The Silver Bengal cat has become the second recognized standard, after the classic brown, in this young domestic cat breed. The background, as well as the markings on it, generally fluctuate in color in terms of lighter or darker.
The main hair color of silver is silvery-white, similar to pearl, and the main requirement for it is the absence of rufisms in any area.
The Genetics Behind the Silver Bengal
Silver color in Bengal Cats is caused by the inhibitor gene I. As its name indicates, this gene inhibits the production of pigment in the hair. In particular, it inhibits the pigments at the base of hairs for non-agouti cats, and for agouti cats it inhibits the production of red pigment.
The allele I for inhibitors is dominant to the allele i for non-inhibitor. So, if a cat is i/i, it is neither smoke nor silver. If a cat is I/i or I/I, it will be either silver or smoke.
So, a silver Bengal cat which is also agouti will be A/- I/- and a smoke cat will be a/a I/-.
It seems that when a cat is homozygous to the inhibitor gene (I/I), the smoke is more visible (high-grade) than a heterozygous smoke (I/i) (low-grade).
The gene for smoke and silver hasn’t been identified yet: it cannot, therefore, be genetically tested. For this reason, it’s impossible to be 100% sure that a cat is silver or smoke.
Silver Bengal Cat Characteristics
The silver color of the Bengal cat is provided by the presence of the corresponding inhibitor gene “i”, which the Bengal cat received from other breeds during crossing.
The Body hairs are painted with stripes of gray-white or gray-smoky pearl color. Darkening is allowed on the back, but not much. The inner part of the paws, the abdomen are lighter about two to three tones from the main color of the body.
Like the brown Bengal, the eyes, nose, and lips have a contrasting outline. Other standards are as follows:
- Paw pads are chocolate brown, almost black, or coal black;
- The tip of the nose is pink and red to bright brick color;
- The color of the iris of the eyes is allowed in yellow-golden, emerald green shades; occasionally, as a result of mutations, representatives of the subspecies of the breed have blue eyes.
Silver Bengal Cat Color & Pattern Standard
The main reason why silver Bengals were successfully standardized was the similarity of patterns with the classics of the breed – brown tabby cats (brown patterned), as well as the proper contrast of the pattern in relation to the background main color. Individuals of the silver subspecies are subdivided in the standards into:
- Spotted silver tabby spotted
- Rosette silver tabby spotted
- Marble silver tabby marble
In any type of tabby, contrast is required – a significant difference in spots with the main color, as well as clarity of outlines.
Silver Bengal Size & Weight
Silver Bengal Size
- Female: Approximately 13 Inches
- Male: Approx 13 Inches
The Bengal male reaches adult size by 24 months of age; the female, on the other hand, does it earlier, at 12.
Silver Bengal weight
- Cat: Between 10 and 15 Pounds
- Cat: Between 12 and 17 Pounds
Silver Bengal Temperament & Personality
Silver Bengals combine the physical characteristics of a panther with the gentle nature of a domestic cat.
On the one hand, Silver Bengals are very independent and show with all their appearance that they are predators, strong and dexterous. They are excellent hunters, and their instincts greatly influence their behavior. Therefore, if there are smaller animals in the house, the Bengal can mistake them as prey.
On the other hand, it is difficult to find a more affectionate and outgoing breed. Constant contact with the owner of these cats is very important: with a lack of attention, they run wild and turn into little leopards. But, socializing your kitten from kittenhood will turn your Bengal into a faithful, loyal and affectionate friend.
Such character traits make the Bengal an almost ideal cat for families with small children.
Bengals have a hard time being separated from their owners. Therefore, if the owner has a need to leave the animal with someone, it is better if they are people who are familiar and close to the family. Otherwise, the cat may refuse to eat and become depressed.
What is a Silver Bengal Cats Health & Life Span?
The life expectancy of the Silver Bengal
The Bengal can live 10 to 16 years.
Resistant / Robust
Its thick coat makes it a cold-resistant cat, although it should not be forgotten that its hair is short and its undercoat is moderate.
Tendency to gain weight
Given the nutritional needs of this cat, it can easily gain weight if its food rations are not adequate. It is always advisable to follow the advice of your veterinarian.
Common diseases
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency, which causes anemia.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes an enlargement of the heart muscle. This pathology causes heart failure that can lead to arrhythmias or even lung edema or thrombosis of an artery. The short-haired American is more prone to it than his long-haired cousin.
- Progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause total blindness.
Certain specimens can suffer from the same diseases as other domestic cats, such as ailments that affect the mouth and teeth (tartar and gingivitis, for example).
Reproduction
No cross with this breed is authorized.
Silver Bengal Grooming & Maintenance | Are Silver Bengal Cats High Maintenance?
Unlike many other cat breeds, Silver Bengals are very fond of water and love to swim. Therefore, if you leave a filling bathtub, basin, or any other container of water unattended, keep in mind that your cat can happily splash in it.
Bengals have a silky, soft-touch coat. In the sun, it shimmers with golden hues. Many people say that these cats are very pleasant to pet. It does not need any special care or frequent combing.
In general, cleanliness is a characteristic feature of this breed. These cats quickly and easily get used to the litter box and do not tolerate dirt, so the owner should regularly clean the litter box: at the slightest hint of an unpleasant odor, the cat may refuse to go into it.
How much is a Silver Bengal cat worth?
A Silver Bengal Kitten has an average tag price of $3200-$4900. Some Breeders could even offer Silver Bengal Kittens for $5800 or even higher.
The price would depend on many factors, such as the kitten’s lineage, parents, health, and the breeder’s reputation.
Aside from the kitten’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your kittens like grooming tools, food, and shelter.
Yes, the marble on silver, is a rare color, as it is difficult to breed.
What to Name a Cat that is Gray? Names For Silver Bengal Cats
- Carbon
- Chrome
- Pearl
- Pebbles
- Pewter
- Plata
- Mercury
- Razor
- Shilling
- Silver
- Steel
- Comet
- Cosmo
- Luna
- Moon
- Moonshine
- Rocket
- Stardust
- Starshine
- Oyster
Where Can You Find a Silver Bengal Cat?
Below is a list of the top and leading Bengal Breeders in America with all of their information.
- Bengal Kittens For Sale North Carolina
- Bengal Kittens For Sale Michigan
- Bengal Kittens For Sale New Jersey
- Bengal Kittens For Sale Minnesota
- Bengal Kittens For Sale Texas
- Bengal Kittens For Sale New York
- Bengal Kittens For Sale Pennsylvania
- Bengal Kittens For Sale California
- Bengal Kittens For Sale Ohio
- Bengal Kittens For Sale Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Silver Bengal Cats Rare?
Yes, the marble on silver, is a rare color, as it is difficult to breed. An even rarer color is the snow. Snow Bengals are divided into three groups: Seal Lynx Point, Seal Mink Tabby, and Seal Sepia Tabby.
Are Silver Bengal Cats Hypoallergenic?
Silver Bengal cats do not shed and are hypoallergenic.
Final Thoughts
Bengal cats have a bright appearance, unique colors (which we will talk about later), fairly high physical activity, easy learning, high intelligence, and absolutely canine affection for the owner.