Who never had that dream of having or adopting a big feline? Which one was it? Was it a lion, a tiger, a cheetah, or a beautiful black panther?  Well, we are here to say that you can make your dream come true. Yes! But there is a slice modification, just replacing the big Black Panther with a smaller version. And why not? It is still a feline, black, but a panther is a little too scary. However, you are going to welcome the most stunning imitation of the black panther. Just like instead of the wild cat you are going to have the nicest, sweatiest, and most importantly a domestic one. Sounds good?

Called the Black Bengal or the Melanistic Bengal, this cat has the most outstanding and attractive appearance of a wild cat in a small size, which can be living with you in the same house. This cat has a marbled pattern, a black on black one, exactly like the Black Panther’s pattern. This standard is the responsible one for the markings on the coat of those felines.  

But let’s take this chance to introduce the breed properly. Diving into the solid black pattern of this cat, this gene that causes the masking effect probably arose from a domestic shorthair, Ocicats, Egyptian Maus, or Burmese. Mostly, the Breeding with solid Black Melanistic Bengals makes it impossible to predict the pattern that its offspring will show, that’s because of the tabby masking pattern.

 Complicated right? But this genetic miracle is what made a beautiful mini Black Panther. Shall we discover more about this breed?

What characterizes a Black Melanistic Bengal cat?

Starting from the coat which is the highlight trait of this feline. A Black Bengal should have a very dark black with some markings that can range from dark grey to black. There should be extreme contrast, distinct shapes, and well-defined edges between the marks. The Melanistic Bengals should have ghost tabby markings and rosettes are a sight to behold, besides every other trait should be black except the eyes. This cat’s attractive eyes range from green, gold to hazel color. And those appealing shades are what make these feline eyes bold from its gleaming black coat.

The Black Bengals are the perfect combination of a wild looking cat and a muscular body. It maintains a long lean body and a long blunt muzzle, in addition to having an exceptionally silky and shiny coat. Thus, all those characters only accentuate the Black Panther like the look.  

Most people say that the Black Melanistic Bengals are quite rare, but that is not true. All is in the unusual appearance and the high color contrast of the markings, which can be so desired by all the breeders. Unfortunately, this quality is lucky to be bred, contributing to Black Bengals to be improbable.

What causes Melanistic (Black) in Bengals?

Well, the name of this charismatic cat didn’t come from dust. The melanin must have a big influence on the black one black pattern. To be more specific, the responsible factor of the melanistic pattern generally talking is the presence of the agouti gene. If the cat is a melanistic one, he has a non-agouti gene. The non-agouti gene is usually a recessive gene, contrarily to the agouti gene that is pretty dominant among cats.

So in order to produce this breed, it is important to mate two cats holding the non-agouti gene; Causing by that, the appearance of the melanistic offspring on the coat of the Black Bengals. And be careful to confuse the Melanistic Bengals with the Pantherette breed. The latest one is completely different; they are a hybrid breed of cat that is still under development. It is a new breed based on a Melanistic Bengals as one of the foundation breeds.

How to produce Melanistic/Black Bengal kittens?

Well, it is not easy to have a version of a Black Panther outdoor. However, it is also too delicate to produce such an amazing creature with wild physic. A shiny black coat, outstanding unique eyes, and a long lean body. We all are starving to know how Black Bengal kittens are produced.

As said before, the hero of the whole situation is the melanistic gene who is responsible for the color; Talking about the recessive gene of course. If both parents don’t have this stain, means the melanin, will not be able to transmit it. This means that the breeding will not be successful and the black in black appearance will be ruined.  Because a Melanistic Bengal cat must hold two copies of the non-agouti gene, placed on its DNA, and should be derived from each parent. This pattern is genetically recognized as (a/a).  

As for the parents, it is not necessary to have both gene copies previously. He may not be black; instead, he will be brown silver, snow, or blue. But no matter what the coat’s color is if he has received only one copy of that recessive gene. That should do!

And here we go, we know the process right? Let’s be sure now of the source and the origins of our Black Bengal kitten.

No one can deny that having a feline as beautiful as the black Bengal is such a big treasure. Because no matter what, this cat does really know its value.  From its outside beauty to some special physical characteristics, till a strong and amazing personality. The Black Bengals are really unique and special compared to the other cats. After all, it is not easy to be a little version of an elegant and aloof black panther. 

Now that you know that these cats do exist, what do you think? Did you make up your mind to pet them finally? Why not?  Having a mini Black Panther cat wandering around your house is pretty cool. Yes! That shows that you are a person interested in the wild, and with a luxurious and fancy taste. Just try to get in the vibe and imagine having a Melanistic Bengal kitten cat staring at you, then watching it grow in front of you. that’s so heartwarming.

There are many people thinking of getting a Bengal cat to join their family. However, due to the idea that they are hypoallergenic they hesitate. Some people are allergic to cats and bringing a cat is not an easy decision.

What is Hypoallergenic?

Before getting into deeper details about Bengal cats, we will start by showing you what hypoallergenic means. Hypoallergenic cats are appointed to the breeds that are most unlikely to cause any kind of allergy in vulnerable people. In other words, there is no cat that’s totally hypoallergenic. On the other hand, some cat breeds can cause allergic reactions and that person should be rushed to the hospital right away. These breeds are rare and Bengals are among them. 

Are Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?

Bengal cats are considered to be among the list of hypoallergenic cat breeds. However, they tend to produce fewer allergens than other cats on the same list.

The reason why some people are allergic to cats is because of the pet dander they produce. The pet dander has a protein called Fel-D1 and can be found in the cat saliva. The good news is that Bengal cats produce less of that protein in their saliva, making it easier for people to adopt them. 

So What makes Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic in the First Place?

Here are the main reasons behind this:

Minimal Shedding

Bengal cats do not shed much, thus their pet dander does not go all over the place. Luckily, this does not cause allergic attacks.

Producing Fewer Amounts of Fel-D1 Protein

As a matter of fact, Bengal cats do not produce many amounts of Fel-D1 protein. Making the protein transferred to the cat’s coat and its grooming is minimal.

What Causes Cat Allergies?

Cat allergies are twice as frequent among people than dogs. In general, people think that the fur is what causes the allergy, however, this is not true. As a matter of fact, people get an allergic reaction to the protein in their saliva, urine, and dander.

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Allergies?

The most common symptoms for cat allergies include the following:

• Having rashes on the chest and or the face
• Sneezing, coughing and wheezing
• Some people can also have runny or itchy noses
• If the cat scratched or bitten somebody part, that part would become red and itchy

In general, the symptoms of cat allergies start to develop whether in a short time or could take hours to appear. Luckily, only 25% of people with cat allergic reactions could have severe situations after contact with the cat.

Signs You’re Allergic to Cats Without Knowing 

1. If you feel exhausted for a day-long: Cat allergies can make you feel less energetic and exhausted all the time. This is the main common symptom of having an allergy to cats.
2. If your eyes are red and feel itchy: this is another common symptom for cat allergy you should pay attention to. This could happen if you hold or touch the cat and touch your eyes before washing your hands. 

How to Diagnose Cat Allergies?

In general, there are two ways that people can use to test for allergies; skin test and blood test. Both tests can give results quickly and accurately, and here we’ll talk in details about each type of allergy test:

Skin Test

Before running a skin test, talk with your doctor to learn more about the medications that could interfere with the skin test. Skin tests are usually done by an allergist because people may have severe reactions during the test, so it’s better to be extra cautious.

The doctor will use a clean needle and pick your skin’s surface and place a small amount of the allergen and in most cases, there will be several tests at the same time. Your doctor will keep an eye to observe your reactions and whether there is something wrong happening and so.

The test takes 15 to 25 minutes maximum; the picked skin spot may become red or swollen; which is a totally normal reaction. If the reaction confirms you are having an allergy; the pick will cause itchy bumps that will disappear after 30 minutes later.

Blood Test

If you have a skin condition that won’t let you run the skin test; another alternative shows up. A blood test is a good solution also for children who have difficulties getting a skin test. So basically, a blood test sample will be drawn either at the doctor’s clinic or at the hospital then the sample will be sent to the laboratory to get tested.

The blood sample gets examined for antibodies to cat allergens such as dander. The result could need a longer time but it gives an accurate result without causing any side effect or allergic reaction. 

How to Treat Cat Allergies?

You may consider the following treatments after consulting your doctor:

• Leukotriene inhibitors such as Montelukast
• Cromolyn sodium which reduces the symptoms and prevents the release of immune system chemicals
• Home remedies such as rinsing your nasal passage with salt water to reduce congestion and sneezing.

How to Reduce Cat Allergies?

If by any chance you have an allergy to your Bengal cat, try the following tips to reduce the symptoms: 

• Do not let them enter your own bedroom
• Wash your hands after contacting with or touching the cat
• Cover heating vents with cheesecloth
• Install air purifier or air cleaner
• Change the filters frequently
• Make sure you vacuum your house at least twice per week

Cat allergies can cause all the symptoms we have mentioned earlier. You should make sure to get yourself and your loved ones checked and tested. On top of that, make sure to follow the tips regarding your home and what to do after touching your cat, that would be much better for your health so you can enjoy every time you spend with your precious furry friend. 

If you are looking for a cat that has loads of character, endless energy yet is extremely affectionate too then consider a Bengal. These beautiful cats have fast become one of the most popular shorthaired breeds in the world, having only achieved Championship status with the GCCF in 2005.

Traces of the breed’s wild ancestry can still be found in their highly intelligent, alert and mischievous nature.

They are bouncy, boisterous and full of fun and definitely want to be noticed!

It is possible to tame their wilder instincts by teaching them clear boundaries and curbing unruly behavior while they are young. Any attempts to jump onto the kitchen worktop or climb your curtains should be met with a clear and firm “No!”. Bengal cats are intelligent cats and will soon learn not to do these things, leaving you with a playful, enthusiastic, yet well-behaved pet.

History of Bengal Cats

Bengal cats originate from Arizona, USA where, in 1963, Jean Mill was credited with the first mating between an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) and a domestic cat.

She was hoping to produce a sweet natured pet cat that resembled a mini leopard so that people would be less tempted to keep a real wild cat as a pet or be tempted to wear their fur.

At the time it was believed that ALCs had partial immunity to feline leukemia and research was undertaken with the aim of genetically transferring this immunity to the resulting hybrid cats.

Sadly, this wasn’t the case but these hybrids formed the basis of the Bengal breed.

Breeding programs continued around the world and are responsible for bringing us the beautiful Bengal cat we know today. Although they are lively and can be full of mischief, most modern-day Bengals are far removed from their wild ancestors, but they still maintain the exotic look. Their coats can be spotted or marbled, are glossy, sleek and as smooth as satin. The appearance of being ‘dusted’ with gold or pearly glitter (stunning when caught in sunlight) is the result of a lack of pigment in the hair tips.

Being a very active breed, they do need plenty of space – a cat-proof fence around your garden would be a worthwhile investment. They are quite vocal, ranging from a simple meow to a chirrup and a yowl. They have a more guttural, urgent-sounding noise to attract your attention when they want it.

Bengal cats have a fascination for water and will happily paddle in it and play for hours with a dripping tap so keep the toilet lid down!

As they are very intelligent animals, Bengal cats need communication with other creatures and with humans too – they aren’t very keen on being left alone.

In fact, they will follow you around the house and eagerly investigate whatever you are doing. A cat tower with platforms, scratching posts and activity toys are a must. Bengals are good at learning how to open doors, cupboards – even fridges! Yet when they are not being so mischievous, most will happily curl up next to you on the sofa and enjoy some affection.

Bengal Cat Coat Patterns

Spotted pattern: Can be random with a tendency to flow horizontally with either spotted, arrowhead or rosetted patterns. The stomach must be spotted (except on Blue-eyed Snow kittens). There are also wide, distinctive necklets on the throat, together with a strong, bold chin strap that may go from jaw to jaw. Light-colored ‘spectacles’ should preferably extend into vertical streaks which may be outlined by an ‘M” marking on the forehead.

Broken streaks or spots extend over the head, either side of a complex scarab mark.

Marble pattern: Bengal cats have a unique pattern of random, horizontally aligned swirls that are not found on other breeds of cat. No other cat displays the gold or pearl dusting effect of the Bengal cat.

Bengals Breed standards

Head & neck: A broad medium wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than it is wide, with high cheekbones. The head should be rather small in proportion to the body but not taken to extremes. The profile has a gentle curve from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.

The line of the bridge of the nose extends to the nose leather, making a very slight concave curve. The nose is large and broad with a rounded, strong chin that aligns with the tip of the nose in profile, and pronounced whisker pads created by the widely set canine teeth. The neck should be thick, muscular and in proportion to the body. Allowance should be made for jowls in adult males.

Ears: Medium to small, short with a wide base and rounded tip. Set as much on the side as on the top of the head, following the contour of the face in the front view and pointing forward in profile. There may be a light Colored ‘thumbprint’ on the back of each ear. Light horizontal furnishings are acceptable but ear tufts are undesirable.

Eyes: Almost round, oval preferred, large but not bold. Set on a slight slant towards the base of the ear. Eye color is independent of coat color. The richer and more depth of color, the better.

Body: Long, sleek and muscular (one of the most distinguishing features, particularly in males). Large to medium and robust with hindquarters slightly higher than the shoulders, showing a depth of flank. The frame is sturdy and firm – never delicate.

Legs & paws: Legs should be of medium length, strong and muscular. The hind legs should be a little longer than the front and be more robust. Paws are large and rounded.

Tail: Medium length, thick and even, with a rounded tip; may be tapered towards the end.

Coat: Short to medium length, very dense, luxurious and soft to the touch. Allowance should be made for a slightly longer coat in kittens.

Bengal Cat Colors

Brown Tabby

All variations are allowed but a high degree of reddish-brown (Rufus) color yielding a yellow, buff, golden or orange ground color is preferred. Markings may be black or various shades of brown. A very pale color, preferably white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Alternatively, the chest, underside, and inner legs may be pale in contrast to the ground color of the flanks and back. White or very light-colored spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

The eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red.

Paw pads and the tail tip must be black. Preference should be given to marbled cats with three or more shades; that is, ground color, markings and dark outlining of these markings. The overall appearance should be of gold dusting.

Eye color – gold, green or hazel; deep shades preferred.

Blue-eyed Snow

The ground Color should be ivory to cream. Pattern may vary in color from charcoal to dark or light brown with light Colored spectacles, whisker pads, and chin.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red.

Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones. Color may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible is preferred.

The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. The overall appearance should be of pearl dusting.

Eye Color – blue, deep shades preferred.

AOC-eyed Snow

Ground color should be ivory to tan, with the pattern clearly visible. Pattern may be charcoal or shades of brown with light Colored spectacles, whisker pads, and chin.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black and the center of nose leather should be brick red.

Paw pads should be dark brown with rosy undertones.

The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. The overall appearance should be of pearl dusting.

Eye color – gold, green or blue-green.

Black Silver Tabby

Markings should be black on a silvery-white ground, showing extreme contrast. The base of the hair should be glacial white. A very pale, preferably silvery-white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Silvery-White spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips, and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red, although a black nose leather is acceptable.

There should be no tarnish (brown pigmentation) present in the coat color. The overall appearance should be of diamond dusting but this is not essential.

Eye color – gold, green or hazel; deep shades preferred.

Blue-eyed Silver Snow

Markings may vary from charcoal or shades of brown on a silvery-white ground showing good contrast. The base of the hair should be glacial white. A very pale Color, preferably silvery-white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend to the chest, underside and inner legs. Silvery-white spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red, although a black nose leather is acceptable.

Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones.

The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. Color may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible between the points and the body is preferred.

There should be no tarnish present in the coat color. The overall appearance should be of diamond dusting but this is not essential.

Eye Color – blue; deep shades preferred.

AOC-eyes Silver Snow

Markings may vary from charcoal or shades of brown on a silvery-white ground with the pattern clearly visible. Base of the hair should be glacial white. A very pale color, preferably silvery-white, is highly desirable on the whisker pads and chin and may extend to the chest, underside and inner legs. Silvery-white spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips, and nose leather should be outlined in black; the center of nose leather should be brick red, although a black nose leather is acceptable.

Paw pads should be brown with rosy undertones. The tail tip must be dark brown or charcoal. Color may be darker on the points than on the body; as little contrast as possible between the points and the body is preferred.

There should be no tarnish present in the coat color. The overall appearance should be of diamond dusting but this is not essential.

Eye Color – gold, green or blue-green.

Blue Spotted & Blue Marble

Markings should be pale blue to blue-gray on a pinkish-mushroom ground color. A very pale color, preferably pinkish-mushroom, is highly desirable on whisker pads and chin and may extend onto the chest, underside and inner legs. Alternatively, the chest, underside, and inner legs may be pale in contrast to the ground Color of flanks and back.

White or very light-colored spectacles encircling the eyes are desirable.

Eye rims, lips and nose leather should be outlined in slate-gray; the center of nose leather should be dark pink. Paw pads should be mauve-blue.

The tail tip must be dark blue or blue-gray. Preference should be given to marbled cats with three or more shades; that is, ground color, markings and dark outlining of these markings. The overall appearance should be of bluish dusting, giving a platinum sheen.

Eye color – green or hazel, deep shades preferred.

Bengal cats, a beautifully hybrid of the Asian Leopard cat and domestic cat breeds are large-sized on average. The size of full-grown Bengal cats can vary depending on which cats were originally part of their family line. As a matter of fact, they seem to appear larger than their real size because of their musculature.

Typical Bengal Cat Size

The Bengal cats normally weigh from 8 to 15 pounds (6.8 kg). In general, male Bengals are larger than the female ones; they weigh from 10 to 15 pounds (6.8 kg). On the other hand, female Bengals weigh from 8 to 12 pounds (5.44 kg). 

What are the Factors Contributing to Full-grown Bengal Cats Size?

The size of the Asian Leopard cat played a key role in dictating the Bengal’s final size. The size of the Bengal cat depends on the cat which was bred with the Asian Leopard cat. 

Other breeds include the following: 

• Egyptian Mau: average weight of 7 to 11 pounds (4.99 kg)
• British Shorthair: average weight of 11 to 18 pounds (8.16 kg).
• Bombay: average weight of 6 to 11 pounds (4.99 kg)
• Abyssinian: average weight of 6 to 10 pounds (4.54 kg)
• Ocicat: average weight of 6 to 15 pounds (6.8 kg)

When Does Bengal Kittens Stop Growing? 

Bengal kittens do not stop growing, even though they reach adulthood between one and a half to two years. They keep on growing however they do not make a real adult Bengal, they just stop being kittens.

In terms of size, it mainly depends on their age. A Bengal cat under two to three weeks old usually weighs less than 10 ounces (0.38 kg). At three weeks old, they weigh 10 to 18 ounces (0.68 kg). During the next two weeks, this size may increase to double and the cat would weigh around one to two pounds on average. By the time the cat turns three months old, its weight will double again. After another two months, its weight may double again. By five months, Bengal cats will be approaching the lower end of its adult weight at 5 to 10 pounds (4.54 kg).

When does a full-grown Bengal cat stop growing?

In most Bengal cats, full size is reached at two years old, however, some cats can continue to grow until the age of three. Size can also be different, but on average, full-grown Bengal cats will weigh between 6 and 15 pounds (6.8 kg). This is the size range for both male and female cats, though size can vary by gender. Male Bengals typically weigh from 10 to 15 pounds (6.8 kg), on the other hand, Bengal females grow to reach 7 to 10 pounds (4.54 kg) on average.

On average Bengal cats tend to be medium-sized on average. In fact, the breed was meant to be a toy version of a large breed.

Monitoring the Bengal Kitten’s Growth

In general, the variations in weight confuse the new Bengal kitten-parents of the final weight, therefore, we suggest keeping a weight journal to monitor your cat’s growth. That will not only help in answering the question of the final size Bengal cat can get when fully grown but also help you detect any situation where your Bengal fails to live the average life felines of their breed. On top of that, make sure to schedule regular appointments with your cat’s vet to keep your cat’s development on track and keep an eye on their growth as well.

Interesting Facts related to Bengal Cat’s Weight

• Some male Bengal cats have been weighed between 20 and 22 pounds (9.98 kg).
• You may consider your cat as a healthy Bengal if its weight comes from its muscles, not fats. 
• The Bengal breed is not prone to get fat or overweight. 

Do Bengals Stop Growing When They Mature Sexually?

The answer is no! Most Bengal cats have their first heat cycle around the age of six months.

Why Should You Know a Bengal Cat’s Potential Size?

Bengal cat owners need to learn the potential size of their pets. In general, the owners have to pick the pets according to the size of their home. You should consider the size so you can provide a perfect space for your furry friend. The bigger doesn’t necessarily mean the better, on the contrary. If your house is too big for your Bengal cat, they may get lost while wandering around or fall from high areas while playing.

Discover all the various Bengal cat colors and patterns before adopting one. There are three basic colors which are brown, snow and silver. These cats are like a dream come true, they are not only looking stunning, but they also combine the attitude of domestic cat in a leopard-looking appearance.

No matter the color or the pattern, the Bengal cats are known for their gorgeous looking and outgoing character. They are adventurous and tend to be curious which makes them the ideal pet for children thanks to their adaptable nature. Bengal cat colors come in a wide range as well as various patterns and shades.

The Brown Color Spectrum

The brown coat of Bengal cats has the widest range of shades and patterns. A Bengal’s coat can be anywhere in that spectrum, even if it has a black tail tip, it is still considered as a brown coat.

Gray Brown

The gray-brown coat is one of the most beautiful coats of Bengal cats, basically, it has black markings. In most cases, these cats have one version of the Asian Leopard gene known as Apb. That creates a lovely contrast that makes the Bengal even more stunning. Sooner or later, Bengal breeders like their Bengal cats to have at least one black stripe on their face.

Sandy Brown

The sandy brown cats are not exactly gray, they are cool browns with a stunning coloring. These cats seem to look wilder than other Bengal cats.

Tawny Brown

Tawny or yellow tones add more warmth to the Bengal cat’s coat. This breed seems to be a moderate one in between; not too hot and not too cold. It carries the snow gene which makes the coloring bright and stunning. 

Brown

Brown is one of the most famous colors among Bengal cats, besides its beauty, it provides a sense of warmth and depth.

Sorrel

The sorrel is the last one on the brown spectrum list. It has reddish tones that differentiate it from the rest of the brown spectrum. It makes the Bengal cat’s coat look more stunning thanks to the hot color contrast. For many people, this is the best pattern they prefer among all the brown spectrum patterns. 

The Snow Color Spectrum

The snow color patterns were first introduced through Siamese and Burmese cats. They were registered as an official color so that the breeders would later produce the snow leopard color. 

The Seal Lynx

The Seal Lynx Bengal color comes from the Siamese cats. These cats are basically born totally white and their patterns start to develop and emerge as they grow old. The Seal Lynx is usually thought to be as the snow because of the least amount of contrast they have. They can be easily distinguished by their gorgeous blue eyes.

The Seal Mink

A Bengal cat has a Seal Mink coloring when it has a combination of a Seal Lynx gene with a Seal Sepia gene. Seal minks are born with a visible pattern and aqua green eyes that can also be gold. 

The Seal Sepia

The Seal Sepia color comes from a  hybrid to Burmese. These cats are born with visible patterns, and they have various ranges of colors from green to gold. Some cats can have a yellow-brown look while the others have a snow-like color. They are among the breeds with most beautiful rich contrast coats. 

Silver Bengal

Silver is the latest accepted color among the Bengal breed. The silver Bengal has a silver color, almost white, with some black markings on the body. 

The Bottom Line

The Bengal cat breed offers a rich range of stunning colors, shades, and patterns that make them among the most beautiful and outstanding-looking cats.