. 

Then there's the "icing".  Coat should be short and dense, lying close to the skin and very soft.  A spotted pattern should have a random or horizontal flow and rosettes are preferred.  Contrast should be extreme and a whited belly is desirable.  A marbled pattern should also have a horizontal flow and be as far from a classic pattern as possible. 

Bengal Colours

Bengals come in a wide variety of colours.  Browns (black) can vary from a charcoal colour with no rufousing, any shade of brown, gold, or copper.  There are three Snow colours: Seal Lynx Point has the lightest markings and are the only bengals with blue eyes.  Seal Sepia's are the darkest and Seal Mink is in the middle.  A recently accepted colour is Silver: bengals can be Black Silver, Seal Silver Sepia, Seal Silver Mink and Seal Silver Lynx.  Silver is a modifying gene that takes away rufousing.  Other non-accepted colours include Melanistic (black on black) and Blue. 

These are bad ears: tall and pointy.

Good: well cupped, medium-short, rounded tips, wide base

These are awesome ears: small and very rounded.  Photo courtesy of UniquePrints cattery.

This tail is too long and skinny

This is a good tail: short and thick.

This cat's eyes are too small.

Drama has large well shaped eyes.

This kitten has to much of a dip in her profile.

Wye Knott has a good profile.

This kitten has excellent contrast and a very clear coat.

This cat has not so great contrast - the rosettes and spots should be darker.