Size & Build

• Body: Long, strong, and muscular with a solid, athletic frame.
  
• Males: Typically larger and more muscular.
  
• Females: Slightly smaller, graceful, and lithe.
  
• Head: Broad and slightly small in proportion to the body, with high cheekbones.
  
• Ears: Medium-sized, rounded tips — not pointed.
  
• Tail: Thick, medium length, with a rounded black tip.
  

Eyes

• Large, oval or almond-shaped.
  
• Set slightly slanted, enhancing their wild expression.
  
• Eye colours vary — from green and gold to blue or aqua (especially in “Snow Bengals”).
  

Coat & Patterns

Coat Texture

• Short-haired, dense, and luxuriously soft.
  
• Often compared to “bunny fur” — silky and plush to the touch.
  
• Many Bengals display a unique glitter effect — where the coat appears to sparkle in the light.
  

Patterns

The Bengal’s coat is its defining feature. Recognized patterns include:

• Spotted – leopard-like single spots scattered across the coat.
  
• Rosetted – multi-toned markings that look like miniature jaguar or leopard rosettes (e.g., arrowhead, paw-print, or doughnut rosettes).
  
• Marbled – large, flowing, marble-like swirls instead of spots.
  

Coat Colours

Bengals come in several stunning colour variations:

• Brown – the most common, ranging from golden to deep mahogany.
  
• Snow – pale cream/white coat with icy blue or aqua eyes (Lynx, Sepia, Mink varieties).
  
• Silver – a striking silver-grey coat with contrasting dark markings.
  
• Charcoal – dark face mask, thick dorsal stripe, and dramatic markings.

The Glitter Effect in Bengal Cats

What Is Glitter?

• The term “glitter” refers to the sparkling, shimmering quality found in the coats of many Bengal cats.
  
• When the light hits their fur, each hair can reflect a golden or pearly sheen — almost as though the cat has been lightly dusted with glitter.
  
• This effect is natural and unique to the Bengal breed, making them even more striking in appearance.
  

Why Do Bengals Have Glitter?

• Glitter is the result of a genetic trait specific to some Bengal bloodlines
  
• It is caused by the structure of the hair shaft:
  
  • In glittered Bengals, each hair is more translucent.
    
  • Light penetrates the shaft and then refracts, creating a shimmering or sparkling effect.
    
• This trait is inherited, meaning some Bengal kittens in a litter may display glitter while others may not.
  

Types of Glitter

Breeders often describe two main kinds:

1. Gold-Tipped Glitter
   
   • Gives the coat a warm, golden sparkle.
     
   • Especially noticeable on brown Bengals.
     
2. Pearl or Frost Glitter
   
   • Creates a soft, pearly or silvery shimmer.
     
   • Seen more often in lighter-coloured Bengals such as Snows and Silvers.
     

How Visible Is It?

• Glitter is most visible when Bengals are viewed in natural sunlight or under bright indoor light.
  
• Some coats sparkle so strongly that they appear as though they’re glowing.
  
• Others may have a subtle shimmer, only noticeable when you look closely.
  

Why Is It Special?

• Glitter is exclusive to the Bengal breed and is not found in most other domestic cats.
  
• It enhances the breed’s already exotic look, adding another layer of beauty to their leopard-like coats.
  
• While not required for show standards, glitter is highly prized among Bengal enthusiasts and breeders.
• Glitter = natural sparkle in Bengal fur
  
• Caused by light refraction through translucent hair shafts
  
• Types: Gold-tipped (warm glow) & Pearl/Frost (silvery shimmer)
  
• Visibility: Best seen in sunlight or bright lighting
  
• Unique: A trait almost exclusive to Bengals
  

Movement & Presence

• Bengals move with the grace of a wildcat — fluid, agile, and powerful.
  
  

Their posture, combined with bold coat markings, gives them an exotic and commanding presence.