Silver Bengal Cats

Silver Bengal cats are mesmerizing – a sleek, shimmering feline that seems to glow from within, as if illuminated by an inner light. With their striking metallic coat, these felines boast a silvery-white background adorned with bold, often black or dark gray, markings. This dramatic contrast creates a visual spectacle across their muscular frame. Interestingly, the “Silver” effect isn’t a true color, but rather the result of color suppression. This means it can be combined with other coat effects, patterns, and colors. On brown Bengals, it produces the classic “silver” appearance; on red Bengals, it yields a softer “cameo” hue; on melanistic or solid Bengals, it manifests as a mysterious “smoke” effect; and on snow Bengals, it results in a striking icy-silver coloration.

Silver
Charcoal Silver Seal Lynx
Silver Seal Sepia
Smoke (not recognized by TICA as of 2024)
Silver Blue (not recognized by TICA as of 2024)
Cameo (not recognized by TICA or CFA as of 2024)

History of the Silver Bengal Cats

The first silver bengal:

While the Bengal breed itself was developed in the 1960s, the silver Bengal is a relatively recent addition. The first silver Bengal, named “Eeyaa Silver Salt,” was born on June 13, 1996, to Judy Sugden, daughter of Jean Mill (the original Bengal breed developer). Silver Salt is thought to be a cross between an American Shorthair named “Schooner’s Salt Water Classic” and a Bengal named “Heritage Shiloh of Millwood”.

Silver Salt’s legacy lives on through her daughter, “Eeyaa Sterling Silver of Silvergene,” born July 10, 1999. Although Sterling Silver spent her early kittenhood with Judy Sugden, she was adopted by Linda Evans of Silvergene cattery. Sterling Silver went on to mother numerous litters, providing Bengal enthusiasts and breeders with silver Bengal kittens that established the silver lines we see today. Most, if not all, silver Bengals can trace their lineage back to Silver Salt and Sterling Silver.

TICA and CFA Acceptance:

Bengals were accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1986, however Silver Bengals were not included at that time. In 2004 Silver Bengals reached a pivotal milestone when they were accepted by TICA and granted championship status. This recognition solidified their position within the Bengal breed and thrust them into the feline world’s spotlight.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) took a more cautious approach, accepting Bengals as a registered breed in 2016 – three decades after TICA. Bengals then climbed another rung in CFA, achieving championship status in 2018.

Silver Bengal Cat Genetics:

The silver effect in Bengal cats is determined by a gene with two alleles: Non-inhibitor (i) and Inhibitor (I). These alleles affect the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for coat color. Cats with two copies of the recessive non-inhibitor (i) allele have normal melanin production. The inhibitor (I) allele is dominant, meaning cats with at least one copy of this allele will express the silver phenotype. This allele acts like a molecular switch, deactivating part of the processes that create melanin. As a result, parts of the hair shaft lack melanin, especially near the base and where pheomelanin is produced. This results in the shimmering silver Bengal cat appearance.

A significant breakthrough in feline genetics occurred In 2023 at the University of Missouri’s Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Laboratory. Under the leadership of Leslie Lyons and her team, researchers developed a genetic test for the Silver Inhibitor (I) allele in cats. This test allows for more accurate identification of the silver gene in felines, marking an important advancement in cat genetics research and breeding practices.

The Challenges of Breeding Silver Bengals:

Breeding silver Bengals come with unique challenges. One of the main issues breeders face is “tarnish” – unwanted warm tones that can appear in a silver cat’s coat. This tarnishing effect can vary in intensity and may even seem to come and go throughout a cat’s life. Tarnish is more likely to occur in cats that have one silver parent and one non-silver parent. To combat this, many breeders choose to breed silver to silver, aiming for cats that are homozygous (I/I) for the inhibitor (I) allele.

Another challenge is maintaining the high contrast that Bengal cats are known for. The inhibitor (I) allele doesn’t just suppress warm tones; it can also affect the intensity of dark markings. Breeders must carefully select for cats that maintain bold, distinct patterns against a clear silver background. Some breeders continue to outcross Bengals with other breeds including the American Shorthair or Egyptian Mau to improve silver coloration and widen the gene pool.

Silver Bengal Cats for Sale at Pet Perfect Bengals

Adopt a silver Bengal kitten from Pet Perfect Bengals and welcome a stunning, well-socialized companion into your home. Through comprehensive genetic and health testing of TICA-registered parents and in-home raising practices, we provide healthy, outgoing kittens. Each bengal kitten is extensively screened for their health and personality, ensuring you adopt the kitten best suited to your family. We offer a comprehensive adoption package, complete with lifetime support and a health guarantee, providing you with confidence and peace of mind. If you are ready to experience the joy and excitement of a Bengal, visit the available kittens page or reach out to Pet Perfect Bengals today!