Silver Bengal Cat Vs. Chartreux: Which One is Better?
The silver Bengal cat and the Chartreux are two trendy cat breeds prized for their distinct looks and amiable personalities. The French breed, the Chartreux, is distinguished by its thick, blue-gray coat, round face, and expressive eyes. On the other hand, a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard Cat were crossed to create the hybrid breed known as the silver Bengal. It is renowned for its athletic, quick body and glittering silver coat.
Despite specific differences in appearance, temperament, and maintenance needs, both types make lovely companions and are appropriate for a range of households. These differences have been explored individually to help the readers make an informed choice. Before going in detail comparison of Silver Bengal Cat vs Chartreux, let’s first look into their visual difference.
Visual Differences
At a Glance
| Silver Bengal Cat | The Chartreux | |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 10-15 years | 8-13 years |
| Average weight | 8-12 pounds | 6-14 pounds |
| Average length | 14-18 inches | 16-19 inches |
| Traits | Loving, intelligent, energetic & vocal | Gentle and sociable |
| Grooming | Weekly | Weekly (sheds more during seasonal changes) |
The Chartreux
To gain a better understanding of the topic at hand, let’s start by examining the Chartreux cat.
Breed Introduction
This graceful cat has a medium build and is well-proportioned, athletic, and lean. Large, wide eyes that can range in color from yellow to copper have a charming expression. This cat is solid and robust, but it doesn’t mean overweight or bulky; overall, it gives off the appearance of being a “business” cat rather than a “lazy” cat.
Historical Overview
The Chartreux were likely worker cats that were actively bred by Carthusian monks close to Paris. In the 1500s, this stunning blue cat was most likely transported to France from the Middle East. In France, a particular Chartreux breeding program was initiated in the late 1920s.
The Chartreux was brought to Britain to improve the body, coat type, and color of the British Shorthair in addition to being produced as a separate breed. The Chartreux was almost lost in World War II. It has been brought back thanks to the efforts of committed breeders. In 1971, the first three Chartreux cats arrived in our country. This breed was given championship status by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1987.
Appearance
Short gray coats, adorably round cheeks, and sparkling copper eyes are characteristics of Chartreux. These cats have short, slender limbs and huge, muscular bodies. Well-balanced ears that are broader at the base and rounder at the tips are characteristics of a Chartreux cat.
Character
The Chartreux kitten is a calm, considerate cat who isn’t overly vocal, demanding, or theatrical. It makes a delightful companion for people of all ages. They are kind toward everyone they live with, approachable, and even reputed to be competent travelers.
Although this cat rarely purrs in protest, those familiar with the breed say it is a superb communicator with an appealing demeanor.
Price
Costs for Chartreux cats range from $500 to $2,000. These cats are not very common to find.
Health
These cats are likelier to have kidney and urinary system disorders than other cat breeds. Although reputable Chartreux breeders will test their kittens for genetic conditions, it’s crucial to maintain all your scheduled doctor’s appointments and follow their recommendations. There is no big thing to worry about since all cats can develop health problems later in life.
Size & Weight
Medium to large in stature; Chartreux cats have a cobby, muscular build. Broad and muscular shoulders and chest. The body of the Chartreux cat is typically longer than it is tall. Weights of adult Chartreux cats can reach 16 pounds.
Care & Maintenance
It is a straightforward pet that is independent mainly but will cheerfully interact with kids and other animals. The coat of the Chartreux is soft, making it simple to maintain. Since its distinct texture is more suited to the action of a comb than a bristle brush, several experts advise against brushing it.
Even though the Chartreux does an outstanding job of grooming itself, the extra time spent together will be enjoyable for both of you.
Color Variations
They are distinguished by their thick, silky blue-gray coats. Their fur often has a wooly feel and is short and silky. The blue-gray hue of their coat, which can be anything from a light silver gray to a dark charcoal blue, is frequently referred to as “smoke.”
Certain Chartreux cats can have lighter hairs mixed in with the blue-gray, which might give their coat a slightly lighter or more subdued appearance. Most Chartreux cats have solid coat colors without any markings or patterns.
Life Span of Chartreux
On average, their lifespan is about 11 to 15 years. Their diet plays an important role in this regard.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Silver Bengal Cat
Now that we have discussed the Chartreux cat in detail, let’s turn our attention to the Silver Bengal cat to provide a better comparison.
Breed Introduction
The Silver Bengal cat, a domestic breed found in Asia and its colonies, is a result of crossbreeding with Oriental Shorthair, Manx, and Burmese cats. They possess distinctive traits and a silver-like appearance, resembling either a silver animal or a silver-colored human.
Developed over generations through crossbreeding with other purebred cats, distinguishing them from their parent breeds can be challenging.
Historical Overview
In the 1990s, the Silver Bengal cat was created through the breeding of a Bengal and an American Shorthair, with Judy Sugden being credited for breeding the first litter of Silver Bengal kittens.
The genetic mutation for a silver coat color in domestic cats was discovered in the 1960s, and Jean Mill, an American breeder, worked diligently to crossbreed cats to create a Bengal breed that resembled a miniature jungle cat.
Appearance
Silver Bengal cats have a silver or gray coat with striking coat patterns that can vary in size and intensity. They have vivid green or blue eyes and a lean, muscular body. While some Silver Bengal cats’ coats may contain rosettes or spots, others could have a more uniform hue.
Price
The cost of a Silver Bengal kitten can vary depending on a number of elements, including the kitten’s pedigree, parents, health, and reputation of the breeder. A Silver Bengal kitten typically costs between $3000 and $5000. However, some breeders might charge $5800 or even more for Silver Bengal kittens.
Character
Bengal cats have the ability to get along with humans quickly. This cat, which many people mistakenly think is a wild cat posing as a domesticated one, is actually a very lovable and affectionate breed.
Health
Bengal cats are generally healthy but like all cat breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Allergies are one of the most common health problems affecting Bengal cats. Considering how big they are by nature, many owners accidentally overfeed them in an effort to make them feel cosy. Bengals can also develop kidney problems and heart disease.
Size & Weight
Bengal cats can grow to be 50 cm long from head to tail and weigh anywhere between 8 and 15 pounds. They typically stand 20 to 30 cm tall and are larger than typical domestic cats.
Care & Maintenance
One of the best things about owning a Silver Bengal cat is that they don’t shed a lot. This breed can be owned with little to no difficulty, even by many people who are allergic to cats. You should brush these cats sometimes but don’t worry about washing or over-grooming them.
Color Variations
Silver Bengal cats come in various base colors like rust brown, tan, gold, orange, ivory, and buff. They are known for dark black or brown spots. There are two color variations: Silver Snow and Silver Melanistic. Silver Snow kittens have dark markings but are not entirely black due to the “inhibitor” gene for Silver. Silver blue Bengals combine pale bluey-grey fur with darker markings and the silver gene for a striking silver appearance.
Life Span
Bengal cats can live for 12 to 16 years on average.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Final Thought
Both cats have unique traits and personalities. They can make excellent pets, but before deciding which breed is best for your lifestyle and living arrangements, it’s vital to understand them at length. To protect the animal’s health and welfare, getting a kitten from a reputable breeder who uses humane breeding techniques is also critical.
