At Bougie Bengals, the health of our cats is never left to chance. Responsible breeding begins with thorough genetic testing, ongoing health monitoring, and informed pairing decisions.

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Our goal is to do everything possible to support the long-term health of our kittens and provide peace of mind for the families who welcome them into their homes.

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Why Health Testing Matters

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Genetics play a major role in a cat’s overall health. By testing our breeding cats, we can:

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• Identify potential inherited risks
• Avoid breeding affected or incompatible pairs
• Reduce the chance of genetic disease
• Protect future generations
• Support healthier, longer lives

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Health testing allows us to make responsible, ethical decisions for the well-being of our cats and kittens.

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Genetic Testing with Wisdom Panel – Optimal Selection

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We use Wisdom Panel Optimal Selection Genetic Health Testing for our breeding cats. This comprehensive test screens for a wide range of genetic conditions, including those known to affect Bengal cats.

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This testing helps us understand:

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• Genetic disease risk
• Carrier status
• Breed-specific conditions
• Inherited health concerns

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We use these results to carefully plan our breeding program and avoid passing on preventable genetic disorders whenever possible.

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Bengal-Specific Genetic Conditions We Screen For:

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-b)

PRA-b is an inherited eye disease that causes gradual vision loss, eventually leading to blindness. It affects the retina and can begin showing signs in young adulthood.

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Cats with PRA-b may initially struggle with night vision, followed by worsening eyesight over time.

Through genetic testing, we ensure our breeding cats are not affected by PRA-b and avoid producing kittens at risk for this condition.

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Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency)

PK Deficiency is a genetic blood disorder that causes chronic anemia. Affected cats may experience:

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• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Reduced oxygen circulation
• Poor overall vitality

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Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
PKD is a hereditary kidney condition characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts within the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can interfere with normal kidney function and may lead to kidney disease later in life. By genetically screening our breeding cats for PKD, we work to reduce the risk of passing this condition to future generations and support long-term kidney health in our kittens.

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Overall these above conditions can significantly impact a cat’s quality of life. Genetic testing allows us to identify carriers and avoid producing affected kittens.

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Heart Health Screening for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

 

Bengals can be predisposed to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious heart condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle.​ We work with a board-certified veterinary cardiologist to regularly screen our breeding cats.

 

These evaluations allow us to:

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• Monitor heart structure and function
• Detect early changes
• Make responsible breeding decisions
• Protect future generations

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Routine heart screenings recommended by our cardiologist are a vital part of our health program.

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Transparency & Access to Health Results

We believe in full transparency with our families.

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You can click here to view the current health testing results for each of our breeding cats on our Kings and Queens page, including:

• Genetic testing summaries
• Heart screening results

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This allows families to make informed and confident decisions.

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How Health Testing Benefits Our Kitten Families

While no breeder can guarantee perfect health, we are committed to doing everything possible to support healthy, thriving kittens.

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Health testing helps us:

• Reduce the risk of inherited disease
• Support stronger immune systems
• Promote long-term health
• Provide peace of mind
• Build trust through transparency​

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Our Health Guarantee

We stand behind our program with an Extensive Health Guarantee, including lifetime coverage for:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
• Congenital (birth) defects

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This guarantee reflects our confidence in our breeding practices and our commitment to long-term responsibility.

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Our Promise

When you choose Bougie Bengals, you are choosing a program that values:

• Health
• Ethics
• Education
• Transparency
• Long-term wellness
• Responsible breeding

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We don’t cut corners.
We don’t rush decisions.
We put our cats first.