Cross Breeds

Can mongrel cats have exact same markings as a Bengal?

I adopted a 5month old kitten recently and she just looks identical to a Bengal cat don't know if she is or if one of her parents are, she has the mascara lines next to her eyes, the marbled body and the spotted belly! So wondering if she could be or if your bog standard mongrels can have the same! Thanks for any replys!

Public Comments

1. Yes they can, the marble Bengal pattern you are describing is called classic tabby markings. You see it a lot in British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs, of course you can also see it in any average cat too. The typical thought of Bengals, with spots, can have average cats that look like them as well, it's called the spotted tabby pattern. I believe people link this to the mackerel pattern broken up but there is some debate over it. However, the multi-toned spots of a Bengal (rosetted look) you can't find on a normal cat. Unless you've got a cat with the rosettes you can't say you've got a Bengal, and really, when you're getting something from a shelter it's unlikely you've got a Bengal.
2. No. You don't not see the rosettes of a Bengal in domestics. Post a picture of your kitten. I highly doubt it has the rosettes of a Bengal. It's either Brown Spotted or Brown Classic Tabby domestic - nothing more.
3. Yes they can, you will have to ask a cat expert, Like the vet and ask what breed the cat is.