Blue Silver Bengal Cat: All the Information You Need
Looking to learn more about blue silver Bengal cat? This blog provides a comprehensive guide to learning about their background, physical makeup, and characteristics. We also discuss their health, genetics, and adoption manual to ensure you make an informed decision. Read on to learn more about these charismatic cats!
Historical Overview
Bengal blue cats were developed in the 1950s and 1960s by mating an Asian leopard and a domestic shorthair. In 1963, Jean Mill, a breeder, achieved a remarkable feat – she combined a domestic cat with the Asian Leopard Cat, a small wild cat, to create a breed of cats that boasted the markings of a leopard and the temperament of a domestic cat. This milestone has prompted extensive research into the history of Bengal cats.
Experienced Bengal breeders are careful only to mate their cats with other Bengal cats to maintain the unique coat patterns of the breed. This preserves the exotic look and ensures a more even-tempered personality. The blue silver Bengal cat shares this same background but has a more modern blue-gray coat.
Recognition of Blue Bengal Cat
After being approved by a significant breed association, Blue Bengal Cats were accepted by other registrations like the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy and the Federation Internationale Feline. The Bengals have gained enormous popularity since the 1980s. In 1992, The International Cat Association listed more than 125 registered breeders; by 2019, that number had increased to almost 2,000 Bengal breeders.
What are Blue Bengal cat?
A blue Bengal cat is a domestic cat that has been bred to have a coat with a silver or gray coloring. The Bengal breed is known for its short, silky, spot- or marbling-patterned skin. The silver coloration in the Bengal breed results from selective breeding; it does not occur naturally. The goal behind its breeding was to have a cat with the looks of a leopard and the temperament of a domestic cat.
Markings on the coat of a Bengal blue cat range from blues to grays, combining the elegance of a British shorthair with the wildness of its jungle cat ancestry.
Coat patterns on Blue Bengal Cats
The Bengal blue cat has two different pattern types.
- The first is rosette or spotted patterning. This type of patterning is more common in wild cats such as the leopard. Rosettes come in many different sizes and shapes and usually feature a lighter hue surrounded by a darker color. The spots that comprise these markings feature an outer and inner ring, with each of the two rounds displaying various tones.
- Bengals are also capable of having marbled coat patterns. Modification of the traditional striped tabby coat pattern is marbled. In comparison to regular tabby markings, it is softer and swirled. Although the legs and tail can occasionally appear more striped, Tabby cats are typically distinguished by their unique marbled markings rather than traditional stripes, giving them their signature curled fur look.
How big is a Blue Bengal Cat?
Due to their muscular build, blue Bengal cats have larger bodies than conventional house cats. Their sizes range from medium to colossal. Bengals are built long and lean. Breeders have recently employed selective breeding to create this breed larger than the original Asian leopard cat. It is essential to take into account their dietary requirements. These cats weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and have distinct facial markings, short, rounded ears, and an uncharacteristically wild expression.
Color variations in Blue Bengal cat
They share many domestic cats’ basic color patterns. Brown, white or cream, gray, and black Bengals are all possible coloration patterns. The base coat color of a blue Bengal with rosettes or marbling will range from light to slate blue/gray. Medium or dark blue marks will be visible.
Blue silver Bengal cats might have a combination of lighter and darker shades of blue. The typical peach undertones seen in blues are much paler in silver-blue Bengals. It can be challenging to distinguish a silver from a silver-blue kitten since the silver tint takes some time to develop.
The face and legs of a blue silver Bengal cat may often show a faint beige hue. Furthermore, the blue-silver Bengal has markings that are darker in color than the rest of its body.
Blue smoke Bengals come in a variety of varieties. Their undercoats are entirely white. Depending on the type, the topcoat color can change. The coat of the blue silver Bengal cat usually has a light bluish-gray base color, with points and patterns that are lighter in hue than other Bengal varieties.
The Genetics of a Blue Bengal Cat
Brown Bengals are more commonly seen than their blue-coated counterparts since the blue coat color is a hereditary trait. To breed a blue Bengal kitten, both parents must be carriers of the gene.
Eye Color Of Bengal Blue
Bengal blue is the ideal cat for those who are looking for a Bengal cat with blue eyes. Their eye color plays an important role in their overall appearance. The color can change as the cat matures.
Selecting the breeder
The genetic line of a small number of cats can be detrimentally impacted if they are bred without regard for inherited health issues. To ensure your Blue Bengal cat is healthy, it is essential to find a reputable breeder who conducts genetic health tests for their cats.
While the blue silver Bengals may be more uncommon than other Bengals, the deep blue coat color may be worth the wait for Bengal enthusiasts. Moreover, it is best to avoid buying from online ads or retail pet stores, as Bengal cats from these sources may have originated from massive commercial breeding operations.
Blue Bengal Cat Health
New owners of the Bengal breed, notably the blue silver Bengal, should not be worried about any inherited health condition. Scientists at Loyola University in New Orleans sought to create a cat breed resistant to feline leukemia when this breed was in its infancy. Due to its resistance, the Asian leopard, including ordinary domestic cats, was the ideal candidate for the breeding program.
Blue Bengal cat character
Blue Bengals are intelligent, amusing, and active cats. Unlike many cats, they enjoy playing in the water and will play fetch with their owners. Like dogs, they form close bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time with them. However, they are not a dependent breed.
They are an excellent choice for families with kids or pets because they are sociable. Early socialization will help Blue Bengals get along with other animals and enjoy playing with kids, dogs, and cats. With the Blue Bengal compared to different Bengal colors or patterns, there is no relationship between color and any difference in personality or temperament.
Care and maintenance
Blue Bengal cats are an exotic breed that needs care and upkeep to stay healthy and content. The following advice will help you care for your Blue Bengal cat:
1. Diet
Feed your Blue Bengal a top-notch, protein-rich diet that satisfies its dietary requirements. Feeding them table scraps or cheap commercial cat food can cause health issues, so stay away. Learn more about the feeding guidelines of the Bengal breed.
2. Grooming
Short, dense fur on Bengal blues requires little maintenance in terms of grooming. To prevent hairballs and remove loose hair, brush them once a week. To avoid infections, regularly trim their nails and clean their ears.
3. Exercise
Bengal cats are known for having a lot of energy, so give them lots of chances to play and exercise. Interactive toys, climbing structures, and scratching posts are the best ways to keep them active and interested. Read our article 9 Ways to Exercise Your silver Bengal Cat.
4. Litter Box
Give your Blue Bengal a tidy litter box that is roomy enough to move around without feeling cramped. Change the litter in the litter box at least once weekly and scoop it daily.
5. Veterinary Care
Visit the veterinarian regularly to have your Bengal blue examined and immunized. Regular checkups can detect health issues early because cats can conceal illness well.
6. Environmental Enrichment
Bengal blues are intelligent and observant cats that thrive in stimulating environments. To keep them occupied, surround them with toys, hiding places, and climbing frames.
The lifespan of a Bengal Cat Blue
The usual lifespan of a Bengal blue is 12 to 16 years. Some of these cats can live longer with the proper treatment, though.
Things to know before adoption
If you’re considering getting a Bengal kitten, you should research to find a reputable breeder. Most breeders will keep a waiting list and ask for a deposit to reserve a kitten. The breeder won’t release a kitten before 11 weeks, but they usually wait until they are between 12 and 14 weeks old.
Depending on the cattery, they may specialize in particular varieties like the Blue Bengal or have a selection of different cats. When picking up your kitten, ask the breeder any questions. As a new cat parent, you should be prepared for some things as the kitten grows and expect the breeder to screen potential cat parents carefully. Good breeders care about the future of their kittens.
While looking for a Ragdoll cat to adopt, I unintentionally came across a blue silver Bengal cat.
At first, I was hesitant to bring it home because I assumed it might be a hard-to-care-for breed, but after doing some research, I learned that it was a Bengal with a unique and highly desired coat color.
Every time I had visitors over, they couldn’t stop gushing about my cat’s gorgeous coat. I was overjoyed to have found such a unique and lovely pet.
Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that my unintentional adoption of a blue silver Bengal was among the best things that ever happened to me. I am thrilled to continue on this journey with my new friend because this cat has brought me so much joy and entertainment.
Prices of Blue Bengal cats
Blue silver Bengal cats in particular are highly sought after due to their rarity, and their adoption fees range from $4,000 to $8,000. Although this is more expensive than other Bengal cats, they are still within the same price range. This is mainly due to the exquisite color variation of Bengal blues.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Final thoughts!
Everything considered Blue Bengal cats are lovely animals to bring into your home. Not only are they beautiful to look at due to their unique color, but they also have excellent temperaments.
They may be more expensive to adopt than other cats, but they are worth the investment. When searching for a blue Bengal cat, it is essential to choose a reputable breeder to ensure you are getting a healthy, happy pet. All in all, Blue Bengal cats make excellent companions.
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