Bengal Cat Health Testing & Guarantees | Ashmiyah Bengal Cats
At Ashmiyah Bengal Cats in Adelaide, South Australia, responsible breeding has always been at the heart of what we do. Since starting in the early 2000s, we’ve focused on breeding healthy, well-socialised Bengals with strong temperaments and beautiful patterns—while being open about what testing can and can’t achieve.
We test all of our the breeding cats within our program because we want every kitten we send across Australia to have the best possible start. Our protocols include:
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) screening for HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) & other heart conditions which are conducted by the specialist team at SA Vet Medical Referral Centre in Fullarton, South Australia SA Vet Medical Referrals with ongoing checks to monitor any changes. Other Cardiologists that have screened our Bengal cats over the years are: Richard Wooley of Cardio Respiratory Pet Referrals in Victoria & Dr Geoff Nicolson of Veterinary Cardiac Services in Queensland.
• DNA testing for PRA-b (Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Bengal type) and PK-Def (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency) on all our breeding cats using UC Davis Labs in California, USA. These are autosomal recessive conditions, meaning kittens only develop them if they inherit the variant gene from both parents. By testing and thoughtfully selecting breeding pairs, we ensure our kittens are free from any risk of these genetic issues.
• No recorded cases of FIV or FeLV in our cattery across nearly 20 years of breeding. We maintain a closed, indoor environment with careful introduction of new cats to minimize any risk of these viruses or any others.
• Regular veterinary health checks, vaccinations, and preventive care.
Where possible, we draw from lines with documented clear results in previous generations to help reduce inherited risks and conduct pairing that continue to create a low breeding COI. Pedigrees are GCCFSA-registered and fully traceable, and we’re always happy to go over test reports, scan details, or lineage information when you enquire—no secrets here.
Our 12-Month Hereditary Genetic Health Guarantee
Every Ashmiyah kitten comes with a straightforward 12-month guarantee against major hereditary genetic conditions (such as those covered by our DNA and HCM screening). If a covered issue is diagnosed within the first year (and you let us know as outlined in the contract), we’ll work with you on next steps—typically a replacement kitten if available, or a partial refund if you prefer to keep your cat.
Our kittens are raised in our home with daily handling, play, and family exposure, which helps them grow into confident, affectionate companions suited to active Australian households. Temperament can vary between individuals, but the environment we provide supports the development of well-adjusted, people-oriented Bengals.
We’re realistic about guarantees. Conditions like HCM can sometimes develop later in life, even in carefully screened lines—there’s no perfect test or crystal ball. That’s why we focus on doing everything reasonably possible: specialist screenings which are often over multiple generations, DNA testing with careful pair selection, a proven track record free of FIV/FeLV issues. This evidence-based approach, combined with honest communication, is what builds lasting trust with owners from each State in Australia and everywhere in between.
If you’re considering a Bengal kitten, we’d be happy to help. Remember, with the assistence of Kathie and her team at Animal Travel in Adelaide, our kittens can be safely delivered Australia-wide—to Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Queensland, regional areas and beyond.
Feel free to reach out at 0435 942 244 or via our enquiry form. We’re here to explain transport options, discuss our breeding practices, and answer any questions openly—no pressure, just honest guidance from nearly 20 years of experience.
