Bengal coat colors

Understanding the beauty and uniqueness of Bengal cats

The unique coat pattern of Bengal cats beautifully mirrors the appearance of wild felines and big cats, all within the form of a friendly domestic pet. For many cat owners, this exotic look is especially captivating. This breed is one of the most stunningly beautiful cat breeds, with coats that come in various patterns and colors, making them even more distinctive. We will explore the different Bengal coat colors, patterns, and what makes them so special, including the latest trend in dominant blue eyes.

Classic Bengal coat and patterns

Bengal cats come in a range of colors, with over 60 variations, including classic brown, snow, charcoal, blue, and silver. These colors can appear in different patterns, with the two most prominent being the marble and rosette patterns. But what do these patterns mean?

• Marbled Bengal pattern

The marbled pattern is considered the less desirable appearance in Bengals. The coat consists of random swirls and spots, creating a soft, flowing effect on the fur. It resembles the pattern of marble stone, hence the name. While marbled Bengals are also beautiful, the rosette-patterned ones are generally more popular as they resemble the appearance of a leopard much more closely.

• Rosetted Bengal pattern

The rosette pattern is the most sought-after and unique Bengal coat pattern. This pattern closely resembles that of a leopard. The spots are often well-defined, standing out from the background color of the coat. The rosette pattern can vary in size, shape, and contrast, but its uniqueness lies in its resemblance to wild cats, such as leopards.

Within the rosette pattern, there are two main types: the large rosette and the small rosette. The large, contrast-rich rosettes, also known as clouded Bengals, are the rarest and most valuable among Bengal enthusiasts. These cats are sought after for their extraordinary appearance, which also means they are the most expensive Bengal cats.

Which patterns are recognized by cat associations?

All recognized cat associations accept both marbled and rosetted patterns for Bengal cats. Such organizations include The International Cat Association (TICA), the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), and the World Cat Federation (WCF). These organizations help define the breed standards for Bengal cats, ensuring that their coat patterns and colors meet the official standards of what is considered a Bengal cat. Whether your Bengal cat has the classic marbled or the sought-after rosetted pattern, both are officially part of the Bengal breed.

Why do white markings appear?

An interesting phenomenon in Bengal cats, particularly among those with dominant blue eyes, is the occurrence of white markings. These markings often appear on the legs, nose, and neck. These white markings are linked to the dominant blue eye gene, which is a special genetic trait.

At New Wave Kitty Cattery, we strive to reduce or completely eliminate these white markings in our breeding program. Our goal is to produce Bengal cats that not only have beautiful blue eyes but also boast a stunning clouded rosette pattern. This approach makes our cattery unique and helps us produce Bengal cats that are exceptional in the market.

The dominant blue eye program is the latest trend

In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the world of Bengal cat breeding, this is the dominant blue eye program. The goal of this program is to breed Bengal cats that inherit the rare dominant blue eye gene, which results in intense blue eyes. However, this program is still relatively new, and only a few breeders are working on it.

At New Wave Kitty Cattery, we are proud to be one of the few breeders actively working on this program. Our aim is to maintain the dominant blue eyes while also preserving the clouded rosette pattern, creating Bengal cats that are not only genetically rare but also aesthetically breathtaking.

The exciting development of our program

Through the dominant blue eye program, we aim to eliminate white markings from Bengal cats’ coats, particularly those on the legs, nose, and neck. Focusing on the Bengal’s appearance, our goal is to create the perfect coat with minimal white markings, paired with the beautiful blue eyes and an extraordinary, contrast-rich pattern.

Why are Bengal coat colors important?

Bengal cats are truly unique because of their special coat colors and patterns, which continue to captivate cat lovers worldwide. Whether you prefer the marbled pattern or the striking rosetted pattern, the Bengal breed offers something for everyone.