🐆 What’s the difference between a Bengal kitten as a pet, for breeding, or for shows?

Thinking about getting a pedigree Bengal kitten and keep seeing phrases like “pet-quality”, “breeding-quality” or “show-quality”? You’re not alone—these categories can be confusing for many new owners.

In this article, I’ll break it down in simple terms, explain the differences, and let you know what to expect from each type. Everything here comes from my personal experience with breeding Bengal cats—not from theory.

🐾 Pet-quality kittens

Kittens sold as pets are intended exclusively for families who are looking for a healthy, beautiful, and well-socialized companion—not for breeding. All my kittens come with a pedigree, but pet kittens are sold with a mandatory spay/neuter agreement.

These cats may have small deviations from the strict show standard (such as head shape, less contrast in rosettes, or a slightly imperfect tail), but this doesn’t affect their health or personality in any way.

💬 In my experience, pet kittens are often the cuddliest and most adaptable. They settle into their new homes easily and make wonderful, trouble-free companions.

Price: from CZK 25,000
This includes vaccinations, deworming, microchip, pet passport, pedigree, and a generous starter kit. Kittens go to their new homes no earlier than 13 weeks of age.

🧬 Breeding-quality kittens

These kittens are intended exclusively for registered breeders or those planning to establish their own cattery. They meet strict criteria not only in terms of appearance, but also health, genetics, and temperament.

When selecting a breeding kitten, I focus on:

• correct type according to the breed standard (head, ears, body, tail),
• naturally affectionate and balanced temperament (which is inheritable),
• health testing of the parents (HCM, PK-def, PRA-b),
• and genetic color testing results.

💬 Each kitten is a potential future of the Bengal breed—so choosing a breeding kitten is always a thoughtful and individual process. It’s not just about beauty, but also about what they pass on.

✅ Health & genetic tests in the parents (and what they mean for your kitten):

• HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy): All my breeding cats are regularly screened by a specialist via ultrasound. HCM is an inherited heart disease that is carefully monitored in Bengals.
• PK-def (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency): A genetic test identifying carriers of a disease affecting red blood cells. I never pair two carriers, so kittens will not develop the disease.
• PRA-b (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): A test for an inherited eye disease. Again, I pair cats carefully to ensure kittens cannot be affected.
• Color genetics (genotyping): Determines whether the kitten carries snow (cs/cb/c) or blue (d) genes. This information is useful for future breeding plans.

💡 For example, if your kitten carries the snow gene, you can pair it with another snow carrier to produce snow-colored kittens. I’m happy to provide DNA test results and help you understand how to use them.

Price: from CZK 60,000
Each breeding kitten is individually priced based on its potential, pedigree, and test results. The price includes all mentioned information, support, and a full starter kit.

📋 You will receive:

• copies of parents’ health and genetic tests,
• pedigree with marked tested lines,
• your kitten’s DNA test results (if available),
• help with registering your cattery (if you’re just starting) and general breeding support.

💬 I value openness among breeders. That’s why I always share all available information to help the new owner plan for the next generation with confidence.

🏆 Show-quality kittens

Not every breeding kitten is also show-worthy—and not every show kitten needs to be used for breeding. A show kitten has not only exceptional looks (high contrast rosettes, ideal type, glossy coat), but also the right personality.

💬 I love cat shows—but I also know not every cat enjoys them. That’s why I evaluate show potential based on both appearance and temperament. A cat may look like a catalog model and still not enjoy the spotlight.

Price: Individual
Depending on the kitten and agreement—sometimes sold as a pet, sometimes as a breeder.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn a pet kitten into a breeding cat?
No. Pet kittens are sold with a spay/neuter contract and are not intended for breeding.

Is there a difference in personality between pet and breeding kittens?
Not a major one. All kittens are raised with great care and socialization. Breeding cats are also chosen for inheritable temperaments suitable for future generations.

How do I know what’s right for me?
I’m happy to help—just tell me about your plans and lifestyle, and together we’ll find the perfect kitten for you.

🐆 Quick Comparison Table

Category	Intended for	Price	Breeding	Shows	Neutered
Pet	Family companion	from CZK 25,000	❌	❌	✅
Breeding	Registered breeding	CZK 60–100,000	✅	✅*	❌
Show	Show career	Individual	✅ / ❌	✅	Depending on contract

* Only some show-quality kittens are also suitable for breeding.

📩 Still unsure? Reach out!

Every future owner has different expectations—and I always aim to find the right home for every kitten. If you’re not sure yet, I’m happy to guide you to the best choice. Whether you're looking for a showstopper, a future queen, or just a loving companion, Whinecat.cz has exactly what you’re looking for.