14 Bengal Cat Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)
Updated on
The Bengal cat is an exotic, beautiful breed of feline that can come in various colors and patterns. From browns to oranges to snow-white fur—there’s something for everyone in the world of Bengal cats. If you’re thinking about getting a Bengal cat, you may be wondering what the possible coat colors and patterns are. Well, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Bengal coats in this article.
The 14 Bengal Cat Colors & Patterns
1. Brown Spotted Bengal
The Brown Spotted Bengal is the most common, with about 80% of all Bengals falling into this category. This type of Bengal cat is distinguished by its sandy brown or golden background with darker spots scattered throughout the coat.
2. Snow Bengal
The Snow Bengal is a light color variety, featuring white fur and bold black spots. Snow Bengals are relatively rare, but their popularity has grown recently thanks to their striking coloration that is quite opposite to the traditional Brown Spotted Bengal.
3. Charcoal Bengal
The Charcoal Bengal is a stunningly dark color variety, with black fur and gray or silver spots. Charcoal Bengals are rare, usually only found in purebred litters. Many breeders are still trying to research and learn as much as they can about this coloration in order to produce more Charcoal Bengal kittens.
4. Silver Spotted Bengal
This type of Bengal has a coat that ranges from light gray to silver, with dark gray or black colored spots spread throughout the body. Silver-spotted Bengals can be hard to find since they’re less popular than other varieties. However, they have been gaining popularity due to their unique appearance.
5. Black Marble Bengal
As its name suggests, this variety is primarily black but has white to tan colored streaks running throughout its fur instead of spots, giving it a marbled look. The Black Marble Bengal cat breed with a distinctive appearance is rare, but its popularity has increased, leading to more breeders nationwide.
6. Seal Mink Bengals
The Seal Mink Bengal also features a white or cream base coat but with tan to light brown spots. The Seal Mink Bengal’s coat has a unique texture and almost looks glossy. These cats are rare and difficult to find, as they are usually only bred by experienced breeders.
7. Melanistic Bengals
Also known as “little black panthers,” these cats have a completely black coat with spots or stripes that are barely visible on their body. Melanistic Bengals are rare since this coat coloring is caused by a genetic mutation, but they can be found in purebred litters occasionally.
8. Sepia Bengal
Sepia Bengals have a unique coloration that ranges from sandy brown to golden brown and even reddish-brown tones. The fur also has faint stripes or spots visible on the coat. Sepia Bengals are relatively uncommon but have gained popularity due to their beautiful coloration.
9. Cinnamon Bengal
The Cinnamon Bengal’s fur features an orange cream color with darker orange spots spread throughout its body. These cats are quite rare but can be found in purebred litters from time to time. Their coloration is sometimes called red or sorrel.
10. Caramel Bengal
The Caramel Bengal’s coat is light caramel-colored brown with darker spots spread throughout its body. Small circles of experienced breeders are usually the only ones who breed Caramel Bengals. Breeders often have difficulty finding enough non-relative mating partners due to their rarity.
11. Mink Bengal
This type of Bengal cat features a white background with brown spots scattered throughout the fur. These types of cats are scarce but have been gaining popularity due to their unique appearance and coat texture.
12. Silver Snow Bengal
The Silver Snow Bengal is a Snow Bengal that has also received a silver gene. This variety has a silvery-white coloration that has faint gray stripes or spots visible on the fur. This type of Bengal is rare and is usually only bred by experienced breeders.
13. Smoke Bengal
The smoke Bengal has a dark gray or silver background with bold black spots and stripes. These cats are quite rare but can be found in purebred litters from time to time.
14. Chocolate Marble Bengal
As its name suggests, this Bengal cat features light brown fur marbled with dark brown streaks instead of spots and stripes. Although relatively rare, you can still find chocolate marble Bengals in litters of purebred cats with some effort.
Bengal Cat Coats and Genetics
A combination of genetic factors determines the coats of Bengal cats. Each parent cat carries two sets of genes that contribute to the appearance and patterning of its kittens. Therefore, two parents with different coat colors or patterns can produce a litter with kittens that vary in markings and coloration. Additionally, some breeders use selective breeding techniques such as line breeding, outcrossing, or inbreeding to achieve certain traits within their litters. This can also influence the coats and patterns seen in Bengal cats.
Finding a Breeder of Bengal Cats
If you are looking for a breeder of Bengal cats, especially if you are looking for a particular coat color, the best way to find one is to search online or contact breed-specific groups and organizations. As Bengals are rare, it is crucial to research potential breeders to ensure they have good reputations and practices regarding breeding quality kittens.
Reputable breeders should be able to provide you with health clearances for their cats. Additionally, always visit a prospective breeder’s home before buying or adopting a kitten. This will allow you to see the conditions under which the cats are raised, as well as how many other animals they have and the quality of care they provide.
How Much Does a Bengal Cat Typically Cost?
The price of a Bengal cat can vary depending on the breeders and their specific cats, but, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a quality purebred kitten. Show-quality kittens are usually priced higher than regular kittens due to their superior bloodlines and appearance, as are Bengals with coat colors that are rarer. Additionally, be aware that there may also be additional fees, such as registration costs or veterinary exams that will add to the total cost. You’ll also need supplies, of course, and food.
Other FAQs About Bengal Cat Colors & Patterns
Q: Are some Bengal cats rarer than others?
A: Yes. Some Bengal cats, such as Silver Spotted, Melanistic, and Seal Mink Bengals, are rare and usually only bred by experienced breeders. Other varieties, such as Black Marble and Sepia Bengals can be found in purebred litters from time to time but are still relatively uncommon.
Q: What should I look for when selecting a Bengal cat?
A: When selecting a Bengal cat, it is crucial to consider the overall health and temperament of the kitten and its appearance. Always ensure that the kitten is healthy and has been handled correctly from an early age to ensure that it will grow into an even-tempered adult cat. Next, check for any signs of genetic disorders or other medical issues. Finally, select a cat whose personality and energy level match your household.
Q: What type of personality is common in Bengal cats?
A: Bengal cats are known for their outgoing and active personalities. They are intelligent, curious and enjoy exploring their environment and engaging in interactive play. Bengal cats bond strongly with their owners, often following them around the house or seeking attention and affection.
Q: Are Bengals high-energy?
A: Bengals are highly active cats that may require more exercise than other breeds, so owners should be prepared to provide plenty of playtime and activities to keep their pets physically and mentally stimulated. When they don’t get enough exercise, they can become depressed, destructive, or even aggressive.
Conclusion
Bengal cats are an intelligent, active, and loving breed that make excellent companions. They have striking and unusual coats that vary in color, pattern, and markings. Some breeders have even produced Bengal breeds with rare patterns, colors, and markings. So, whether it’s an ordinary Bengal or a rare coloration, each Bengal is unique in its own way.
Featured Image Credit: Jane Koshchina, Shutterstock
