All three are “snow” — but the differences change everything from eye color to how rosettes pop in photos. If you’re considering a Snow Bengal, knowing whether it’s a Lynx, Mink, or Sepia isn’t just trivia — it shapes your kitten’s adult look, the price you’ll pay, and what you can realistically expect.
- Blue eyes that stay blue? That’s a Lynx.
- Striking contrast for social media? Sepia may be your best fit.
- A balance of both? Many buyers choose Mink.
Breeders rely on these distinctions to predict outcomes and plan ethical pairings. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which snow type matches your style, budget, and long-term vision — and the questions to ask before you commit.
Where the Colors Come From: Genetics Explained
Snow colors aren’t random. They come from genes at the C-locus, which control a temperature-sensitive enzyme called tyrosinase. The two main alleles you’ll see are cs (Siamese/lynx-point) and cb (Burmese/mink-type); how they combine influences coat depth and eye color.
That temperature sensitivity is why kittens can look nearly identical at birth and then develop darker “points” as they age.
Typical correlations for buyers: cs/cs = Lynx (blue eyes, lighter contrast), cs/cb = Mink (aqua or teal eyes, medium contrast), cb/cb = Sepia (green/gold eyes, deepest contrast). Genetics predicts tendencies, not guarantees.
The only reliable way to confirm type early is genetic testing — photos alone can mislead. Knowing the genotype protects buyers from surprises and helps breeders plan ethical pairings. Now that you know the genetics, let’s look at how each snow type actually looks as it grows.
Recommended Post
Snow Lynx Bengal
Lynx Bengals are prized for their snow-white bodies and typically permanent blue eyes — but patience is needed to see their full beauty develop.
Seal Lynx Point (commonly called “Lynx” in the snow series) is the palest of all snow types. Kittens are usually born almost pure white, with markings that appear slowly over months and may take 1–2 years to fully settle.
Their body stays light and creamy, often resembling ivory, with rosettes that remain soft and subtle compared to Mink or Sepia. The most reliable hallmark is their ice-blue eyes, which in most Lynx remain stable and instantly set them apart.
Because patterns take time to emerge, many kittens look like blank slates at first — a normal stage for this snow type.
Snow Mink Bengal
Seal Mink Bengals are the “in-between” snow type. Their body shows a warm beige or caramel background with medium-contrast rosettes — noticeably deeper than a Lynx but lighter than a Sepia.
Unlike Lynx kittens that start nearly white, Minks are born with a visible pattern that gradually darkens as they mature. The hallmark feature is their aqua-teal eyes, a striking shade unique to this type.
If you want early contrast for kitten photos without losing the snow-like glow, Minks offer the best balance with medium coat depth, clear markings from birth, and those distinctive aqua-teal eyes.
Snow Sepia Bengal
The Snow Sepia Bengal (Seal Sepia) is the darkest of the snow types, instantly recognizable by its rich coffee-toned body and bold, chocolate rosettes.
Unlike Lynx or Mink, Sepia kittens are born with clear, strong markings that don’t need months to appear—so what you see early is often what you’ll keep. Their eyes shift toward green, hazel, or gold, adding warmth against the darker coat.
Because their background color is deeper, Sepias can sometimes be mistaken for a standard brown Bengal. Snow Sepia = dark body, strong contrast, green-to-golden eyes, and patterns visible from day one.
At-a-Glance
| Feature | Snow Lynx | Snow Mink | Snow Sepia |
| Base Coat | Ivory/White | Beige/Tan | Brown/Caramel |
| Markings | | Light gray/brown (develops late) | Medium brown | Dark brown, clear at birth |
| Eye Color | Always Blue | Aqua/Green | Green/Golden |
| Darkness Level | Lightest | Medium | Darkest |
| Pattern Visibility | Slow to develop | Moderate | Strong from birth |
Do Colors Affect Behavior?
No — coat color does not determine a Bengal’s personality. Snow Lynx, Mink, and Sepia Bengals all share the same breed traits: highly intelligent, active, curious, and very social.
Studies show owners sometimes perceive differences by color (e.g., thinking a blue-eyed Lynx looks “gentler”), but research finds socialization, environment, and breeder practices explain behavior far more reliably than the genetics of coat.
When choosing a kitten:
- Ignore the color for temperament—treat it as cosmetic.
- Ask for temperament notes and socialization records.
- Meet the kitten in person or via video to judge play drive and handling tolerance.
Pick your Snow Bengal with your eyes, but confirm fit with your heart and hands.
Cost & Availability
They are in high demand, with prices typically ranging from $2,000–$5,000 USD for pet-quality kittens. Breeding or show-quality cats may cost more, and regional markets can push prices higher or lower. Lynx kittens may be slightly more common, while Sepia is often rarer, but availability shifts by location.
What matters most is not the color but the breeder’s practices: look for socialization logs, early temperament testing, health-screening proof (such as HCM cardiac checks or genetic panel results), and a willingness to let you meet or video with the kitten.
Smart buyer tips:
- Budget for long-term costs (vet care, diet, enrichment).
- Judge temperament directly, not by coat.
- Ask to see health-test results (cardiac/genetic) and breeder transparency documents.
Pay for quality care, not just a rare shade — the right Snow Bengal is the one whose personality fits your home.
Recommended Post
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Snow Bengal is less about color and more about what look makes you happiest. Lynx offers icy blue eyes and a pale, striking coat. Mink balances contrast with aqua eyes that shine in photos. Sepia delivers bold rosettes from day one.
Temperament stays Bengal-typical—curious, social, and active—so focus on meeting kittens, verifying genotypes, and reviewing health paperwork. Before committing, check:
- Genotype test or colorpoint PDF?
- Adult-parent photos + temperament notes?
- Contract with vet-check clause?
Pick for beauty, confirm with science, and ensure fit through hands-on interaction. Want help evaluating a breeder? Send me the breeder’s profile and I’ll review it.
Hi, I’m Abir Ahamed—a writer, editor, and proud cat lover with a passion for feline welfare. I use my words to educate, inspire, and advocate for responsible pet care. Based in Bangladesh, I bring a unique perspective to Cats Question, hoping to help cat lovers make informed, compassionate choices.
