The head shape of a Domestic Bengal Cat is a modified wedge shape, but specifically longer than it is wide with prominent white whisker pads and a broad, almost “Roman” nose. They have oval, slightly almond eyes of green or gold that are large, but not out of proportion or bugged. Ears are medium to small in size and preferably with rounded tops. Bengals, especially the males, have a muscular physic and are slightly larger than usual house cats, averaging 12 to 18 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than the males and average 7 to 13 lbs. Brown/Black and Silver colors have dark paw pads and dark, never Tabby pink, noses. Snow Bengals may have lighter accents and blue or aqua eyes. Bengals have large feet with defined "knuckles." Their "pelt" pattern and coloration is to look as much like the Asian Leopard Cat as possible, with the marbled pattern as an addition to the wild look of the Spotted/Rosetted pattern.  The traditional leopard-colored Bengal coloration, exhibited in the "BST" (Brown/Black Spotted Tabby), is the original Bengal and our favorite at Santa Fe Bengal Cattery.  The "SST" (Silver Spotted Tabby) is derived from the ALC (Asian Leopard Cat) gene for Charcoal-colored BST's.  Our beautiful "Charcoal Bear" is a Charcoal BST F2 Bengal and she would be the beginning of the Silver coloration.  Personally, we prefer Charcoals to Silvers.  Snow Bengals can be quite lovely and have a heritage of a small amount of Burmese and Siamese to achieve their look.  There are three types of Snow Bengals and we find them fascinating.

Perhaps the most adored physical attribute is the beautiful spotted tummy!... creamy to pure white with distinct spots. Their tails are medium to long ,and thick (like a Leopards), with distinctive stripes and a black rounded tip. The over all look and conformation is to be as much like their wild cousins as possible and not lke any other domestic cat. No Tabby triangular head shapes are permitted. Bengals are exceptionally silky and shiny and a pleasure to pet! Also, they are, for most people, non-allergenic (no cat dander) and almost don’t shed at all. The Bengal Standard is also about their temperament. They are to have reliable, Domestic Cat temperaments, be non-aggressive, and affectionate.

Visit The International Cat Association's web site to review the Official Breed Standard for the Bengal Cat.