Bengal Cat Size: Finding The Perfect Sized Feline For Your Family

Oluwatosin Michael
Oct 26, 2023 By Oluwatosin Michael
Originally Published on Nov 22, 2021
Bengal Cat Hunting outdoor
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Age: 3-18
Read time: 11.4 Min

A Bengal breed cat is a common hybrid cat.

The origin of the Bengal breed cats is in the United States. These hybrids are created by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat or wild cat species.

Bengal cats come in various base coat colors, and the cat's coat colors make them unique. These coat colors make them look majestic. The domestic cat breed commonly mated with the Asian leopard cat is the Egyptian Mau. Bengal cats have shiny golden fur that comes from the leopard cat.

The fur of the Bengal cats can be spotted or marbled all over their body. The Bengal cats are very energetic. Thus, Bengal cats are a domestic breed of cats cross between wild cats and domesticated ones.

These cats are generally large cats with a long, muscular body and larger than house cats with a pointed tail. Thus, Bengal breeding produces several different colors like silver, snow, and tabby patterns of Bengal kittens.

While modern Bengal breeds have been declared domestic animals, the first Bengal breed was declared wild cats. They are pretty similar to a snow leopard breed.

The registry of a breed can be found and recognized at TICA. TICA stands for The International Cat Association and is considered the world's largest genetic cat registry where the typical Bengal cat's breed can be easily recognized.

After reading about Bengal cats' size, also read about do cats shed and Bengal cats color?

Are Bengal cats bigger than normal cats?

Bengal cats look attractive with their various coat colors and patterns on their coats. A cross between a domestic breed of cat and a leopard cat, the species are domestic but have a wild-like appearance.

The first species of Bengal cats were declared wild and were not allowed to be kept at home. While nowadays, many adopt these species and are gaining popularity.

It is to note that a Bengal cat, compared with a domestic breed of cat, is bigger in size than the domestic cat. This happens because their muscular bodies are very energetic. When a Bengal kitten is one year old, it develops into a fully grown cat.

By the time it is two years old, the cat is completely grown. When a Bengal cat grows up completely, it looks like a leopard with a muscular, strong body.

Domestic felines weigh less and look smaller than a Bengal cat. These cats have a height of 13-16 in (33.0-40.0 cm) and have a length of about 17-22 in (43.1-55.8 cm). They weigh about 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg), which is more than other domestic breeds.

How big do Bengal cats get?

A Bengal cat living as a pet in your home might often make you feel like you own a leopard. With tabby spots all over its body, it has a muscular body and is highly energetic. It needs constant exercise and therefore is often engaged in outdoor activities.

Bengal cats are bigger than normal domestic cats. They weigh more than any domestic breed of cats and have a long pointed tail.

This intelligent breed of cats has a moderate temperament, which makes them excellent pets, and can reach a height of about 13-16 in (33.0-40.0 cm) and a weight between 8-15 lb (3.6-6.8 kg). They have a lifespan of about 9-15 years.

It is said that a Bengal cat won't weigh like a Maine Coon, but they can be pretty big.

In some cases, larger cats may weigh up to 22 lb (10 kg). The intelligent kitty has a calm temperament like that of a Burmese cat.

Factors Affecting The Size Of Bengals

A Bengal cat is produced by mating a leopard cat, mainly an Asian leopard cat, with a domestic breed of cat. A Bengal cat can get quite big and tall. They usually look bigger than a house cat.

Various factors affect the size of a Bengal cat. The most important factor affecting the size of a Bengal cat is its ancestral history.

This breed of cats has inherited their huge muscular body from their wild Asian leopard cats' ancestors. An Asian leopard cat weighs about 15 lb (6.8 kg) and has a height of about 16 in (40 cm) and an exceptionally long pointed tail.

These features of the Asian leopard cat are reflected in the Bengal cats.

At the same time, it's not just the leopard cats that have played an important part in the size of a Bengal cat.

It is to note that a Bengal cat has inherited its size from the domestic cats too.

Some ordinary domestic cats that were bred with Asian leopard cats produced exceptionally big offsprings are the Egyptian Mau which weighs on average about 11 lb (5 kg), an Abyssinian cat which weighs about 10 lb (4.5 kg), Bombay cat which weighs about 11 lb (5 kg), British Shorthair which weighs on average 18 lb (8.1 kg) and Ocicat cat which weighs about 15 lb (6.8 kg).

Thus, it's understandable that the ancestral history of a Bengal cat plays an important role in contributing to the length and weight of the Bengal species of cats.

When does a Bengal cat stop growing?

A Bengal cat grows rapidly. These breeding animals develop muscular bodies and resemble a leopard. These pets are an exotic breed that needs a lot of exercise and outdoor activities. They need a constant companion of children or any other cats to play with.

A Bengal cat can weigh about 15 lb (6.87 kg) are bigger and taller than most domestic cats. A Bengal cat starts growing when it's one year old and is entirely developed by the time it is two years old.

A fully grown Bengal cat has a base coat of golden brown, snow, silver colors with various patterns inscribed on it. These breeding animals come in a variety of colors and have shiny fur and silky body. Some Bengal cats are charcoal or black in colors too.

An interesting fact about these cats is that they love water and enjoy playing with it. It's pretty standard for a Bengal cat to follow its owner in a bathtub or a shower.

Referred to as the "Rolls Royce of cats," they are pretty expensive sometimes because of their uniqueness and can cost a lot. The health of the cat is also a deciding factor in their price.

When do I know my Bengal has reached maturity?

Cats mature quite early and become sexually fit for mating. Normal domestic female cats enter into heat at about six months of age; however, Bengal cats can mature as early as four months or as late as ten months before they grow up completely.

One must keep the cats under good observation during the heat period and cater to their sexual desires.

Different owners have different wishes; some might want their female cats to give birth and breed while others might not. In case if you are not interested in breeding your female cat, it's best to consider fixing her before her first heat cycle.

This will remove the chances of her becoming pregnant and keep the hormone level that rises in this period in check.

If you want to breed your cat, consider waiting till your cat completes two heat cycles till she turns a year, and her body develops entirely; then, it will be easier for her to mate.

Cats can go into heat throughout the year, but some consider that cats mate the most or go into heat, especially in late summer, spring, or fall season.

Animal shelter workers have named these seasons "kitten seasons" as maximum cats go into heat during these seasons, producing a number of kittens. Also, at this time, the number of kittens rises, and many are abandoned and rescued by animal shelter workers.

Thus, before letting your cats breed, fix a home for kittens that are soon to come up. There are various ways of knowing if your Bengal cat is in a heat cycle.

Common symptoms include strong and loud screams, which might relay that your cat is suffering from some pain. Secondly, these breeding animals might show a sudden affection towards humans, other cats, or even lifeless objects. Thirdly, they will walk in a mating position.

This position includes keeping the back portion of the body up and swinging the long pointed tail. They may also pee outside the litter box and spread the urine everywhere.

You will notice a sharp fall in their appetite. And lastly, they will try all means to go outdoors. These all symptoms will be more evident in your Bengal cat during the heat cycle.

How To Manage A Cat The Size Of A Bengal

A Bengal cat is quite attractive in color and has a muscular body. Even though looking at them, you might feel that these cats resemble wild cats, but they have a loving nature and friendly behavior.

Bengal cats might look like they have a huge body with blue-green colored eyes, and the first glimpse of them might give you a feel that managing them could be difficult. But, it is to be noted that a Bengal cat can be properly cared for easily.

A quick look at them might chill your nerves, making you feel like a wild leopard is in your home, but they are pretty manageable.

They suffer less from any health disorders and can be tackled easily. Grooming is an important part of a Bengal cat, and often if taken proper care of, they can be free of many health disorders and disparities.

Managing a Bengal cat includes giving proper attention to your cat. You must remember that a Bengal cat having a muscular body and high intelligence needs proper exercise. Therefore, you must take your cat out regularly for a walk for a few minutes.

The constant walk will keep your cat fit and energetic. It's better to keep your cat away from other cats and do not allow it to roam around outside freely.

Often other cats spread diseases, and your Bengal cat might catch it if you can consider making an outdoor spot for your cat where it can roam about freely and jump and climb. Keeping your cat indoors can also protect wildlife like birds from this hunter cat.

Even sometimes people can steal your cat taking into account the expensive price it can fetch when sold.

Other people can also steal because of its attractive look. Keep your family cat indoors to keep it safe from the attack of predators like dogs and avoid it being hit by a car and getting injured.

Bengal Cat Hunting outdoor

Caring For Your Bengal Cat

Bengal cats are an attractive breed of domestic cats which resemble a leopard and have a wild-like behavior. These cats have become popular for small families nowadays owing to their different base coat colors and patterns drawn all over their bodies.

Sometimes, these pet animals look like snow leopards with white coats and tabby patterns distributed all over their coats.

Bengal cats are quite expensive and if you are keeping a Bengal cat as a pet you must take care of it properly. Proper care will keep the cats healthy and free from diseases.

Hence, it's important to know how to take care of a Bengal cat. Bengal cats have shiny fur which often glitters and these breeds of cats have muscular bodies and are very energetic. As a result, they need repeated outdoor activities, proper attention, and companionship.

Otherwise communicative these cats are quite friendly however once they are denied companions they can get quite aggressive. Grooming your pet is very important.

Make sure to trim your cat's nails regularly and give them a post for scratching. You should also brush your cat's fur and clean it with pet care products. Remove the dead hair and this shall prevent your cat from getting hairballs.

Ensure that you teach your Bengal kitten to litter in the litter boxes and provide them with proper clean litter boxes for depositing their excreta. Make sure that you take your cat for a walk each morning for a few minutes.

You can even buy your pets, toys for playing with. Unlike many other domestic breeds of cats, Bengal cats are much healthier and muscular and do not need as much care as other domestic cats. They don't even suffer from feline leukemia.

The Bengal cats need constant attention and playtime with their owners at the same time the owner might have to pull its weight to keep them under the leash. These active kitties need to be entertained at all times as they are not like your typical lazy house cat.

They can jump three times their height and are also excellent climbers. With this, they can hide too.

They are intelligent and interactive beings who love to train like dogs and can be taught to play fetch. Be careful around these strong-willed creatures as once they learn a trick, they can irritate you doing them at unwanted hours.

The Bengal cats have inherited a glitter gene due to their bright and shiny coat. They can sparkle in the sunshine.

Be careful of your important documents and objects around them as they are little thieves who can hide small items under the couch in the house or tear a piece of paper without you knowing about it.

At the same time, they are the easiest to leash train and take for a walk with you. Be mindful of them on a nature walk as they love to hunt on small birds.

These cute and active kitties love to have a conversation with you and let you know when to eat or play with them. Their meows are cute and sweet to hear. This is an expensive breed and you must source a cat from a recognized breeder or the best is to adopt this furry ball of love.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Bengal cat size, then why not take a look at do cats feel love or Bengal Cat Facts.

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Written by Oluwatosin Michael

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

Oluwatosin Michael picture

Oluwatosin MichaelBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

With a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oluwatosin has honed his skills as an SEO content writer, editor, and growth manager. He has written articles, conducted extensive research, and optimized content for search engines. His expertise extends to leading link-building efforts and revising onboarding strategies. 

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