If you’re thinking about brining a Bengal cat into your home, you're at the right place. We've put together this complete guide to help you give the best care possible to your feline friend.
You should know that this is no laid-back kitty, Bengals are one of the high energy cat breeds that need tons of playtime with some of the best cat toys. Aside from a good play session, they love climbing, playing in the water and are very intelligent cats. If you live in a multi-pet home, you'll be happy to know that they even get along with dogs.
This breed profile will cover everything from how big Bengal cats are to their exercise needs. We also have vet, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan add in some extra tips and tricks to caring for this feisty kitty. Let's get started.
How big do Bengal cats get?
Bengal cats are medium to large breed cats. You can expect them to weigh between eight and 15 lbs and stand anywhere between 13-16in tall. You'll want to stock up on quality cat food to ensure they are getting all of the nutrients they need for their muscular bodies.
Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?
When it comes to hypoallergenic cat breeds, the Bengal cat makes the list. While we should note that no cat is guaranteed to not cause an allergic reaction in allergy sufferers. However, this cat breed is less likely to cause a serious reaction, due to their short and sleek coats.
Dr. MacMillan says, "Bengals shed less often than some other breeds and don’t tend to groom themselves as regularly, so this could explain why they may cause less reaction in some allergy sufferings."
Are Bengal cats high maintenance?
Bengals are a high-maintenance cat breed. These are lively and somewhat mischievous cats who love to play around. One of the easiest cat breeds to train, Bengal cats are super smart and love a challenge. That said they will need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from getting bored and into trouble.
As they have a higher demand for physical exercise and mental stimulation, they are generally better suited to more experienced owners.
How much exercise do Bengal cats need?
As we said, these are no lap cats. They love climbing, running around, and even swimming! Surprisingly, they are one of the cat breeds that love water.
How much exercise does a Bengal cat breed need? Dr. MacMillan recommends an hour of a day. "By keeping your Bengal well exercised and stimulated you can reduce the chances of unwanted behavioral issues, which could develop through boredom," says Dr. MacMillan.
Exercise doesn't have to be anything structured or serious, as they are likely getting in exercise without you. We recommend investing in one of the best cat trees to satisfy all their climbing needs. Also, be sure to have plenty of the best interactive cat toys to provide plenty of mental stimulation as well.
How long do Bengal cats live?
Bengal cats generally live between 12-16 years, making them one of the longest living cat breeds. They are generally a healthy breed but like with any cat breed their longevity depends on health and genetics.
But by serving up some of the best cat food, giving plenty of exercise opportunities, and keeping up with regular vet visits, you can ensure your cat stays healthy for years to come!
Bengal cat temperament
So what kind of mood can you expect from these cats? We are happy to report that this cat breed is an energetic breed that is always up to play around. They are very social, they are definitely one of the best cat breeds for extroverts. As they are so social, they generally do well with another furry buddy to hang out with. This could be another cat or even a dog, as they get along well with both.
They are said to be more dog-like than cat, so if you need a reason to take your pet on vacation, here it is. This is a cat breed that prefers being outdoors, so they'll be up for any outdoor adventure you might be planning.
One of the cat breeds with the biggest meows, the Bengal cat is very vocal. So if you're looking for who will want to chat, this is the breed for you.
If you found this feature helpful, be sure to check out even more facts about Bengal cats.
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
