I am just now learning that charcoal is a pattern rather than a color. When I had Grace genetically tested at UC Davis, they listed her breed as bengal with AGOUTI/CHARCOAL A/a. Her phenotype is listed as a short-haired, seal lynx point. She started out with a mask and no cape and a light body. As she aged her stomach and back became very dark. She developed a cape at about a year and a half. She is now 20 months. It is interesting to see how her coat has changed so far.

She is so beautiful!

Wow such a metamorphosis, beautiful!

Jill, did you watch the CFA video? I found it extremely interesting. They were big on the charcoal is a pattern! And it sort of changes the judging in the cat shows -- at least for CFA.

I believe it was posted on the Bengal the Beautiful Cat Facebook page that we are members of. It was a very long video, but so informative and showed some of the most gorgeous bengals, including the new elongated rosettes that are spectacular. I've been doing some pedigree research on a database that now lists Charcoal Bengals separately from just Bengals. I don't know if it's a recent change or it's been there all the time.

I will have to look for it. She looks so completely different from 6 months ago. I wonder if they themselves notice the difference.

I love the progression photos that show how much she's changed. Really neat to see.

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Dallas, TX USA
Diesel - snow Bengal born 09/01/2013 adopted Feb 2014
Tuck, Chloe, Buddy, Lewis & Tia - rescue kitties
Clyde, Bleu & Coal - Great Danes

I did 4 different tests. One for heritage, one for color and two for genetic diseases which she didn't have. One was a mouth swab with a brush they sent. The other you swabbed the inside of the mouth with a Q tip and mailed it in. There was no blood work done.

gorgeus cat :)