Coordinating Cat Council of Australia 

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General Standard

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The bengal is a medium to large-sized, sleek, and powerfully muscular cat with a thick, low-set tail. It boasts a wild appearance, emphasised by its broad nose with pronounced whisker pads, expressive almost-round oval eyes, and luxurious spotted or marbled tabby coat. Males are typically larger than females. Bengals are expected to be alert, friendly, and affectionate with excellent physical condition and a dependable temperament.

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Head & Neck (25 Points)

• Shape: Broad medium wedge with rounded contours, slightly longer than wide.

• Size: Proportionally small compared to the body but not extreme.

• Profile: Gentle curve from skull to neck. Bridge of the nose is high, extending to the tip in a straight or slight concave curve.

• Chin: Firm, aligned vertically with the nose tip.

• Neck: Long, thick, and muscular.

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Ears (5 Points)

• Medium to small size, broad base with rounded tips.

• Set towards the sides of the head, pointing slightly forward.

• Light horizontal furnishings acceptable; ear tufts undesirable.

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Eyes (5 Points)

• Large, oval to slightly almond-shaped.

• Set wide apart with a slight slant toward the ears.

• Richness of colour is highly desirable and should harmonise with coat.

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Nose & Muzzle

• Nose: Broad, large, and slightly puffed leather; may have a slight roman shape.

• Cheeks: High cheekbones.

• Whisker pads: Prominent.

• Jaws: Full and broad.

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Body (15 Points)

• Medium to large, long, muscular, and robust (never delicate).

• Substantial boning.

• Belly pouch permissible in adults.

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Legs, Paws & Tail (10 Points)

• Legs: Medium length, muscular, with rear legs slightly longer.

• Paws: Large and rounded.

• Tail: Medium to long, thick, even, slightly tapered with a rounded tip.

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Coat Texture & Pattern (35 Points)

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Coat Texture (10 Points):

• Short to medium length.

• Dense, plush, close-lying coat.

• Luxurious, soft, pelt-like feel with luminous sheen.

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Pattern (15 Points):

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Spotted:

• Spectacles around the eyes extending into streaks.

• Preferred markings: rosettes (arrowhead or part-circled with lighter centres), horizontal alignment.

• Strong contrast with ground colour.

• Patterned belly required.

• Legs: Broken horizontal lines or spots.

• Tail: Rosettes/spots/rings with a solid dark tip.

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Marbled:

• Random, large swirled patches (non-symmetrical), horizontal flow preferred.

• Strong contrast and three tones (ground, markings, outlines) preferred.

• Vertical/mackerel patterns are penalised.

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Coat Colour (10 Points):

Brown: Black or brown markings on tan/orange/gold base. Gold dusting (glitter) highly desirable. Blue: Medium to dark blue markings on slate/pale blue-grey. Lighter undersides. Sepia: Ivory to light tan base, light sepia markings. Glitter preferred. Mink: Similar to Sepia, but with aqua/blue-green eyes. Lynx Point: Pale background with light to dark seal markings. Blue eyes. Silver: High contrast black/brown/blue markings over a silver agouti base. Charcoal Variants: Mask, goggles, and cape added to standard colours like brown, blue, and silver.

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Condition & Temperament (5 Points)

• Must be in excellent health and physical condition.

• Temperament must be confident, curious, and affectionate.

• Disqualify for aggressive or unhandlable behaviour.

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Faults & Penalties

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Penalise:

• Coarse/long coat

• Ticked coat

• Vertical striping (mackerel)

• Bullseye marbling

• Lockets

• Whip tails

• Oriental body type

• Substantially darker point colour

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Withhold Awards For:

• Non-patterned belly

• Incorrect tail tip colour

• Aggressive or unmanageable behaviour

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Allowances:

• Belly pouch in adults

• Paw pad colour variations within colour grouping

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For full details and judging notes, please refer to the CCCA Bengal Breed Standard documentation.