We always suggest attending one or two shows as a guest before exhibiting your own Bengals in a show. T he goal of the Bengal breeding program is to create a domestic cat which has physical features distinctive to the small forest-dwelling wild cats, and with the loving, dependable temperament of the domestic cat. Keeping this goal in mind, judges shall give special merit to those characteristics in the appearance of the Bengal which are distinct from those found in other domestic cat breeds. The Bengal cat should visibly appear different from other domestic cats. It is a medium to large cat which exhibits a very muscular and solid build.
Females are generally smaller than males and exhibit proportionately similar qualities.
Its wide nose with prominent whisker pads and large oval, almost round eyes in a slightly small head enhance the wild appearance and expressive nocturnal look. Its very slight, to nearly straight, concave profile and relatively short ears with the wide base and rounded tips add to the Bengal's distinctive and unique appearance. The coat area is one of the most distinguishing features of the Bengal cat. The short, dense coat, displaying either a randomly spotted or marbled pattern, has a uniquely soft and silky feel. The coat may be glittered or not glittered, with neither type to be given preference.