Bengal

Bengal
Adult Bengal © Shutterstock

These cats turn heads with their beauty and boundless energy. They combine grace and elegance and no one can ignore these beautiful cats. They are just like little leopards thanks to their physique and temperament. When you buy a Bengal, you have to be prepared to live with a small tornado! If you like peace and quiet, you probably shouldn’t buy a Bengal, because they will put you through the wringer! On the other hand, if you are prepared to face up to the storm, you’ll have an incredible time with this little leopard and they guarantee hours of play and laughter!

Key Facts about the Bengal

Life expectancy :

5

21

10

16

Temperament :

Playful Intelligent

Type of coat :

Naked Short Long

Bengal: Origins and history

Man’s fascination with wild cats has existed for a very long time. In 1963, a woman named Jean S. Mill decided to cross a domestic cat with a wild cat, an Indian (Bengali) leopard. Therefore the breed name was given to pay homage to the feline which made it possible to create the breed. The idea was to get a sweet and friendly cat with the look and physique of a leopard or jaguar. Dr. Mill was entrusted by Davis University in California with 8 hybrid females that had been used for feline leukemia research. Crosses with different breeds have also been made (eg. with Egyptian Mau and Burmese) to avoid incest. The breed as we know it today dates back to the '80s, (more precisely 1985) when Mrs. Mill entered one of her Bengals into a competition. It was obviously a great success and TICA recognized the breed that following year.

Physical characteristics of the Bengal

Bengal

Adult size

Female : Approximately 14 in

Male : Approximately 14 in

Males reach full size around 24 months. Their female counterparts only take 12 months to reach adult size.

Weight

Female : Between 9 and 13 lb

Male : Between 11 and 15 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Green
Blue
Yellow

Description

Bengals are medium to large cats, who are very powerful thanks to their athletic physiques.

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Bengal: Purchase price

On average, Bengal kittens cost between £400 and £1500. Their price varies depending on their lineage, age and even their sex. They cost around £35 / month to look after, in order to keep them in good health, and to feed them with good quality food.

Bengal: Shedding

Bengals only lose a small amount of hair.

Nutrition of the Bengal

You should consult your vet to provide a high quality diet that will meet the energy needs of your cat.

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Frequently asked questions

Are Bengal cats good house pets?

Are Bengal cats expensive?

Do Bengal cats like to cuddle?

How long does a Bengal cat live for?

Are Bengal cats good with dogs?

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  • Anonymous user
    Anonymous user
    I love Bengal cats, I am enjoying my TigerLilly. She's talkative but cute, loving, intelligent, active, and playful. I just want another female kitten so my TigerLilly has a companion to play with.
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