::::::: Regal Air Bengals :::::::

Bengals come in a variety of colors and coat patterns... indeed, Bengals are a unique breed in that we do not have "carbon copy" kittens. Part of each cats beauty is the fact they have unique patterns.

COLORS

Bengals are visually stunning. They come is 3 color categories: Brown, Silver & "Snow".

Brown is a vast array of shades, ranging from gorgeous butter-golden, tawny, sorrel, ruffoused red, mahogany, and cool brown (charcoal- which some people mistake for silver but it's actually "brown").

Silver is the newest color to be recognized. It became eligible for championship status May 1 2004. Silver can range from pale silver background w/darker silver markings to the most desired is silvery-white background with jet black markings. Many silvers have tarnish (brown shading) on them. It's acceptable but not desired.

"Snows" range from seal lynx point, seal mink to seal sepia. The *ideal* snow look resembles a clouded snow leopard.

Seal lynx point: Ground color should be ivory to cream with pattern clearly visible. Pattern can vary in color from dark seal brown, light brown, tan, or buff. They have the blue eyes. Kittens are born white and develop color as they grow.
Seal mink: Ground color should be ivory, cream, or light tan with pattern clearly visible. Pattern may be various shades of seal mink to a dark seal mink. They have aqua or green eyes.
Seal sepia: Ground color should be ivory, cream, or light tan with pattern clearly visible. Seal Sepia Tabby Pattern may be various shades of seal sepia to dark seal sepia. They have green or golden eyes.

There have also been melanistic (black) and blue Bengals born due to domestic cat genes but these colors are not recognized nor desired. Responsible breeders cull for these colors. They do not advertise these colors as "rare" or "more valuable" and charge higher prices for these kittens. Matter of fact, they are often the same price or less expensive than pet kittens in recognized colors.

Click on Colors & Patterns to see photos of the different colors of Bengals..

PATTERN

Spotted: Spots of all colors and patterns vary in color, size, rosetting and intensity but preference is given to random and horizontal pattern alignment with wide spacing or "acreage".

Rosettes: Roserres are spots/marbling taken to a higher level. Rosettes are the dark outlining of coat markings (both in the spotted and marbled) that are around a third rich color, are found in many Asian Leopard Cats and other wild cat species. Rosettes showing two distinct colors or shades, such as paw print shaped, arrowhead shaped, doughnut or half-doughnut shaped or clustered are preferred to single spotting but not required.

Marbled: The classic tabby gene creates the marbled Bengal and represents a change of pattern from spotted to swirled or marbleized. This dramatic pattern is comprised of swirls of brown spotted colors flowing in a horizontal fashion instead of traditional spots. Preference is given to the more horizontal, flowing and "ocelot-like" patterns. The "marbled" pattern can also occur in lynx, sepia and mink color. Part of the beauty of a marbled Bengal is unique and individual design. Marbled Bengals are exquisite pieces of artwork that should catch your eye and take your breath away. Plus they often have the best pelts and lots of glitter.

Most marbled kittens are born almost solid and their marble pattern "opens up" as they grow. Often a marble cat isn't fully "open" until 18 months of age. They are truly a fascinating work in progress.

"Glitter" the high shine, usually on a clear, non-ticked coat, that has been discovered and developed in the Bengal is a welcome addition to the breed. Glittered coats are preferred but not required. Pelts should feel smooth and rich like satin or silk.

Asian Leopard Cat (ALC)