The black Bengal cat is often known as the melanistic Bengal, due to the gene that causes this distinctive dark color. The Bengal cat breed usually looks pretty exotic with their spotted coat and large eyes. But, those spots can be hard to see in certain colors. Because a black Bengal cat has black spots on a black background. At a glance, they appear to be solid in color. This coloring is not an official shade, but is popular nonetheless. Today we’ll check out the traits, characteristics and behaviors of a black Bengal cat. And find out whether despite their unique coloring, they’ll have the same inquisitive, energetic personality as any other Bengal shade.
Contents
- What is a black Bengal cat?
- Black Bengal cat appearance and genetics
- Are melanistic Bengal cats rare?
- Finding all black Bengal kittens
What is a Black Bengal Cat?
The Bengal cat breed’s exotic appearance makes sense when you look at its early origins! This breed originated in the 1960s, when breeder Jean Mill crossed domestic cats with a small wild cat species, the Asian Leopard Cat. Since then, Bengals were standardized, and were accepted as an official breed by The International Cat Association in 1986.
The closest TICA accepted color to black in the Bengal breed is charcoal. This coloring can be spotted or marbled. But, there is an unofficial shade known as black or melanistic Bengal. These cats have black spots over a black background, making them appear as solid black.
What Do Black Bengal Cats Look Like?
The Bengal breed is quite a large cat. This means that it can take up to 2 years for them to reach their full adult size! Like most breeds, females are usually smaller than males. As adults, this breed can range between 6 and 15 lbs. They have short coats that don’t shed frequently.
Bengals have large, oval eyes, and an overall muscular physique. This breed is often described as having an exotic, or wild appearance. Which is mostly down to their coat and its pattern. Bengals have spots or rosette markings on their coats. The markings are usually darker against a lighter background. But, since black Bengals have black markings against a black background, it can be quite hard to distinguish their markings from the rest of their fur.
There is usually a slight contrast between a black Bengal’s markings and their base fur. But, you might only notice this contrast in certain lights. This is why these markings are sometimes called “ghost spots”. These cats won’t have warm tones in their coats. They will usually have hazel, gold, or green eyes.
What Causes Black Fur in Bengal Cats?
The black Bengal cat is slightly different to the charcoal coloring. Charcoal coloring is an incomplete melanism, whilst a black Bengal cat is fully melanistic.
The allele that causes melanistic coloring is recessive. So, kittens must inherit a copy from each parent in order to show up as fully melanistic. This allele is portrayed as ‘a’, so a fully melanistic Bengal will be aa – with two copies of the recessive gene.
The Happy Cat Handbook - A unique guide to understanding and enjoying your cat!
Other Bengal Cat Colors
Black Bengal cats have wonderful coloring that makes them look just like a wild panther. But, there are plenty of other shades that look just as exotic as this! Here are some of the coat colors and patterns you may see on the Bengal breed:
- Brown tabby
- Silver tabby
- Seal sepia tabby
- Seal lynx point and seal mink tabby
- Spotted marble
- Charcoal spotted
- Charcoal marble
In these other colors, the Bengal’s markings and patterns will be much more obvious than they are on the black Bengal cat.
Are Black Bengal Cats Rare?
A fully melanistic Bengal cat is relatively rare for two reasons. Firstly, this coloring is caused by recessive genes. So, kittens must inherit two copies of the gene – one from each parent. If they receive a dominant gene, they won’t be fully melanistic.
On top of this, black is not an official Bengal cat color. So, many breeders will choose to stay away from this shade. They may, instead, stick to officially accepted shades, such as brown and charcoal. You can find some breeders who will specialize in melanistic Bengal cats, but there is often a high demand for their kittens. So, you may need to go on a waiting list.
Where to Find Black Bengal Kittens
Bengal kittens of all colors are very popular, because many owners want a cat that looks as exotic as the Bengal breed. This can have pros and cons for you. On the one hand, it can be easier to find breeders, since demand is relatively high for these cats. But, on the other hand, kittens are usually sold very quickly. Some breeders will even have waiting lists for future litters, because demand is so high.
Above all else, it’s important to find a reputable breeder. The Bengal cat is prone to some serious health issues, including eye issues like cataracts and Progressive Retinal Degeneration. Good breeders will do all they can to avoid these issues and only breed from the healthiest cats.
If you can’t find a Bengal cat from a breeder, or waiting lists are too long, you should also search at rescue centers near you. Bengals are energetic cats with a high prey drive. It’s not uncommon for families to give them up when they realise how complex this cat breed’s care needs are. Bengals in rescue centers may be cheaper than kittens from breeders, but may also be a little older.
How Much is a Black Bengal Kitten?
The price of Bengal kittens will range depending on a number of factors. This can include location, litter size, demand, and of course, coat color. Black is not an officially accepted color. So, black kittens will not qualify for show. However, it is quite a popular shade, since these cats look just like miniature wild panthers!
As a general rule, Bengal kittens usually cost at least $2000. But, some can be as much as $4500. This only accounts for the fee of purchasing the kitten, too. You should also consider ongoing care costs, including food, toys, vaccinations, and so on.
Do You Have a Black Bengal Cat?
The black Bengal cat, or melanistic Bengal cat has black markings on a black background. These Bengals are also known as the ghost Bengal, since their markings are quite hard to distinguish from the rest of their fur. But, they’ll have the same general temperament and health as any other Bengal.
These cats are popular for their exotic appearance, but also for their lively, playful personalities. Have you got a melanistic Bengal kitten at home? Or are you still searching for one of these uncommon cats to bring into your family?
Readers Also Liked
- What Do Bengal Cats Eat?
- How To Make A Bengal Cat Stop Meowing
- Egyptian Mau Vs Bengal Cats
- Snow Lynx Bengal Cat Care and Traits
- Bengal Colors – 40 Ways To Look Like A Leopard!
References and Resources
- The International Cat Association
- Kaelin, C. & Barsch, G. ‘Genetics of Pigmentation in Dogs and Cats’, Annual Review of Animal Biosciences (2013)
- Gershony, L. (et al), ‘Who’s Behind that Mask and Cape? The Asian Leopard Cat’s Agouti (ASIP) Allele Likely Affects Coat Color Phenotype in the Bengal Cat Breed’, Animal Genetics (2014)
- Ofri, R. (et al), ‘Characterization of an Early-Onset Autosomal Recessive, Progressive Retinal Degeneration in Bengal Cats’, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2015)
- Kucharczyk, N. (et al), ‘Hereditary Cataract in the Bengal Cat in Poland’, BMC Veterinary Research (2020)
- Martos Martinez-Caja, A. (et al), ‘Behavior and Health Issues in Bengal Cats as Perceived by their Owners: A Descriptive Study’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2021)
Your Amazing Cat!
We are so excited to share our new book with you!
If you have enjoyed your visit to The Happy Cat Site we think you'll love The Happy Cat Handbook.
Written by the founders of this website including the author of the hugely successful Happy Puppy Handbook, it's packed with cat care information and fascinating cat facts.
Grab your copy today!
Leave a Reply