Cat breed · Hybrid-derived
Bengal
A spectacular, highly active cat derived from crosses with the Asian leopard cat, needing far more enrichment than an average cat.
Large12–16 yearsUnited StatesNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Hybrid-derived
- Origin
- United States
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 4–8 kg (9–18 lb)
- Height
- 33–41 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, often glittered and rosetted
- Temperament
- AthleticCuriousDemandingWater-loving
History
Developed from the 1960s onward; modern pet Bengals are several generations removed from their wild ancestor.
Appearance
Muscular with a wild-looking spotted or marbled coat.
Exercise and activity
Multiple daily play sessions, tall climbing structures, puzzle feeders and ideally a secure catio.
Care and grooming
Simple coat care, but a demanding enrichment programme. Check local laws about early-generation hybrids.
Health considerations
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Flat-chested kitten syndrome
- Chronic diarrhoea in some lines