The Bengal Cat size is distinct from common house cats due to her wild cat ancestry. Know the factors that determine the Bengal Cat size and learn how big this exotic breed is compared to other domesticated cats.
Factors Affecting Bengal Cat Size
Many elements can affect how big a Bengal Cat can get. Some of the biggest factors are the hybrid feline’s parent breeds, generation, and diet. Let us discuss how they can influence the Bengal Cat’s size and weight.
Bengal Cat Size Factor #1: Generation
The Bengal breed is often classified by generations, which refers to how far removed it is from its wild ancestor. F1, F2, and F3 Bengal Cats tend to be larger since a large percentage of their bloodline comes from the Asian Leopard Cat.
F4, F5, and F6 Bengal Cats have a more diluted Asian Leopard lineage. A big portion of their traits and characteristics, such as their size, is inherited from their domestic parents instead. Thus, they are more likely to be smaller.
Bengal Cat Size Factor #2: Parent Breeds
The Bengal Cat size does not only take after her jungle cat parent, the Asian Leopard Cat. As time passed, other cat breeds were introduced into the breeding programme of this hybrid feline.
These include mid-sized domesticated cats such as the Bombay, Abyssinian, and Egyptian Mau. The medium- to large-sized British Shorthair can be a parent breed too.
The size of a Bengal Cat will be smaller if they have Bombay, Abyssinian, or Egyptian Mau in their bloodline. On the other hand, big Bengal Cats are likely to have British Shorthair in their lineage.
Bengal Cat Size Factor #3: Gender
Male Bengal Cats are often larger than females. They may even double the size and weight of their female counterparts when fully grown.
Most of the time, males are taller and possess more muscular bodies, whilst females appear more slender. That being said, a female Bengal Cat can exceed a male’s size and physique depending on her ancestry.
Adult Bengal Cat Size
Male vs. Female Bengal Cat Full-Grown Size
In general, adult male Bengal Cats are larger than their female counterparts. They measure around 33–38 centimetres (13–15 inches) in height and weigh as heavy as 3–6 kilograms (8–15 pounds). Their body length measures between 36–46 centimetres (14–18 inches)
Full-grown female Bengal Cats stand about 30–35 centimetres tall (11–14 inches) and weigh approximately 3–5 kilograms (8–13 pounds). Their body length is around 36–38 centimetres (14–15 inches).
Road to Reaching Full Maturity
The growth of Bengal kittens’ size speeds up during the first month they are born. They weigh less than 0.38 kilograms (0.83 pounds) when they are 2–3 weeks old.
In the next 2 weeks, their Bengal Cat size may double, making them weigh around 0.45–0.97 kilograms (1–2 pounds).
After the first month, the Bengal kittens’ size growth rate begins to slow down. Once they are 5 months old, these young cats will slowly reach their adult Bengal Cat weight at 2–4 kg (5–10 pounds).
Some frequently asked questions relating to this topic are: “What age do Bengal Cats stop growing in size?” and “When do Bengal Cats reach full size?”
Some cat owners think that Bengal kittens stop growing once they reach around 1 1/2 years. However, this is not always the case.
Many Bengal kittens continue to grow even when they get to this age. They stop growing and reach their full-grown size once they are about 2 years of age.
Bengal Cat Size Comparison
Are Bengal Cats bigger than regular cats? Yes, the Bengal cat’s full-grown size is relatively larger than that of regular cats, all thanks to their parent breeds.
So, how big is a Bengal Cat compared to an average cat? Generally, ordinary house cats measure about 22–25 centimetres (9–10 inches) tall and weigh between 3–4 kilograms (7–11 pounds). Bengal Cats are larger by approximately 14–21 centimetres (5–8 inches) in height and 1–2 kilograms (2–4 pounds).
Is a Bengal Cat bigger than a Savannah Cat? The Bengal Cat might be bigger than many domestic cat breeds, but she is not the largest breed by far.
She will be comparably smaller if placed alongside the Savannah Cat. The Savannah Cat can grow up to 35–45 centimetres (14–18 inches) tall and weigh 7–8 kilograms (16–18 pounds).
Another domestic cat breed that trumps the full-grown Bengal Cat size is the Maine Coon. Her height can range from 25–40 centimetres (10–16 inches), and she can weigh between 25–63 centimetres (10–25 pounds).
The large size of the Ragdoll Cat also surpasses that of an adult Bengal Cat. She usually grows between 22–27centimetres (9–11 inches) in height and weighs up to 4–9 centimetres (10–20 pounds).
You may also like: 12 Impressive Domestic Big Cat Breeds
Making Space for the Bengal Cat
The Bengal Cat size does not take up a lot of space. This hybrid feline can happily live in a small home provided that she is given enough physical and mental exercise.
Due to her wild cat parentage, the Bengal Cat’s energy levels tend to be higher compared to a regular house cat.
Indulge her wild cat instincts by increasing the vertical space in your home. Place wall perches, cat trees, and window hammocks where she can relax and observe her human companions below.
Providing the Bengal Cat with plenty of interactive cat toys such as interactive cat feeders, cat tunnels, and pole wands will keep her mentally and physically stimulated. It decreases her chances of developing undesirable cat behaviours. Make sure to rotate her toys every few weeks to retain their novelty.
Thinking of Owning a Bengal Cat?
The Bengal Cat’s Asian Leopard ancestry causes her to exhibit wild cat traits. She is one of the top 5 highly intelligent and active cat breeds with strong hunting instincts.
Owning a Bengal Cat entails big commitment and responsibility. Before deciding to bring one home, make sure to consider whether or not she fits into your lifestyle.
Novice cat owners will find it very challenging to raise this hybrid cat. She is more suitable for experienced feline enthusiasts.
If you are set on acquiring this exotic feline, the Bengal Cat’s price ranges between £400–£1,500. Get your new feline companion from a reputable breeder to ensure she has a clean bill of health and a stable temperament.
Many pet enthusiasts wonder: “What is the lifespan of a Bengal Cat?” and “How long does a Bengal Cat live?” The Bengal cat has a life expectancy of 12-16 years.
Ensure that your feline friend will live a long, happy life with you by providing her with the proper diet, regular vet check-ups, and, most importantly, a loving home.
