Frequently Asked Questions
A breed standard is a guideline of characteristics and traits a reputable breeder follows and uses not only in the show hall but more importantly in pairing and breeding their cats. This standard describes the ideal cat the community is trying to produce. Check out our blog post to learn about the Bengal Breed Standard.
Domestic Bengals are certainly no average cat. They can range in size, color and personality. Bengals can be light in color like those of the snows (Seal Lynx (tabby) Point, Seal Mink (tabby), Seal Sepia (tabby) they can be colder in color like the charcoals and the silvers or warm in color like the browns. Pattern can also vary from the swirly patterned marble, but they can have spots shaped like arrowheads, filled in completely or big and bold rosettes. Their coat can also come with a beautiful glittery shine that glistens in the sunlight. Bengals can also have larger round eyes that come in various colors like beautiful greens, golds and brilliant blues. Their noses are a rustic brick red outlined by black, a characteristic very similar to their wild ancestors. Their ears typically are smaller and more rounded rather than have a triangular pointed shape. Their tail is also not long, thin and pointed, rather medium length, held lower with a blunt end. Males typically are muscular, long, lean and dense weighing around 10-15 lbs while females who are also muscular, are on the smaller side at 7-12 lbs.
Bengals are unique and certainly unlike the typical domestic cat. One defining characteristic is their aptitude towards human interaction and being nosy. Owner beware if they don’t get it, they can develop some naughty habits. They are very active cats and enjoy climbing and jumping. Bengals also love water, many are known to enjoy the beach and even baths! Bengals are also extremely intelligent often having the ability to learn tricks whether you are the one who teaches them or not. They also love talking which includes a wide variety of purrs, chirps, meows and even some odd sounds. If you are looking for a cat this not only beautiful but who is devoted to its owner, is curious and active, loves to talk to you and is very intelligent this is the cat for you. There is nothing like being owned or loved by a Bengal. If you are looking for a quiet, independent lap cat, this is not the cat for you.
Bengals can be very particular with change whether this be a move, a new baby or animal in the home or even a change in work schedule. However that being said they are fairly good with dogs and even children when introduced properly.
Bengals unfortunately are not legal everywhere, some locations or cities specifically have restrict and even some countries require special permits and documents for import and export even of domestic bengals. It's important to be aware of these such restrictions before committing to the purchase of a bengal buddy.
HybridLaw.com is a database for US and International Laws for Ownership of Hybrid Cats and Dogs
*NOTE: information may not always be up to date so please do not solely rely on this information. Please also be aware this is not legal advice!
United State Fish and Wild Life Services has specific requirements for the import and export of Bengal cats. You can find them here
The following form is used to file for an import/export license via the U.S. Fish and Wild Life Services
The following is a list of approved ports for importing Bengal Cats into the United States.
Please be aware that there is a generational limitation on needing a cites permit that is not described in the above documents. You can find further information here
There is a plethora of terms and abbreviations you may see thrugh out website and many others. A completely list of what all the Bengal Gargon means can be found in our blog post.