Most Bengal (or other cat breed) Breeders have web sites to show off their Available Cats and Kittens. Checking the internet will provide options in your area and across the county. It is always best to view the Cattery Conditions and the Kittens, in person, prior to making a selection. It is also very important to know what to look for and what questions to ask. Purchase only from a Reputable Breeder with Optimum Cattery Conditions, who provides a written Health Guarantee and Contract, has Professional Associations, and an obvious Love for their Cats and of the Bengal Breed. Also, only purchase a Kitten that has at the least the basic "Breed Standard" requirements. The better the markings and conformation, means a higher price. Check the Over View lists below to help with your choice. For more detailed information view our "Bengal Breed Standards" page.
Overall Health of the Kitten:
- They should be active and playful.
- Kept in a clean, safe home environment.
- Kittens should have bright clear eyes and a clean, soft pelt.
- They should have slightly rounded tummies and not be thin.
- There should NOT be any clay-based litter used for Kittens or Cats.
- Kittens should be well-socialized and play with their litter mates and with you.
- For most Owners, SBT Bengal Kittens who are appropriate as pets are F4 or later. This means that they are four or more generations away from the first hybrid breeding with the WILD Asian Leopard Cat. F1,2, and 3 Foundation Kittens are also TICA registered, like the SBT Bengals, but have a higher percent of Asian Leopard Cat genetics. These Kittens are most often for experienced Breeders to use in their breeding programs. However, they can be good pets, if raised by the right Breeder, who takes the extra time to properly socialize them. And they should be placed with a dedicated Owner who can give them enough attention - more attention, than the usual pet SBT Bengal. Foundation Bengals are very special, but are not for everyone! But be careful!... they are very sweet and very beautiful and if you meet one, you'll want one!
Click HERE to review a list of Questions to ask the Breeder... and the correct answers.
What to look for in a Bengal Kitten or Cat:
- Face Shape - "Wild" look, longer than wide, prominant whisker pads, "Roman" nose --- No triangular "Tabby" shaped heads - Ear type - Small to medium in size with rounded tops --- No large ears with pointed tips - Eye Shape and Color - Oval, slightly almond shape of Green or Gold, slightly wide set, totally round eyes not preferred (Only in Seal Lynx or Seal Mink are the eyes blue or aqua) --- No off color eyes, Not crossed, or Set too wide - Paw pads and Nose - black/dark brown, lighter in Snows and Sepias; Noses to be dark, but can have dark Salmon center --- Not to have too light, pink colored, or mixed color paw pads and No "Tabby pink" noses - Pelt Coloring -
High contrast of background and pattern with pale cream to preferabley
pure white tummies with distinct colored spots; approved patterns are Spotted/Rosetted (like a Leopard) and Marbled (like a Clouded Leopard) in Brown/Black, Silver, and Snow (seal sepia, seal lynx point, seal mink);
Rufousing (reddish/honey backgound color) preferred in Brown/Black (BST
& BMT); "glitter" is optional - it can be very pretty, but it can diffuse clearness of markings. ---
No muddy colors, Tabby "ticking", or too dense of a pattern; Blue and Melanistic colors are not accepted by TICA - Tail Attributes - Medium to long in length, thick with rounded tip; must be striped with a dark tip --- No short or completely solid color tails - Body Conformation - "Wild" conformation with hind legs slightly longer than front; more muscular than most cat breeds --- Not to have the usual "House Cat" conformation
