Recently i came across an article organized by PETA titled 'Bengals, along with Persians and other purebred cats who are prone to disease’ that stated Bengals have the following health issues:
- Allergy to anesthetics (can result in complications and death during surgery)
- Bladder stones
- Cataracts
- Heart disease
- Joint problems
- Kidney problems (can lead to kidney failure)
- Luxating patella (knee dislocation)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (progressive vision loss, can end in blindness)
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency (a blood disorder)
Let's be realistic! Many of the issues they list can happen in ANY cat. We will shed the truth here:
- The Myth behind allergies to anesthesia is just that, a Myth. Vetinarians have learned over the years that certain mixtures of high dose Ketamine can have leathel affects on ANY cat, not just Bengals.
- Bladder stones are again, not breed or purebred specific. These can happen to any cat.
- Cataracts are another non breed or purebred specific issue.
- Heart Disease is called Hypertonic Cardiomyopathy and it is heavily screened for in reputable breeding programs but it is also not something that can be predicted. Breeders continue to scan to reduce any possible issues but it can still pop up.
- Joint problems in Bengals may have been an issue in the past and still is with backyard breeders who don't know what to look for in properly structured lines. The same goes for Luxating patella. If a poorly structured cat is bred, then poorly structured kittens are produced.
- Kidney problems can be a huge issue for any cat that has been eating a kibble only diet. Species appropriate diets can help tremendously to reduce the potential for health issues.
- Progressive retinal atrophy and Pyruvate kinase deficiency are both easily tested for. These are not expensive tests and it is part of what a reputable breeder will test in the parents before breeding them.
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Health testing is one of the most important — and misunderstood — aspects of responsible Bengal breeding.
At Tikka Sky Bengals, we believe education builds trust. Here’s what health testing in Bengal cats really means and why it matters.
🧬 Why Health Testing Is Essential
Bengals are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they can carry genetic conditions. Ethical breeders test breeding cats before producing kittens to reduce risk and protect future generations.
🧪 Common Health Tests in Bengals
PK-Def (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency)
A genetic condition affecting red blood cells. Responsible breeders test all breeding cats.
PRA-B (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
A condition that can cause vision loss. Genetic testing ensures kittens are not affected.
HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
A heart condition monitored through regular echocardiograms.
🐾 What This Means for Your Kitten
Health testing helps ensure:
Lower risk of inherited disease
Stronger, healthier kittens
Long-term peace of mind for families
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of breeders who:
Don’t mention health testing
Can’t explain test results
Avoid questions
Offer unusually low prices
❤️ Our Commitment
At Tikka Sky Bengals, our breeding cats are health tested and our kittens are raised in-home with careful socialization and lifelong breeder support.