The Silver Bengal is an intelligent, active type of Bengal cat¹ that’s highly sought after for its unique patterned coat. This hybrid
cat is a striking animal with steel-colored fur contrasted against
jet-black markings. At first glance, a Silver Bengal may remind you of a
wild jungle cat, but they’re anything but wild and have an affectionate
personality. All Bengal cats, including Silver Bengals, came about from crossing
domestic cats with wild Asian Leopard Cats in the 1960s. An American
breeder named Jean Mill worked diligently at crossbreeding to create the
Bengal that looks like a mini version of a jungle cat. By the early
1990s, the Bengal cat had exploded in popularity and was accepted by The
International Cat Association (TICA) as a recognized breed. Along with their intense colors, some Silver Bengals have what’s
referred to as “glitter” on their coats. It makes the cats look like
they’re sprinkled with a shimmering dust that shines beautifully in the
light. If you look closely enough, you can see the golden-colored flecks
on the hair shafts. A Silver Bengal can be spotted, marbled, or have rosettes of dark color
on their silvery-colored base coat. Although contrasting hues on their
coats are desirable, true Silver Bengals should not have the yellowish
or brownish coloration of the pattern or coat, which is referred to as
“tarnish.” The tarnish is an unwanted coloring because it takes away
from the striking contrast of the Silver Bengal’s coat.
In the years following the development of the Silver Bengal by
US-based breeder Judy Sugden, other breeders in the US and elsewhere
were working behind the scenes breeding and selling Silver Bengals. As
more people discovered the lighter-colored Bengal cats, there was a
growing demand for these drop-dead gorgeous felines.
In 2004, The International Cat Association accepted the Silver Bengal
as a hybrid breed. Getting your hands on a Silver Bengal kitten is
difficult since most breeders have waiting lists filled with interested
buyers. The Silver Bengal is a gorgeous animal that looks a lot like a wild cat,
only in a smaller format. While the Silver Bengal hasn’t been around a
long time, today it’s one of the most highly sought-after domestic cats
due to its stunning beauty.
If you’re fortunate enough to come face to face with a Silver Bengal,
you’ll quickly learn why this is a highly coveted feline across the
globe. Hello My Priceless Friend, A Silver Bangel Cat Must Be My Spirit Animal... Hope Your Evening Is Totally Purrr-fect A Sweet Dream When You Dream Tonight... Always Loves And Hugs, ~WW~ {Sue}
