Bengal Markings Pattern and Definitions

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Bengal Cats: Basic Terminology

Bengal: Originally bred with an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic shorthaired tabby, the Bengal was first recognized as a breed of cat by TICA (The International Cat Association) in 1983. Bengals are bred for good temperament and the look of the wild Asian Leopard cat with all the socialization and traits of the domestic cat.

Filial designates the generation or the sequence following the parental generation.

Foundation is a term given to breeding stock of any kind regardless of generation or ancestry and is commonly given to F1 through F3 Bengals.

SBT (Stud Book Tradition) TICA recognizes Bengals as SBT meaning they are pedigree status and at least four generations removed from the original Asian Leopard cat.

Type refers to comformation specifics. This is a term used to explain the correct look or type of a Bengal in regards to body structure and other standards associated with Benals.

Bengal Cats: (Markings)

Marble or Marbled is the swirling pattern of the classic tabby. Show and breeding standards strive for horizontal markings.

Rosetted or Rosetting refers to the two-tone spots on a Bengal. Shapes vary in size.

Spotted refers to the pattern that most resembles the Asian leopard cat.

Bengal Coats: (Pattern and Texture)

Clear coated refers to the hair shaft being sound with little variation of color and no ticking (see definition of ticking below)

Fuzzy Uglies refers to a wild trait most Savannah and Bengal kittens will have. About 3 weeks of age the kitten's coat suddenly begins to dull as fine white "fuzzy" hairs mask the color and pattern of the kitten. This happens in the wild because the kittens begin to explore and this helps camouflage them from predators. The fuzzies will usually start to clear up about 12 to 16 weeks of age. When the kitten finally sheds the last of these little white fuzzy hairs you will fully appreciate the beauty and striking appearance of your Savannah or Bengal kitten.

Glitter or Glittered or Glittering is individual hairs that are gold and shimmer in appearance. This is the hollow airshaft that surrounds the coloring of the hair.

Pelted refers to the texture and feel of the Bengal. The four basic types of pelt textures are known as satin, velvet, plush, and coarse.

Snow or Snows is a word describing a color variation of the Bengal: Seal Lynx Point, Seal Mink, and Seal Sepia. Snows can be either spotted or marbled.

Striping or Mackerel is the vertical striping found on the torso behind the front legs.

Ticking or Ticked refers to multiple bands of color on a single hair or multi-colored hair shafts.

The Bengal and Savannah breeds combine the exotic look and feel of the wild cats they descend from with the dependability and loving temperament of the domestic cat. For a walk on the wild side with this remarkable companion, you can't go wrong with a Bengal or Savannah cat!

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