[citation needed] Domestic cats have four distinct and heritable coat patterns – ticked, mackerel, blotched, and spotted – these are collectively referred to as tabby markings.

In 2007, however, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs removed the previous licensing requirements.

[22] In California, the code of regulations Title 14, section K, Asian leopards are not specifically listed as a restricted species.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied).

In the United States, the current practice of screening for HCM involves bringing Bengal cats to a board certified veterinary cardiologist where an echocardiogram is completed.

Bengal cats that are used for breeding should be screened annually to ensure that no hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is present.

As of January 2019, the North Carolina State University is attempting to identify genetic markers for HCM in the Bengal Cat.

[29] One study published in the Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine has claimed the prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Bengal cats is 16.7% (95% CI = 13.2–46.5%).

A unique form of ulcerative dermatitis affecting the nasal planum (rhinarium or nose leather) of Bengal cats was first reported in 2004.

[31] The condition first presents between the ages of 4-12 months, beginning as a dry scale and progressing to crusts and fissures typical of hyperkeratosis.

[32] The exact cause remains unclear; it is considered hereditary and incurable, but can respond favorably to topical steroid treatments such as prednisolone and tacrolimus ointment.

[33] The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory has studied domestic cat blood-types.

[35] Bengals are often claimed by breeders[36] and pet adoption agencies[37] to be a hypoallergenic breed – one less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

The Bengal cat is said to produce lower than average levels of allergens,[37][better source needed] though this has not been scientifically proven as of 2020.

Many different domestic cats were used to create the Bengal breed, and it is theorized that the gene for long hair came from one of these backcrossings.

Long-haired Bengals are starting to gain more recognition in some cat breed registries but are not widely accepted.