markings & patterns
BENGAL
BEN
   MARKINGS
LEOPARD SPOTTED
HEAD Spectacles encircling the eyes should preferably extend into vertical streaks which may be outlined by an "M" marking on the forehead. Broken streaks run over the head on either side of a scarab marking, down the neck to the shoulders. Strong, bold chin straps, mascara markings, distinct necklace(s) - broken or unbroken. Blotchy horizontal shoulder streaks desirable.
BODY Well defined spots and/or rosettes at random aligned horizontally over body. Rosettes are formed by a part circle of spots around a lighter centre. Contrast must be extreme with distinct shapes and sharp outlines. Stomach must be spotted.Legs may show broken horizontal lines and/or spots.Tail may be ringed and/or spotted, with a dark coloured tip.
MARBLE
HEAD As for Leopard Spotted.
BODY Pattern consists of distinct swirled patches or streaks, clearly defined but symmetrical, giving the impression of marble, preferably with a horizontal flow. Contrast extreme with distinct shapes and sharp outlines.Stomach must be spotted.Legs may show broken horizontal lines and/or spots.Tail may be ringed, marbled and/or spotted, with a solid dark coloured tip.Note: Similarity to classic pattern or vertical striped mackerel tabby undesirable, elongated horizontal spots acceptable..
   PATTERNS
NATURAL
COAT All shades of brown, rufous yielding a high degree of yellow, buff, golden or orange colour preferred.Markings may be black or dark brown.Pale colour essential on whisker pads, chin, underside and inner legs; which are also pale in contrast to ground colour of flanks and back.Tail tip black. An overall appearance of gold dusting (glister) is preferred.Grey base coat should not be penalized. 
EYES Gold, green or hazel rimmed with black. 
NOSE
LEATHER
Brick red outlined with black.
PADS Black.
SEPIA
(Burmese or Tonkinese restriction)
COAT Ground colour cream to light brown.Pattern clearly visible may be charcoal or shades of brown with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads and chin.Thumbprints are preferred. Tail tip dark brown or charcoal. Overall appearance of pearl dusting (glister) preferred.
EYES Gold, green or blue-green rimmed with black.
NOSE
LEATHER
Brick red outlined with black.
PADS Dark brown with rosy undertones.
SNOW
(Himalayan restriction)
COAT Ground colour ivory to cream.Pattern clearly visible may be charcoal or shades of brown with light coloured spectacles, whisker pads and chin. Thumbprints are preferred. Tail tip dark brown or charcoal.Overall appearance of pearl dusting (glister) preferred.
EYES Blue rimmed with black.
NOSE
LEATHER
Brick red outlined with black.
PADS Dark brown with rosy undertones.
CFSA January 2001