Snow Bengal Cat: Everything You Need To Know

The Snow Bengal cat can be the ideal pet if you’re searching for a cat resembling a small Asian snow leopard. We’ll review all the information you require regarding this breed in this blog post.

We’ve covered everything from their historical history and appearance to their cost, personality, health, size, care and maintenance, color variations, life duration, and even the pros & cons of owning one of these charming cats. Before bringing a Snow Bengal home, learn everything you need to know by reading on.

Historical Overview

Bengal cats are a domestic breed that crosses domestic house cats and Asian leopard cats. California native Jean Mill popularized the Bengal cat through selective breeding. The present Bengal was created using this method for many years.

The first few generations of the Bengal breed were wild and challenging for a non-professional to handle, so it took some time to develop into the breed we know and love today. Bengals were thoroughly domesticated and prepared for home ownership after a few generations of breeding them with one another.

The International Cat Association (TICA) approved Bengals for the first time in 1983. Bengals were granted championship status shortly afterward in 1991, enabling seasoned breeders and owners to begin showing Bengals professionally. Bengals swiftly acquired popularity; as of 2019, there are more than 1,000 Bengal breeders worldwide.

Mainly, snow Bengals are created by mating brown, normal Bengals with Siamese cats. The albino gene in the Siamese gene pool gives snow Bengals distinctive coloring. Due to the presence of these genes, it is sometimes also called the Albino Bengal Cat. Because the snow gene is so uncommon,  it was pretty tricky for early breeders to generate what is now known as the snow Bengal.

Appearance

Medium- large-sized Snow Bengal cats are prized for their striking physical appearance and distinctive markings. They usually weigh between 8 and 15 pounds and have a short, dense, and velvety coat with a glossy shine that highlights their unique patterns.

They have a characteristic “wild” appearance due to their breeding with the Asian leopard cat, and their wide, expressive eyes are a particularly striking feature. The unique coat coloring and patterns make this breed so rare and it’s sometimes also called the Asian snow leopard Bengal cat.

Price of Snow Bengal Cat

The relative scarcity of Snow Bengals makes them pricey. Depending on the color of each kitten, the type of health examinations their parents underwent, and whether the kittens are show-quality pedigrees, various breeders will set their rates differently.

Budgeting between $1,000 and $3,000 is what we’d advise for your new kitten. Although Snow Bengals may occasionally be offered for less than this, you should research to ensure they were responsibly bred by a reputable breeder with a track record of raising healthy kittens. Most Snow Bengal breeders will use third- or fourth-filial-generation (F3) or F4 cats as the parent cats; you can request to check their pedigree records.

Character

Snow Bengal cats are renowned for being sharp minds with curiosity. They can be extremely noisy and are social cats who enjoy socializing with their owners. In addition to their high levels of energy and playfulness, kids are recognized for needing a lot of mental and physical stimulation to remain content and healthy. They get along nicely with kids and other animals and are devoted to their families.

In terms of temperament, they are intelligent, active, and social cats that require plenty of stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They are loyal and affectionate to their families and get along well with children and other pets. Also Read about Blue Silver Bengal Cat.

Health

1. Hip Dysplasia

A hereditary disorder that results in the development of the hip joints improperly. Ensure your Snow Bengal comes from a reputable breeder who tests their cats for hip dysplasia to help prevent this problem.

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Cardiac failure may result from the heart disorder hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes the heart’s walls to thicken. This ailment can be detected with the help of routine veterinary examinations, and the symptoms can be managed with medicine and a particular diet.

3. Dental Problems

Snow Bengals are prone to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. These problems can be avoided with regular dental cleanings and exams, and everyday teeth brushing can help preserve good oral health.

4. Obesity

Because they are so active, Snow Bengals need a lot of exercise to keep healthy. Giving your cat many opportunities to play and exercise can aid in preventing obesity. They must also eat a healthy, balanced diet suitable for their age and activity level.

5. Allergies

Snow Bengals may be more susceptible to allergies, leading to skin rashes and breathing problems. Consult your veterinarian to learn more about the probable reasons and available treatments if you believe your cat may have allergies.

Snow Bengal cat size & Weight

Medium to large, Snow Bengal cats typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds for females and 10-15 pounds for adult males. They are solid and muscular, with a body and tail that are both fairly lengthy.

Eyes

The eye color of Snow Bengal cats, which changes depending on the coat color, is one of their most distinctive characteristics. Seal Minks often have green or aqua eyes, Seal Sepias have green or gold eyes, while Seal Lynx Points typically have blue eyes. Large, expressive eyes are another appealing feature of snow Bengals.

Care & Maintenance

Although Snow Bengal cats are a rare and lovely species, they need some particular upkeep and care to stay happy and healthy. The following are some crucial advice for caring for your Snow Bengal:

1. Exercise

Due to their high activity level, Snow Bengals need a lot of exercises to stay happy and healthy. They benefit from toys and playtime with their owners and enjoy playing and exploring their surroundings. Your Snow Bengals can burn off extra energy and lower their risk of obesity if you give them lots of opportunities to exercise.

2. Nutrition

Like all cats, Snow Bengals need a healthy diet that is both balanced and nutrient-rich. Pick cat food that is high-quality, protein-rich, and suitable for their age and activity level. Always make sure to have fresh, clean water on hand for your cat, and ensure they are keeping a healthy weight by keeping an eye on their condition and weight.

3. Health

All cats, even Snow Bengals, should receive routine veterinary examinations. Plan yearly health examinations with your veterinarian, and stay current on your pet’s immunizations, parasite control, and dental hygiene. We’ve a detail discussion about common health issues of Silver Bengal cat.

4. Environmental enrichment

It benefits Snow Bengals since they are brilliant cats. To keep your cat mentally active and interested, give them lots of toys, scratching posts, and climbing frames. They like puzzles and interactive toys and like fountains and water features.

Snow Bengal Cat Color Variations

Snow Bengal cats come in four types: Snow Sepia, Seal Lynx, Snow Mink, and Snow Lynx. 

Snow Sepia Bengal

A Snow Sepia Bengal has an ivory, light tan, or cream-colored coat with seal sepia to dark seal sepia markings. These cats have seal tail tips and either green or gold eyes. Of all colors, snow Sepia Bengals have the darkest markings – usually dark brown or black. The markings stand out sharply against the white fur.

Seal Lynx Snow Bengal

The markings on a Seal Lynx Bengal are lighter than those on a Snow Sepia Bengal. They are typically a light brown or tan and are not as contrasting as the markings on a Snow Sepia Bengal.

Lynx Snow Bengal

A Lynx Snow Bengal has a white or pale cream-colored coat with seal markings that vary from dark to light. They have dark brown tail tips and blue eyes. Coat markings are usually in rosettes, and spots. Lynx Snow Bengals have green or blue eyes, and their ears are small and pointed.

Snow Mink Bengal

Then there is Snow Mink Bengal which has a cream, ivory, or light tan-colored coat with dark seal mink to seal mink-colored markings. The markings on a Snow Mink Bengal are the lightest colors. Their tail tips are dark seal brown, and they can have either aqua or blue-green eyes. They are typically a very light brown or beige and are barely visible in some cases.

Snow White Bengal

A Marbled Snow White Bengal cat has a unique marbled pattern on a white or pale cream-colored background. The markings can vary in color, from light to dark, and the eyes are typically blue.

Seal Mink Bengal

Lastly, a Seal Mink Bengal has a coat that is slightly darker than a Snow Lynx or Snow Sepia Bengal, with markings that range from dark seal mink to seal mink-colored. They typically have aqua or blue-green eyes and dark seal brown tail tips.

Coat Patterns

Snow Bengals’ markings contrast less with their background coat than other Bengals’ because they are paler. However, their markings exhibit the same forms and patterns as other Bengals. Depending on their breeding, these can have marbled or rosette markings.

a. Rosettes

Bengal cats are the only domestic cats to have rosettes, which is one of the reasons why people adore them. Rosettes can appear in various forms and patterns, including clusters, pawprints, arrowheads, doughnuts, and cloudy. The variety of options results from breeders’ concentration on enhancing these rosettes’ distinctive appearance with each succeeding generation.

Some Snow Bengal kittens, particularly Seal Lynx Bengals, are born without rosettes. Snow Bengals’ soft, creamy rosettes, which they maintain throughout adulthood, begin to appear as they become older.

b. Marbling

A stunning variation of these lovely cats, marbled Bengals are distinguished by symmetrical swirls on their back and sides. Bengals rarely have marbling, primarily because breeders seek spots that resemble leopards. A snow Bengal coat can be presented in either a marbled or a rosette manner, both gorgeous.

c. Other Patterns

Despite having various coat patterns, Bengals often share the same markings. A striped tail with a darker tip, stomach markings, and striped legs are characteristics shared by all Bengals. Additionally, the patterns on their faces are darker; some snow Bengals even have markings that resemble “goggles” on their faces. Bengals are majestic, but these markings scream “cute”!

Snow Bengal Cat Breeders

Before adopting a Snow Bengal cat, consider the following traits in breeders:

1. Reputation

Seek out a reputable breeder, ideally one that comes highly recommended by other Snow Bengal owners or breeders.

2. Health testing

Check the breeder’s cats for common health problems like hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy by asking about health testing.

3. Kitten socialization

Check to see if the breeder socializes the environment in which the kittens are raised so that they are exposed to various people, sounds, and experiences from a young age.

4. Clean facility

Ensure that the breeding facility is kept up-to-date and tidy. This demonstrates the breeder’s commitment to the health and welfare of their cats.

5. Breeder’s involvement

To lower the chance of hereditary health issues and preserve the vigor of the breed, look for a breeder who makes an effort to retain genetic diversity in their breeding program.

6. Breeder’s participation

Consider a breeder who exhibits their cats at shows or other events and is actively involved in the Snow Bengal cat community. This is indicative of a qualified breeder who is dedicated to raising the breed’s standards.

Life Span

The usual lifespan of a Snow Bengal is 12 to 16 years. Some of these cats can live longer with the proper treatment, though.

Pros & Cons of Snow Bengal Cat

FAQs