5 Important Facts To Keep In Mind Before Getting a Bengal Cat

comments-icon 18 Comments on 5 Important Facts To Keep In Mind Before Getting a Bengal Cat
Share Email Pinterest Linkedin Twitter Facebook

Captivating image of a Bengal cat, displaying its captivating rosette markings and vibrant coat, capturing the breed's distinctive and alluring appearance.

The Bengal cat can be considered as one of the most unique breeds of cats that you can find out there in the world. For the third year in a row, the Bengal cat is the world’s most popular feline breed, according to The International Cat Association — the largest feline genetic registry worldwide — These cats are born through crossing of Asian Leopard cats with domestic cats.

As a result, they are blessed with an eye-catching appearance. The Bengal cats are much different when compared to other breeds of cats. Therefore, it is important for you to keep few facts in your mind before you get a one for your family.

The Bengal cat is still considered a relatively new breed of domestic cat. Many have heard of the breed and are curious regarding its characteristics and breeding, especially because Bengal cats are not cheap cats to buy. Despite its name, the Bengal cat is not a tiger. Nor is it a leopard—mini or otherwise.

It’s a domestic cat. For a “Pet” Bengal… You can expect to spend anywhere from $1000-$2000 for a quality bred kitten from a good reputable breeder.

Also Read: All About Bengal Cats

There are kittens for less. You usually get what you pay for. There is a range of prices with breeders and their kittens. Breeder kittens will be more and price is usually based on markings and coloration.

Most people seem to prefer the bigger markings or rosettes. Breeding Bengal kittens is challenging, stress full, expensive, yet rewarding.

Any breeding is a true passion and love… or you wouldn’t do the work. You never get a day off.

Animals are demanding and need constant attention. They depend and rely on you for everyday food, water and care.

A good breeder will not allow their kittens to leave before thirteen weeks old. The kittens should be wormed, vaccinated, FIV tested along with a vet check and TICA registered. A contract and health guarantee should also comes with purchasing a kitten.

Here is a list of some of the most important facts out of them.

1. Pelt-like Coats

The Bengal’s pelt-like coat is also quite different to the touch because it feels more silk-like and plush. It also has quite a sheen to it which is magnificently captured when these sleek cats lie or walk in sunlight. It’s when their coats really glisten and when their markings are the most striking.

The beauty of their pelt-like coat is that is requires very little to no brushing because Bengals take care of themselves by licking their fur in shorter and less frequent self-grooming sessions.

Because there is less dried saliva left on their coasts, there tends to be far less dander floating around in the air which makes life a lot easier for anyone who has an allergy to cats.

No matter the color or pattern, the Bengal cat is known for its wonderful outgoing personality. They are fearless and love to play! Their curious nature makes the Bengal the perfect pet for children and their adaptable nature makes them fit easily in to homes where resident pets already live.

There is a high degree of variance in color intensity within the Bengal breed. No two Bengal’s are the same.

The traditional brown colored Bengals have green or gold eyes and are never to have blue eyes. Other colors include Snow, Sepia, Silver, Marble, Blue and Black or Melanistic. Other colors include variations such as blue and charcoal.

3. Bengals Tend To Be Fairly High Maintenance

Young Bengal kitten exhibiting a playful leap from a kitchen table, exemplifying the breed's energetic and adventurous nature, as well as the lively spirit of feline companions.

Bengals do as a rule tend to be demanding and fairly high maintenance cats. They often bond strongly with their families and can be very demanding of their time and attention, which is just what many people want-but of course, this is not for everyone, and can drive some owners mad! If you don’t have time to devote to a Bengal every day,then it may not be the cat for you.

Owning a Bengal can in many ways be more like owning a dog than a cat, as they will often follow you around the house, yell for attention and want to get involved in everything that you are doing-and they very much dislike being ignored!

4. They Can Be Noisy

Before you welcome a Bengal cat to your family, you should keep in mind that they can get noisy at times. They can be extremely vocal as well. If you are willing to bear the noise of these cats, you can go for a one without keeping any doubts in your mind.

5. They Are Very Energetic

Adorable image of a Bengal cat reaching upwards, showcasing its inquisitive and agile demeanor, capturing a charming moment of feline curiosity and engagement

The Bengal is very athletic breed of cat, which tends to be very active and energetic. They do sleep just as much as any other cat will, but when they are not asleep, they are apt to be tearing around or demanding that you find them something to do.

Also Read: Bengal Cat Diet

They are going to climb and or jump anywhere and everywhere they want to go, including counter tops and kitchen cabinets. They will get into EVERYTHING.

This means that you might find yourself woken up in the middle of the night by your Bengal leaping on you to demand attention, or racing around the house chasing imaginary prey!

Owning a Bengal can really liven up your house, so make sure that this is what you want from your new pet and that you are not biting off more than you can chew!

About The Author

I Have always had a deep love and devotion to animals. Married to my husband Steve Burdine for over 35 years. Started out breeding Border Collies and Australian Shepherds in 1987… The bengal cat caught my eye.

We added them to our Program in the spring of 2007 and haven’t looked back. We breed top quality Bengals that are sought after around the world. We are Licensed with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and inspected yearly.

When I am not working with the cats full time… I work my second full time job as an Engineering Supervisor at WCCO-TV in Down Town Minneapolis.

Becky Beckmann & Steve Burdine
Breeder of Merit ~ AKC Breeder of the Year
www.RisingSunFarm.com

Help us do better! Was this article helpful and relevant?
Yes
No
What can you say about this article?
I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article
Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved
Want to share more?
Thank You for the feedback! We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you.
Avatar photo

About Cats.com Editorial Team

The Cats.com editorial team consists of experienced veterinarians, behaviorists, and other cat experts who are all dedicated to our mission of providing cat owners with the safest, most reliable information.

18 thoughts on “5 Important Facts To Keep In Mind Before Getting a Bengal Cat”

+ Add Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Chirpy Cats

    My Bengal cat, Sarabi, has reached the grand old age of 15 years old and she still climbs on the higher ramps. She’s always been talkative and has to have the last say. Yes, she yells for attention all the time 😉

    Reply
    1. Mark Shyman

      I re-homed a Bengal/DSH mix, a Bengal in most respects, appearance, behavior, etc. He has the best of all worlds with my big house and property backing onto a river. Over a year he has won my confidence in his ability to explore outdoors and find his way home, even after dark. It is such fun to watch him stalk waterbirds and squirrels. He returns the love by constant attention toi me. It’s like he alway needs to know where I am, always finds me to stroke him, then he is off again. He will return to my call, like a dog will. At night he sleeps soundly outside my open bedroom until 5:00 AM anyway when he starts to meow. The more impatient he gets with me the louder the meows become. I always meow back at him. Our lives are both very good! If you can give these wonderful, semi-wild Bengals attention and space they will be your best buddy! I recommend the breed with love!

      Reply
  2. Candice Eisenhower

    I like the fact that Bengal cats not only is a unique breed of cat but are also known for its playful and outgoing personality. I remembered my good old cat when we’re always playing in the garden and I wanted to have a new cat that is the extroverted type. I’ll talk it out with my husband if we can buy a Bengal cat as a pet of our own. I hope he agrees to it so I can start looking around for reputable Bengal cat breeders online.

    Reply
  3. Lilia Robberts

    It is time to get a cat. I have been living on my own for too long, and I need company. Thank you for letting me know that owning a Bengal can really liven up your house, I want a cat that I can take care of. I’ll need to find the perfect Bengal cat provider. I want to make sure that my cat is a pure Bengal.

    Reply
  4. crazee cat person

    thank you for all this info! i really want to get one and to pass the test, i need to know ALOT! thank you so much!
    im planning to get a female bengal and name her nala and my friend plans to name her orange tabby simba (we might mate them but i really dont know) thank you for this info!

    Reply
  5. Judith

    I have a little lady named Sasha who just turned 15 years this month. She is a purebred F4 Bengal and a hoot. She never stops talking, except when taking a nap but should you walk by her she always has something to say. She follows me everywhere and spends hours with me up on the desk when I’m working. Their the best

    Reply
  6. Cynthia Savitt

    There are millions of cats & kittens killed every year because nobody wants them. Stop promoting the breeding of more cats. I’m one of the volunteers that rescues homeless cats. Take yourself to the streets & see for yourself.

    Reply
    1. Sare

      I agree with all my heart! There are kittens and cats of all shapes and sizes at shelters waiting for adopters. Cats like Bengals that are more high maintenance can end up unwanted too. I have a purebred F4 Bengal but only because someone abandoned him. He was purchased from a breeder but the adopter let him go. He was picked up on the streets and was very ill from fending for himself. He’s wild and loud and affectionate and all those things. We both got lucky.

      Reply
      1. Sare

        If you are really set on a particular breed, there is one somewhere in rescue or at a shelter also waiting for adoption. I did not know my boy was a Bengal when I took him home. He was just an odd, very friendly stray. There are also rescues that specialize in abandoned purebred cats or cats that need re-homing of many breeds. Search the internet or head to the local shelter.

        Reply
    2. Starr

      I too volunteer at our spca… just today, someone wants to surrender a Bengal and another a mother cat with 6 kittens… please promote neutering and spaying.

      Reply
  7. Robbi

    My 6-month-old ordinary DSH follows me everywhere in the house, wants to be involved in everything I’m doing, and is as active as the Bengals you describe. Bengals are indeed beautiful and special and much friendlier than many other cat breeds, but I’ll stay with my little domestic shorthair girl.

    Reply
  8. Diane

    I used to work for a local veterinary hospital. We saw a LOT of different exotic types of animals. Everything from Leopards, Lions, Bears (yes bears), raccoons, monkeys, wild birds, wolves, Parrots, Tarantulas, exotic birds, a fawn, and all breeds of cats and dogs!
    The veterinary hospital was right across the street from the local humane shelter, so on my break every day I’d go visit the animals there. I wound up adopting several cats and one dog (a purebred Sheltie). I saw a LOT of purebred dogs and cats in the many years I worked at the veterinary hospital. You’d really be shocked at how many purebred animals are dumped there because their owners did NOT do any RESEARCH on the cat or dog they acquired BEFORE they acquired it! They just bought one because they saw it on TV, in a movie, in a magazine, or a friend or acquaintance had one…which is 9 times out of 10, the reason. And a very heartbreaking reality is that most of those animals are healthy, young animals that only have between 72 hours to ten days (at the most) to live after being dumped!! For the most part, it is NEVER enough time to find them a RESCUE or for someone to get acquainted enough to adopt them. And because the animals (especially cats) are very easily scared or anxious animals to start with, they are often confused, terrified, and act accordingly when someone is trying to visit with them, which in turn, gives the prospective adopter a “false negative” impression of the cat. ‍♀️ SO many lives could be saved from death, if only people would do the RIGHT thing BEFORE adopting, or even buying and animal. Do your RESEARCH before you buy or adopt! Know what you are looking for, and what you have TIME to invest in, and make sure you can properly CARE for that LIFE that is precious! And last but not least, PLEASE SPAY & NEUTER YOUR ANIMAL FRIEND. Allowing more lives to suffer needlessly when SO many are begging for someone to love them and give them a caring FOREVER home is just plain SELFISH AND IRRESPONSIBLE‼️

    Reply
  9. Anna

    I have 2 Male Bengal/Mainecoon cross kittens, just turned 4 months. They follow you everywhere. Most affectionate cats I’ve ever had … but do they talk!

    Reply
  10. Heidi Petrick

    My cat, Muschie, is a Bengal-Tabby. The front part of his body is like a Bengal and the back like a common tabby with stripes and long hair. Muschie talks constantly, runs around constantly, and lately, bites me a lot. He’s going on 11 years old, is this common for a bengal mix?

    Reply
    1. kateKate Barrington

      Hi Heidi, Muschie sounds like a handful! Every cat is unique, but Bengals do tend to be pretty high-energy. With the talking and biting, Muschie could be trying to tell you that he’s bored. Try working a few more minutes of playtime into his day or offering something like a window perch where he can entertain himself by looking outside.

      Reply