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Bengals are gorgeous, exotic-looking cats whose distinct look is derived from their wild ancestors. As a relatively new breed, Bengals are available in a variety of coat colors and patterns obtained through selective breeding. They’re energetic cats that are more suitable for active owners.
Breed Overview
Height:
13 – 16 inches
Weight:
8 – 17 lbs
Lifespan:
10 – 16 years
Colors:
Brown spotted, seal lynx point, sepia, silver, mink
Suitable for:
Experienced cat owners
Temperament:
Intelligent, energetic, playful
The charcoal Bengal cat features a unique and unusually dark, zorro-like face mask; some have a thick, dark dorsal cape. Charcoals have been around since the breed’s beginning but have only recently gained popularity.
Charcoal Bengals can be spotted or marbled in all color categories within the breed, including silver, brown, and snow.
Bengal Cat Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Bengal Cats in History
The Bengal cat is a hybrid between the domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat, which is a small wild cat widely distributed throughout Asia. Bengals are similar in size to domesticated cats, reaching anywhere from 6 to 15 pounds and 18 inches long.
The earliest record of this crossbreeding came nearly 100 years before these hybrids were considered a breed. They were mentioned in Harrison Weir’s book “Our Cats and All About Them,” published in 1889.
The modern-day Bengal cat began when Jean Mill obtained cats from Dr. Willard Centerwall, who was crossbreeding felines for research regarding immunity to feline leukemia. Jean Mill was a California native known for deliberately breeding the Asian Leopard Cat with a black domesticated cat.
Mill went on to develop the breed by adding other domestic cat breeds into her breeding program to offset the wilder traits of the Asian Leopard cat.
How the Charcoal Bengal Cat Gained Popularity
The Bengal cat was more fully developed as a breed by the 1980s. They truly are the whole package and quickly became popular for their looks and personality. Their popularity began to soar in the 2000s.
The Brown Bengal is the most popular, but charcoal Bengals are naturally occurring and have been around since the breed’s beginning; they weren’t as desirable until recently.
Breeders are now focusing more on charcoal Bengals in their selective breeding programs. As with any recently recognized cat breed, the breed standard will continue to develop over time.
Formal Recognition of the Charcoal Bengal Cat
While the Bengal is a hybrid, they received formal recognition relatively quickly. Jean Mill’s breeding program took off during the 1970s and by 1986, the breed was officially accepted by The International Cat Association, also known as TICA. They eventually gained championship status in 1991.
The United Kingdom’s Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) accepted Bengal cats in 1997, and the Fédération Internationale Féline and the Australian Cat Federation added them to their registries in 1999.
One of the last organizations to recognize Bengals was the Cat Fanciers’ Association or CFA. They didn’t fully recognize the breed until 2019 but once established, the Bengal quickly became one of the top 20 most popular cat breeds in the world.
Top 10 Unique Facts About Charcoal Bengal Cats
1. Bengals Love Water
Unlike most domestic cat breeds, Bengals genuinely enjoy swimming and sometimes go out of their way to seek water. This trait is passed down from their Asian Leopard Cat ancestors, as they are quite fond of the water themselves. From swimming pools to bathtubs, anyone who owns a Bengal should not be surprised if their cat were to jump right in.
2. Bengals Are Categorized by Generation
Bengals are established and categorized by filial generation, which shows how close generationally they are to their wild ancestors. The filial generation can play a role in the legalities of ownership and the ability to be formally recognized as a true Bengal.
3. They Enjoy Thievery
While it’s all good fun, Bengals steal random items and hide them throughout the house. They are usually shiny objects, like jewelry, keys, coins, and more. If something goes missing, you can expect it to eventually turn up in an entirely random location.
4. Bengals Typically Love Dogs
Another way Bengals stand out from most typical domesticated cats is that they usually form close bonds with household dogs. Of course, this is dependent on whether the dog is a willing and friendly participant, but it is undoubtedly one of the most unique and incredible Bengal qualities.
5. They Are Avid Hunters
This may come as no surprise, but Bengal cats are excellent hunters. They have a particularly high prey drive and enjoy hunting birds, rodents, and other small critters. You must be careful to keep your Bengal away from pet birds, rodents, and fish tanks. Since they’re unafraid of water, they won’t hesitate to dip their paws in an aquarium.
6. Bengals Do Great with Leash Training
Bengals have a few dog-like qualities, and one of the most notable is that they are easy to leash-train. This has a lot to do with their intelligence and sense of adventure. It’s good to start this at an early age, but they tend to tolerate harnesses better than most other cats. Once trained, a Bengal will enjoy going out on adventures with you.
7. They Are Energetic
A Bengal will never be considered a lazy house cat. They are incredibly active, energetic, and curious. Your entire home will be their playground, so expect them to find a way to access whatever they please. They are skilled climbers and jumpers and will show off their skills regularly.
8. Bengals Love to Talk
The Bengal cat is chatty and will have no trouble vocalizing their needs. From meowing to growling and chirping, you can expect a wide range of sounds from a Bengal cat. Not only do they enjoy regular communication, but they also have an exceptionally loud purr.
9. They Are Glittery
Okay, so it’s not real glitter, but the Bengal’s coat features a smooth, silky sheen that glimmers beautifully, especially under the light.
10. Bengals Aren’t for Everyone
Bengals aren’t your typical domesticated cat, so they aren’t well-suited for all households. Their high energy and constant need for play and activity aren’t for everyone. They can get quite destructive if they become bored, and they also have some territorial tendencies.
Do Charcoal Bengal Cats Make Good Pets?
Bengals are agile, athletic, confident, friendly, and playful. They are always on alert and genuinely enjoy lots of activity. They are relatively low-maintenance pets when it comes to grooming. They shed regularly, but excess hair can be controlled with regular brushing.
Bengals are incredibly intelligent, so they do well with learning tricks and tolerating training sessions. They must be physically and mentally stimulated, or they can become destructive. They thrive with various toys, perches, and plenty of playtime with their people.
Bengals are social and tend to do well with children and other pets. A lot of their qualities are more like that of a dog. This is important to remember if you’re interested in a Bengal cat because you will not be committing to your typical run-of-the-mill housecat.
Conclusion
Charcoal Bengal cats are a coat variation of the Bengal cat that features a dark mask and a thick, dark dorsal cape. The charcoal coat is part of the breed standard, and it has been around since the breed’s beginnings but has only recently begun growing in popularity. They have the same wonderful characteristics as your standard Bengal cat but with a more unique look.
Featured Image Credit: Smile19, Shutterstock
