The Bengal Cat Standard
Head, Body, Colours, Patterns.
Source: The Australian Cat Federation
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The goal of the Bengal breeding program is to create a domestic cat which has the physical features distinctive to the small forest-dwelling wild cats, but with the loving dependable temperament of the domestic cat. Keeping this goal in mind, judges shall give special merit to those characteristics in the appearance of the Bengal that are distinct from those found in other domestic cat breeds.
CONFORMATION:
The conformation gives the Bengal cat a basic “feral” appearance. It is medium to large, sleek, and very muscular with hind-quarters slightly higher than shoulders. The head is a broad modified wedge with rounded contours, longer than it is wide, with a large nose and prominent whisker pads. The ears are medium set, medium small, short with a wide base and rounded tips.
HEAD:
Shape – Broad, modified wedge with rounded contours. Longer than it is wide. Allowance to be made for jowls in adult males.
Size – Slightly small in proportion to body, but not to be taken to extreme.
Profile – Gently curving forehead to bridge. Bridge of nose extends above the eyes. Nose has a very slight concave curve.
Nose – Large and wide; slightly puffed nose leather.
Muzzle – Full and broad, with large, prominent whisker pads and high, pronounced cheekbones.
EARS:
Size – Medium small, basically short ears, with wide base and rounded tips.
Placement – Set as much on side as top of head, following the contour of the face in the frontal view, and pointing forward in the profile view.
Furnishings – Light horizontal furnishings acceptable, but lynx tipping undesirable.
EYES:
Shape – Oval, may be slightly almond shaped.
Size – Large, but not bugged.
Placement – Set wide apart, back into face, and on slight bias toward base of ear.
Colour – Both eyes to be the same colour.
Brown Tabby (spotted or marbled): Any colour except blue or aqua.
Seal Lynx Point: blue.
Seal Sepia Tabby: gold, to green.
Seal Mink Tabby: blue-green (aqua).
NECK:
Size – Thick and muscular, large in proportion to head.
Length – Long, and in proportion to body.
BODY:
Shape – Long and substantial, but not oriental or foreign.
Size – Medium to large (but not quite as large as the largest domestic breed).
Boning – Robust, never delicate.
Musculature – Very muscular, especially in the males, one of the most distinguishing features.
LEGS:
Length – Medium, slightly longer in the back than in the front.
Boning – Large and substantial. Never delicate.
Musculature – Very muscular, like the body.
FEET:
Size – Large.
Shape – Round.
TAIL
Shape – Thick, tapered at end with rounded tip.
Size – Medium large.
Length: Medium.
COAT
Length – Short to medium. Allowance for slightly longer coat in kittens.
Texture – Thick, luxurious, and unusually soft to the touch.
TEMPERAMENT
Temperament must be unchallenging. Any sign of definite challenge shall disqualify. Cat may exhibit fear, seek to flee, or generally complain aloud, but may not threaten to harm. Bengals should be confident, alert, curious, and friendly cats.
Any Other Colour:
Any colour other than those listed above are classed as Any Other Colour and cannot be awarded a challenge
Maintaining the Standard ensures that breeders maintain the integrity and quality of the breed, producing cats that not only meet aesthetic criteria but also embody the breed’s unique personality traits and health standards.
This recognition not only promotes the breed, but also encourages us, as breeders to strive for excellence, continually improving our breeding program.
Quality Beyond Expectation
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