Bengal cats come in many colors and are split into two categories – recognized and unrecognized. The basic colors of Bengal cats are Brown, Silver, Snow, and Blue. There are also different types of Bengals – Melanistic, Spotted, Marbled, and Seal Mink. Read on to learn more about each. Below you’ll find information on what colors are common to each breed.
Melanistic Bengals
Melanistic Bengals are a subspecies of the Bengal cat. They have two copies of the melanistic gene, or “a” allele. This trait causes them to have darker faces and capes. They are almost always black in color tone. The “a” allele is passed from one parent to the next. Breeders should look for this trait in their breeding cats. Here are some facts about Melanistic Bengals.
Melanistic Bengals are available in several shades of blue and black. Young sepia Bengals look similar to mink, but as they mature, they look more like brown Bengals. Their eyes are also green to gold in color. Another type is the Charcoal Bengal, which comes in various shades. While these cats may look like black cats, they tend to have a black face mask and cape. Their overall coloring depends on whether or not they are charcoal.
Different-colored Bengals are rare and beautiful. They are listed as different-colored Bengals on pedigrees because they have not met the standard color requirements. They can look like any other house cat or domestic cat, though they are not. These cats are also considered Melanistic Bengals. These cats have darker faces, and the markings of these Bengal cats are not as distinct as the normal Bengal. These Bengals are almost impossible to tell apart from any other cat breed.
Spotted Bengals
The beauty of Spotted Bengals lies in their beautiful coat. The spotted pattern of Bengals has varying sizes and shapes. They are essentially baby leopards with dark spots on light base coats. Spotted Bengals have two coat types: bicolored and tricolored. Each coat type has its special traits, so it’s best to research both types thoroughly before choosing one for your home. The spotted Bengal has a distinctive look, and the striped Bengal is the most common and desirable of all.
The spots of spotted Bengals are a distinct feature of this breed. Unlike other breeds, this type of coat pattern is inherited from their leopard ancestry. The spotted gene is dominant and cannot be passed on recessively. A spotted Bengal can have a marble pattern, which is an even mix of two-spotted cats. Some Bengals have rosettes on their coats, which are outlined in dark colors with lighter shades inside. Pocket Leopard Bengals also have rosettes on their fur.
Snows are also available in sepia and gold eyes. The GCCF classifies any snow Bengal without blue eyes as AOC. Both the GCCF and TICA recognize two different types of AOC. In terms of appearance, a seal sepia snow in Bengal has the highest contrast of any snow. Often, the tail tip is dark seal brown. These cats are preferred for their high contrast between their base coat and their markings.
Marbled Bengals
The marbled pattern of Bengals is a result of a mix of the domestic tabby gene pool and the wild Asian leopard cat gene pool. Marbled Bengals have a smooth, horizontal flow to their markings, and their pattern does not consist of circular “bulls-eye” markings or vertical spots running together like the mackerel tabby pattern. The marbled pattern of Bengal cats must be irregular to be considered a prime example of the breed.
The patterns on the coats of marbled Bengals vary widely. Some are symmetrical, while others are random. Some breeders create the rosette pattern over many years, while others create rosettes from a single spot. In addition to rosette patterns, marbled Bengals may also have rosettes, a paw print, or an arrow-head pattern. While these patterns are not common in Bengals, they are distinctive and unique to this breed.
Marbled Bengals are similar to their spotted cousins, but their coats differ slightly. The spotted Bengal has a large rosette-like pattern that mimics the coat of a mini leopard. Marbled Bengals are much rarer in shelters but you can find them at some specialized rescues. Marbled Bengals are gorgeous pets. You won’t be disappointed! They are well worth the investment. If you are interested in adopting a Bengal, make sure you consider its coat type.
Seal Mink Bengals
The color of the body of Seal Mink Bengals is light brown with tan, blue, green, or hazel markings. The tail tip is always black. The coat is lustrous and soft with an ivory cream or pale brown pattern. This breed is often mistaken for a brown Bengal. Its eyes are blue-green. The ears are white. Its tail has a rounded tip. Seal Mink Bengals are the perfect pet for people who want a pet that looks like a real Bengal.
Snow Seal Lynx Bengals have the lightest coat of all snow Bengals. They are pure white at birth and develop markings as they mature. Snow Seal Lynx Bengals have beautiful blue eyes. These Bengals get this trait from their Siamese ancestors. As a kitten, the coat of Seal Lynx Bengals is pure white, but will gradually develop color and patterning as it ages.
The Bengal cat has a distinctive head and neck structure. Its fur is lustrous with prism-like sparkle. The breed should have a long, strong neck with a robust bone structure. Its eyes are large and set wide. The muzzle is prominent under the cheekbones, with a concave nose and puffy whisker pads. While the Bengal cat has a long, slender body, it is muscular, rather than stocky.
Melanistic Bengals have hazel, gold, or green eyes
A melanistic Bengal cat has green, gold, or hazel eyes. These cats have a white underbelly that contrasts with their otherwise dark coat. Their eyes can be green, gold, or hazel, and they have a tummy rubbed with a white teddy bear. While a melanistic Bengal is rare, many people enjoy its wild looks and color contrast.
The eyes of a Bengal cat are a key factor in determining its color. Traditional brown Bengals are never blue or green. Other colors include silver, blue, and charcoal. These cats are a bit high-maintenance and are known for bonding with their families. While some breeders prefer a more common color, other breeders recommend a melanistic Bengal for unique looks.
The eyes of a melanistic Bengal are a characteristic that distinguishes it from the non-melanistic variety. Although the cat may look similar to mink at an early age, it resembles a brown Bengal when it matures. Its hazel, gold, or green eyes are indicative of its melanistic background. The gray color of a melanistic Bengal is the result of genetics from the Siamese cat breed.
The color of the eyes of a melanistic Bengal varies depending on coat color. The eyes of a traditional brown Bengal are green. However, the melanistic Bengal will change its eyes to a mixture of gold, green, or hazel. The ground color of a melanistic Bengal can be tawny or a golden hue, while rosetting and spots are light or dark brown.
Melanistic Bengals have a distinctly white underbelly
Despite their black and brown coats, melanistic Bengals have a distinctive white underbelly. This provides a nice contrast to their otherwise dark coats. Additionally, Bengals have white underbellies, which make them ideal for tummy rubs. Although the GCCF recognizes a variety of coloration variations, the TICA uses different terminology. These cats are very similar to the GCCF Bengals, but the TICA classification system has slightly different terminology.
The ALC recognizes three main types of coloration in Bengal cats: solid black, spotted, and Rufus. This coloration is a blend of two different coat colors. The base coat of a solid black Bengal is a smooth and shiny black. The spots are almost invisible when the cat is in daylight. The pelt of a spotted Bengal is soft, luxurious, and dense, and has two contrasting colors.
There are three variations of snow Bengals: the Seal lynx point, snow-white, and melanistic. Their coats are all silky and elegant, and the color is a completely personal preference. The type of coat you select for your Bengal should match your personality and the color of your home. Most breeders will specialize in a few different colors. Some Bengals are recognized in all colors and have distinctive color patterns.
Silver Bengals, a popular variety, can range from white to dark gray. They have the “cool” side of the color spectrum, with no brown or warm colors. These cats may have darker markings or be entirely white. The Silver Bengal coat can vary from white to a steel-like silver, with some blue or charcoal shading. However, a silver Bengal should never have golden or brown tones on its feet.
