Bengals look like small leopards and share some wild traits. Their playful and active nature makes them great pets for people who know how to handle cats.
Check your local and state laws before getting a Bengal cat that looks like a leopard. Some places don’t allow Bengal cats, while others only let you keep them outside cities if they’re several generations removed from their wild ancestors.
Caring for a Bengal
Bengal cats have a rating that starts with “F” and a number, showing how many generations they are from their wild ancestors. An F1 Bengal is born from a wild Asian leopard cat and a house cat, making it a first-generation Bengal. With each new generation, the cats become more like regular house cats in size and behavior but keep their beautiful spotted coat.
If your state permits Bengal cats as pets, it’s better to choose later-generation Bengals since early-generation cats behave more like their wild ancestors.
Watch out: Bengal cats are very active! Most Bengals need more exercise and mental stimulation than regular house cats. They’re also not great with young kids since they don’t enjoy cuddles and like to chase things.
Bengal Cat Health Issues
Bengal cats usually live 12 to 16 years. While they are mostly healthy cats, they can get some health problems that run in the family. Because of this, it’s a good idea to think about getting pet insurance when you get a Bengal kitten.
Lymphoma
Cats can get cancer, and certain breeds face higher risks of specific cancer types. For example, Bengal cats have a higher chance of getting lymphoma compared to other cats.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the body’s disease-fighting network, including lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow. In cats, it most often occurs in the intestines. Once your vet diagnoses lymphoma, they will create a treatment plan based on where the cancer is and how far it has spread. Treatment usually involves drugs to kill cancer cells and might include surgery or radiation therapy.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Bengal cats often get stomach problems. This can happen because they like to explore and might eat things they shouldn’t, such as houseplants. They also have a higher chance of getting intestinal cancer and may suffer from digestive issues like irritable bowel disease.
If your cat throws up, has loose stools, or isn’t eating normally, take them to the vet for a checkup and treatment.
Patellar Luxation
Bengal cats are active pets, but some have knee problems. Their kneecap can slip out of place, a condition called patellar luxation. Depending on the severity of the problem, your vet might prescribe medicine or suggest surgery to help with pain and prevent early arthritis.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Heart muscle thickening is the most common heart problem in cats. Since cats may not show signs of this disease, cat breeders should test both parent cats for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) before breeding them. While genetic tests help, they can’t find all types of HCM, so regular vet checkups are important to catch the disease early.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Bengal cats can get an inherited eye problem that makes their retinas break down, called PRA. While there’s no way to fix this disease, and it does cause blindness over time, blind cats can still be happy and live well with some help at home. PRA comes in two forms:
- A hereditary form affecting kittens about 2–3 months old
- A later-onset form found in cats between 2–5 years old
The earliest warning sign for both types is difficulty seeing at night. Responsible Bengal cat breeders should test both parent cats for this condition before breeding.
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)
Cats can inherit a condition called PKD where their bodies don’t make enough of an important enzyme. This causes their red blood cells to die too quickly, making them weak and tired. A simple genetic test can check if cats carry PKD, helping prevent the condition in future kittens.
What To Feed a Bengal Cat
Bengal cats can eat regular high-quality cat food. Make sure the food follows AAFCO guidelines, which means it has all the nutrients and vitamins your cat needs.
How To Feed a Bengal
Bengals, like their wild relatives, have strong hunting instincts. Using food puzzles, lick mats, and toys that release food can help satisfy their need to hunt. Instead of leaving food out all day, try feeding them several small meals to match how cats naturally eat in the wild.
How Much Should You Feed a Bengal?
Adult Bengal cats from early generations can weigh up to 15 pounds and reach 10 inches tall. Later-generation Bengals are smaller, like regular house cats, weighing 8-12 pounds and standing 8-10 inches tall. All Bengal cats have strong, slim bodies, no matter which generation they come from.
Feed your Bengal cat the right amount of food to keep them at a healthy weight. Ask your vet how much to feed based on your cat’s age and how active they are. If your cat becomes overweight, your vet may suggest diet food or smaller portions.
Nutritional Tips for Bengals
Cats usually get all the nutrients they need from regular cat food that follows AAFCO guidelines. However, if your Bengal cat is sick, your vet might recommend extra vitamins or supplements to help them feel better.
Behavior and Training Tips for Bengals
Bengal Cat Personality and Temperament
Bengals are energetic and inquisitive cats who need more activity than regular house cats. They love to play and will often meow to let you know what they want.
While Bengals can live with dogs and other cats if introduced carefully, they tend to be territorial. Due to their hunting instincts, they might not get along well with small or shy pets.
Cats do well in houses or apartments if they have places to climb. You can make any small home good for cats by adding cat trees, scratching posts, and wall shelves.
Bengal Behavior
Before bringing a Bengal kitten home, make your home safe for them. These cats, especially young ones, often get into trouble because they’re curious and smart. They love to play in the water and can learn tricks easily.
Like other cats, Bengals may cause trouble when they’re bored. Give them lots of chances to run around, jump, and play. After they’ve had enough fun, they’ll likely snuggle up next to you for a nice, long sleep.
Bengal Training
Bengal cats and kittens love learning new tricks. They also enjoy walking on a leash with a harness since they like being outside. But don’t let your Bengal cat go outside without a leash, as this can be dangerous.
Fun Activities for Bengal Cats
- Sunbathing in a catio
- Running on a cat wheel
- Playing fetch
- Exploring vertical spaces
- Birdwatching
- Foraging for treats
- Food puzzles
- Taking a bath
- Walking on a harness and leash
- Learning new tricks
- Playing with other pets
Bengal Grooming Guide
Bengal cats have spots or swirls that make them look like small leopards. Their colors include brown and silver. Their short, single-layer fur feels silky and sparkles in the light. They don’t lose much hair and are easy to care for, needing only basic cat grooming.
Skin Care
Bengal cats rarely need bathing, but they often jump into showers and baths because they love playing in water.
Coat Care
Bengals have short fur and are easy to groom. Like other cats, they need weekly brushing to control shedding and keep their coats tangle-free.
Eye Care
Bengals usually have large green, yellow, or gold eyes. Some Bengals with rare coat colors might have blue eyes. While their eyes don’t need special attention, take your cat to the vet if you notice any vision problems, like bumping into objects or acting confused. The vet can check for an eye condition called PRA.
Ear Care
Clean and dry your cat’s ears regularly, especially after they get wet, to stop ear infections. Watch for signs of infected ears like bad smells, leaking fluid, or red, itchy ears.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Bengal cats mix wild and house cat traits, making them playful and active pets. Before getting one, check if they’re legal in your area, as some places ban them. Cats with more house cat ancestors tend to be calmer and easier to handle.
These cats need lots of play and attention – more than most other cats. They might not be the best choice if you have small children or other pets since they like to chase and hunt. Make sure you can keep them busy with toys, climbing spots, and games. Without enough activity, they can get bored and cause trouble. Indoor equipment like exercise wheels, climbing trees, and food puzzle toys will help keep them happy.
Bengal Cat FAQs
Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?
Bengal cats have short, silky fur that doesn’t shed much, which might work for people with mild cat allergies. But since allergies come from cats’ spit and skin cells, not just their fur, even Bengals can cause allergic reactions.
How much is a Bengal cat?
Bengal cats typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000. Remember to plan for regular vet visits and surprise medical bills on top of the purchase price.
Are Bengal cats good house pets?
Bengal cats make great pets if you’ve had cats before and want a smart, active companion. Their unique looks and behavior come from being part wild Asian leopard cats and part house cats.
Early-generation Bengals (F1 and F2) are typically bigger and more active, while later generations (F3 and higher) are usually calmer and smaller.
Are Bengal cats legal in the US?
Laws about owning mixed-breed cats like Bengals and Savannahs are different in each state. Before getting a Bengal cat, check your local rules. Some states don’t allow Bengal cats at all, while others let you own them if you live outside the city or if the cat is a certain number of generations removed from its wild ancestor.
