Our goal is to breed beautiful, type-appropriate, and most importantly healthy Bengals that will bring joy throughout their lives.

Genetic Testing – What We Test and Why

Genetics plays a key role in responsible breeding. Thanks to testing, we know what genes our cats carry and can plan pairings with consideration for both health and coat color.

• PKDef – Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

A hereditary red blood cell disorder that can lead to anemia.
All our breeding cats are tested. We only include individuals in our program who cannot produce affected offspring.

 

• PRA-b – Progressive Retinal Atrophy (type b)

A genetic eye condition that leads to gradual blindness. Carriers are healthy but can pass on the mutation.
Testing allows us to track this mutation and ensure no affected kittens are born.

 

• Color Panel – Genetic Color Testing

We test for:

• Snow genes (lynx, mink, sepia – CS gene)
• Charcoal gene (Apb)
• Dilution (blue, lilac)
• Agouti / non-agouti (patterned vs. solid coat)
• Longhair gene (to avoid longhaired kittens)

This helps us plan pairings that maintain the typical Bengal look and avoid unwanted surprises in litters.

 

• HCM – Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

One of the few conditions that cannot be detected via DNA testing. It’s a heart disease that may be hereditary.

Our breeding cats undergo regular echocardiographic screening (heart ultrasound) by a veterinary cardiologist.
We repeat this every 12–24 months and archive the results.

 

• FeLV and FIV – Infectious Disease Testing

FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline AIDS) are viral diseases that are not hereditary but are spread between cats.
All our breeding cats are regularly tested with negative results.

Testing is essential:

• When introducing a new cat (e.g., imports)
• Before mating with an external stud
• When clinical symptoms appear

 

Thanks to this, kittens leave us from an environment free of these viruses.

 

• Fecal Parasite Screening

Health starts from within. Kittens and adult cats are regularly tested for:

• Giardia spp.
• Coccidia (Isospora spp.)
• Roundworms (Toxocara cati)
• Tapeworms
• Possibly Cryptosporidia

 

We use both microscopy and PCR diagnostics and deworm selectively based on results. Our kittens leave healthy and parasite-free.

• Respiratory Diseases – Prevention and Testing

Bengals can be sensitive to upper respiratory infections. If needed, we perform:

• PCR tests for herpesvirus (FHV), calicivirus (FCV)
• Swabs for chlamydia and mycoplasma

 

We monitor health carefully and never include sick animals in our breeding program.

• When Is Genetic Testing of Kittens Necessary?

Because we test the parents, we don’t need to genetically test every kitten – if we know they can’t inherit a risky mutation.

What Do the Genetic Abbreviations Mean?

• N/N – Clear: does not carry the mutation and cannot pass it on
• N/K – Carrier: healthy, but may pass on the mutation
• K/K – Affected: not suitable for breeding

We never pair two carriers to prevent the birth of affected kittens.

 

Why Choose a Kitten from Whinecat.cz?

• Health first – genetic testing, HCM screening, virus and parasite testing
• Transparency – test results available, open communication
• Proper socialization – kittens are raised in our home, used to everyday life and people
• Experience and care – we’re here for you even after your kitten goes home
• FIFe pedigree – a kitten with a registered pedigree and solid genetic background
• A cat that brings joy – Bengals are smart, playful, and love company
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Looking for a Bengal kitten with a pedigree, perfect health, and the confidence of a responsible breeder?

Visit us at www.whinecat.cz or contact us directly – we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect lifelong companion.