Silver Bengal vs American Shorthair: Diving Into Details
Many breeds of cats are noted for their attractive appearances, including silver Bengal cat and American shorthair cats; thus, people looking for elegant-looking cats frequently find themselves in a catch-22 scenario. Therefore, research into each breed is necessary before making an adoption decision. This blog is available to assist the readers in doing just that.
Visual Differences
Cursory Glance
Silver Bengal Cat
American Shorthair Cat
Breed Introduction
Silver Bengal Cat
Silver Bengals are domestic cats known for their distinctive silver or charcoal coat color. They are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, making them popular as pets. With long, smooth fur and bright eyes, they have a striking appearance.
Silver Bengals have a base coat that ranges from pure white to steel-silver, charcoal, or blue, with contrasting black and grey spots. They come in two variants: silver-spotted and silver-marbled, like other Bengal cats.
American Shorthair Cat
Despite being medium-sized, the American Shorthair is strong. It is a genuine working cat breed. Overall, the cat appears strongly built, balanced, and proportional, with conformation that suggests strength, stamina, and agility.
Historical Overview
Silver Bengal Cat
During the 1980s, the Silver Bengal cat emerged as a relatively new domestic cat breed through crossbreeding with Siamese and Abyssinian cats. Known for their wild and exotic appearance, as well as their playful personalities, Bengal cats originated from the crossbreeding of domestic cats with Asian leopard cats.
Jean Sudgen Mill first developed this hybrid breed in 1960 by crossing domestic cats such as Egyptian Mau, Abyssinian, Burmese, or American Shorthair with Asian Leopard cats.
American Shorthair Cat
According to available information, this cat sailed with European settlers to the United States in the early 1600s to guard precious cargo against mice and rats. A brown tabby American Shorthair was advertised for sale at the Madison Square Garden’s Second Annual Cat Show in 1896 for $2,500, according to CFA records. The CFA chose it as one of the first five breeds officially recognized in 1906. The American Shorthair replaced the original designation of Domestic Shorthair in 1966.
Appearance
Silver Bengal Cat
The Silver Bengal cat has a unique coat with leopard-like spots and a silver base. They are known for their sleek, muscular bodies and playful personalities. Their striking appearance makes them a favorite at pet shows, and they are often referred to as “glittering cats.”
American Shorthair Cat
The American Shorthair is a medium-sized, robust cat. It has thick boning and is well-muscled. They appear heavier than they are due to their rounded and thick shape.
Price
- Silver Bengal Cat: For a Silver Bengal kitten, a reputable breeder will frequently charge between $2000 and $5000.
- American Shorthair Cat: A reputable breeder will charge you between $500 and $1,500 for an American Shorthair cat. However, for show-quality cats, fees can be much higher.
Character
- Silver Bengal Cat: Contrary to popular misconception, Bengal cats are not wild cats pretending to be domesticated. They are a loving and affectionate breed known for their strong bonds with their human companions. Bengal cats are quick to form close connections with people.
- American Shorthair Cat: These cats are calm and incredibly intelligent. They prefer to create pleasant squeaking noises rather than talk much. They wouldn’t need to be picked up and carried; they would walk independently. Despite not being attached, they are lovable.
Health
- Silver Bengal Cat: While Bengal cats are generally in good physical health, like all cat breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Allergies are a common problem for Bengal cats. Additionally, due to their naturally large size, owners may accidentally overfeed them, leading to obesity and related health problems such as heart disease and kidney issues. It’s important to be mindful of their specific health needs as Bengal cat owners.
- American Shorthair Cat: This breed is a healthy one. It is unknown if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy runs in families even though there have only been a few cases. The breed is also more prone to respiratory and ocular problems because of its flat face. They are more likely to become obese due to their laid-back personalities.
Size & Weight
- Silver Bengal Cat: Bengal cats can vary in size and typically weigh between 8 to 15 pounds. They are generally larger than typical domestic cats and can reach heights of 20 to 30 cm and a length of up to 50 cm from head to tail. However, size can vary based on genetics and diet.
- American Shorthair Cat: Male American Shorthair cats typically weigh between 8 and 15 pounds, while females typically weigh between 6 and 12 pounds. They are a medium to large breed of cat.
Care & Maintenance
- Silver Bengal Cat: Bengal cats are typically easy to care for and do not need regular grooming. They are hypoallergenic because of their short hair and minimal shedding, which makes them a suitable option for those with cat allergies. While it’s a good idea to occasionally brush their coat, owners don’t need to be concerned about over- or under-grooming.
- American Shorthair Cat: The American Shorthair will shed, but brushing her a few times a week maintains her coat lustrous and removes dead hair. Measure meal portions to lower the chance of this cat gaining weight due to their moderate exercise level.
Color Variations
- Silver Bengal Cat: Brown, silver, and snow are the most common hues for Bengal cats, according to TICA. However, there are also unidentified hues like pure black, charcoal, and blue.
- American Shorthair Cat: There are numerous hues and patterns available for American Shorthair cats. The most typical hues are brown, tabby, gray, and silver. They can also be seen in black, white, red, cream, and blue shades. There are also tabby, spotted, mackerel, blotched, or marbled patterns.
Life Span
- Silver Bengal Cat: Bengal cats have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years or longer.
- American Shorthair Cat: On average, an American Shorthair cat lives between 15 and 20 years. Some American Shorthair cats can live up to 25 years or longer with the right care and nutrition.
Pros & Cons
Silver Bengal Cat
Pros
Cons
American Shorthair Cat
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Each of the cats mentioned above breeds has distinctive characteristics and personalities. They can make fantastic pets, but it’s vital to fully comprehend them before picking which breed is ideal for your way of life and living situation. In this case, finding a trustworthy breeder is crucial. We hope this blog has achieved its objective by defining the two breeds.
