A Beginner’s Guide To Silver Bengal Cats – Everything You Need To Know

Silver Bengal Cat history

Harrison Weir, in 1889, first mentioned Silver Bengal Cat in his work “Our Cats and All About The”. He referred to this breed as the result of a cross between the Asian Leopard Cat and the Egyptian Mau variant of domestic cats. Many people have tried to start this breed over the years. It didn’t take off until later, though. As a result, the modern Bengal breed is poles apart from many ancient Bengal cats.

In 1992, there were only 125 recognized breeders, according to TICA (the International Cat Association), but by 2019, there were approximately 2000 registered breeders globally. According to a rough estimate, there can be more than 2500 registered breeders in 2022.

Origin

The parents of Silver Bengal Cats, Asian Leopard Cats, mentioned in Harrison’s work also known as Bengal Cats. The Egyptian Mau variant of domestic cats, a somewhat uncommon breed, which are pretty rare. 

Each year, not more than 300 kittens are registered with the Cat Fancy’s Governing Council in the UK. It is worth mentioning that both parents have spots like leopards. However, the patterns on the body of silver Bengal cats – discussed later in this blog – can be in spots or marble.

Recognition of Silver Bengal Cats

TICA recognized Bengal cats as a breed in 1983, followed by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1997 and the Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe) along with the Australian Cat Foundation in 1999. One of the last groups to register Bengal cats was the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

How is a Silver Bengal Cat Made?

Interestingly, by the 1980s, the silver Bengal breed had fully grown. Bengals gained a lot of popularity by the 2000s, and by the end of the 2010s there were almost 3000 of these cats. Now, how can a silver Bengal cat be made? and can be raised.

The pages of recent history contain the solution to this query, not until the 1970s was the Bengal species created. Jean Sugden Mill, crossed domestic cat breeds with Asian leopard cats, and the goal was to have a cat with the looks of a leopard but the temperament of a domestic cat.

The personality of a Silver Bengal Cat

Silver Bengals are beautiful animals in terms of personality. They enjoy being around people and are energetic and active. They also enjoy discovering new places and are frequently curious about strange things. Although their curiosity can occasionally cause problems for the owner, this fact alone makes them a highly engaging company. They are unquestionably highly affectionate cats; that much is certain. The characteristics of Silver Bengal Cat have been discussed here in detail.

Are Silver Bengal Cats Aggressive?

The majority of the time, Silver Bengal cats are not aggressive. In fact, Bengals are renowned for their amiable and playful personalities in general. Bengals are not typically aggressive towards their owners or other people, although all cats have the potential to act that way under certain circumstances, such as when they feel threatened or scared.

Different variants

The different variants of this breed are discussed in the following segments:

1. Charcoal Silver Bengal Cat

As their name implies, these have a darker backdrop than the typical ones and darker markings that mimic a marbling pattern. The distance between the outline and the inner section of the spot is also much closer than the ordinary ones. However, some charcoals with black bodies and black markings are easily confused with the silver spotted Bengal.

2. The Silver Smoke

The black stripes of this particular variant on a black background closely resemble those of a panther. Although it could appear utterly black at first glance, closer inspection reveals patterns. This trait lends a touch of wildness and adds to their majestic appearance.

3. The Silver Blue

Bengals with silvery blue markings combine lighter and darker shades of blue. The peach-colored undertones characteristic of blues are much lighter in silver-blue Bengal cats. Their eyes are green, orange/gold, or hazel, and the tail ends are still dark gray. As the silver feature takes some time to develop, it can be challenging to distinguish between silver and silver blue kittens.

4. The Silver Snow

When they are young, it is difficult to visually determine between a silver Bengal and a snow Bengal kitten, but as they become older, their silver fur becomes more noticeable. It’s also important to mention that the Silver Snow Bengals are the lightest in color compared to the abovementioned variants. The Silver Snow Bengals are further categorized into the following sub-types:

• Seal Lynx: They are the snow Bengal cat variety with the palest coloring, contrasting with their darker markings.
• Seal Mink: They typically have a white or beige coloring and are darker than snow lynxes.
• Seal Sepia: These cats have fur that is darker, and they have green, orange, or gold eyes.

Coat Patterns

The Bengal cat’s similarity to a leopard astounds many people. The significant element here is the markings that are arguably the most distinctive and unusual among household cats.

• Rosetted/spotted: These markings consist of spots with an outer and an inner ring. Both these rings are of different tones.
• Marble: It has a marbled pattern that mimics the curls in the fur.
• Clouded: These markings start with rather large patches; however, there isn’t much spacing between them due to the size of the spots. A cloudy Bengal cat is a Bengal cat with a vast rosetted coat and strong contrast in color.
• Sparble: It is a compound of rosettes and marble marking.

Color variations in silver Bengal cats

Bengals come in a wide range of colors and markings. A Bengal might be red, brown, black, ticking, gray, spotted, rosetted, cloudy, or even fall under the Brown Spotted classification.

Silver and brown Bengal cats have been favorites of many. The colors under the “spotted” category are brown, snow, silver, inky brown, inky snow, inky silver, and rosetted silver. The marble markings may have a brown, snowy, or silver color.

What color eyes do Silver Bengal Cats have?

Expect to see blue, green, yellow, golden yellow, and brown in silver Bengal cats. Their eyes are typically green, yellow, or brown. Although their eyes are not technically brown, the color is dark enough for most people to mistake it for brown.

Bengals can have two different-colored eyes, like other breeds, though this is more typical in particular cats.

Silver Bengal cat size

Those who wish to own a silver Bengal cat might be curious about their build and size. Well, say bye to curiosity because the silver Bengal cats have larger bodies than the typical house cat due to their muscular construction.

Their build ranges in size from medium to huge. Bengals have a long, slender build. Breeders have been using selective breeding in recent years to produce Bengal cats bigger than the original Asian leopard cat.

It is also worth mentioning that many people think silver Bengal cats are aggressive. This is partly due to their size. As mentioned early, their larger than average physique does not make them aggressive; in fact, Bengals are very affectionate pets.

A question might pop up in readers’ minds about how long a silver Bengal cat is. The answer is that they are no longer or shorter than the average-sized cat; this entirely depends on their diet plan.

A full grown silver Bengal cat weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, about the same as a typical house cat. Their ears are short and rounded, and they have noticeable facial marks. Their face has a noticeably non-domestic expression. They resemble the white tummies of Asian leopard cats in that they have paler undersides.

Blood Group

The genetics of the AB blood group in Bengal cats is poorly understood due to a lack of significant samples from Bengals. In one Bengal blood type investigation conducted in the UK, 100 Bengal cats were examined. They came to the conclusion that all 100 Bengal cats tested positive for type A blood.

Diet of Silver Bengal Cats

As enjoyable as it may sound, having a pet comes with responsibilities. Maintaining a healthy diet is among those responsibilities. Because they must consume only foods made from animals, Silver Bengals are obligate carnivores, learning about their diet is no rocket science.

Usually, giving them a balanced, comprehensive meal eliminates the need for supplements. Water that is fresh and clean should always be available to them. Commercial cat feeds are ideal for tinned, semi-moist, and dry varieties.

Also, Bengal cats have a robust defense mechanism. They don’t get sick frequently, even when they do, their immune system fights like a warrior. Once the appropriate vaccinations are done, there is no need to be concerned about its health.

Ownership experience with silver Bengal cats

Bengals are frequently promoted as a hypoallergenic breed that is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Though this has not yet been scientifically confirmed, Bengal cats are rumored to cause fewer allergies than average cats. Hence, owning a silver Bengal cat is entirely okay if the owner commits to taking proper care of it. 

Moreover, Bengal cats are intelligent, active, and amusing. Many owners of Bengal cats claim that their pets frequently like playing in the water and have a natural knack for finding things. Their playfulness might land them in hot waters frequently.

Grooming Needs

There is no assurance that a silver Bengal won’t cause people to develop allergies. Bengal silver cats do shed. They are less prone than other Bengal colors to cause allergies, though. Additionally, compared to other cats, silver Bengals have less dander, which makes them a suitable choice for those who suffer from allergies.

Hair Shedding

There is no assurance that a silver Bengal won’t cause people to develop allergies. Bengal silver cats do shed. They are less prone than other Bengal colors to cause allergies, though. Additionally, compared to other cats, silver Bengals have less dander, which makes them a suitable choice for those who suffer from allergies.

Are they rare or easy to find?

This question would have a mixed yes/no response. Bengals have recently become so well-known thanks to the internet that breeders are working to meet the demand; as a result, their availability is no longer a problem. In the early years of the 21st century, finding a cat in this class was a herculean task. The only obstacle is the price, these felines are very pricey.

Legal Restrictions

• Legal limitations could exist in several cities and states in the US. Bengal cats are not permitted by law in New York City and the state of Hawaii (as are all wild cat species, and all other hybrids of domestic and wild cats).
• In New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, and Indiana, Bengals of the F1-G4 generations are subject to regulations. Bengal cats of a generation of G5 or higher are considered domestic and are mostly legal, with the exception of the cases mentioned above.
• Bengal cats must be four generations removed from Asian Leopard cats to breed in Alaska. A license and a registered pedigree showing the four generations prior are required. This eliminates the chances of a Silver Bengal Cat being aggressive.
•  Any generation of Bengal cat is prohibited from ownership in Connecticut. To own Bengal cats in Delaware, you need a license.
• Bengals were subject to regulation in the UK, but in 2007, the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs abolished the prerequisites for obtaining a license.
• G5 Bengals are not prohibited in Australia, although their import is complicated.

How Much Do Bengal Cats Cost?

As mentioned earlier, these cats are going to cost an arm and a leg because raising Bengals is a costly hobby; breeders who sell them frequently struggle to cover the initial cost. The factors influencing the pricing of these cats are, but are not limited to, the quality of breeder care and the cat’s traits.

Silver Bengal cat price lies between $3000 and 8000$. The ones with marble markings are usually cheaper than those with spotted markings. In either case, one will have to loosen their purse strings due to their pricing of these cats. While the price of a silver Bengal cat may seem steep, the joy and companionship that they can bring to your life is priceless.

Why are Bengal cats so expensive?

Bengals are used in genetics experiments. To determine how to achieve the right colors and markings and to ensure that the genetics are in good health, breeders must do genetic testing on couples and kittens. All of this requires attentive and qualified supervision.

Where to get one from?

You should be aware of a few things before adopting a silver Bengal kitten. Of course, find a respectable breeder first. Bengals are still a young breed, and many dishonest breeders out there are more concerned with defrauding people of their money. Before making any decisions, do your homework and visit the breeder’s facility.

Although there are physical pet stores, this blog has provided an online option for individuals who want to adopt Silver Bengal Kittens from the comfort of their couch. It is suggested that buyers refrain from dealing with breeders who are not licensed and online scammers on classified sites. Visit Wild N Sweet Bengals to order and compare prices. Other important things to consider are discussed below.

Pros & Cons

FAQs