United States
Hybrid
Medium to Large
13-16 in
8-15 lbs
12-16 years
Meet the Bengal
The Bengal was developed by crossing the Asian Leopard Cat with domestic cats to create a breed with a wild appearance and a loving temperament. They are known for their beautiful spotted or marbled coats and athletic, muscular build.
Where It All Began
The Bengal breed was developed in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s by breeders Jean S. Mill and later Judy Frank. The goal was to create a domestic cat with the exotic look of a wild leopard cat and the friendly nature of a household pet.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed needs daily, vigorous exercise — long walks, runs, or active play — to stay happy and well-behaved.
- ✓ 60+ minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Fenced yard or open space preferred
- ✓ Mental enrichment / training games
✂ Grooming Needs
Their short coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing.
- ✓ Brush 1-2 times per week
- ✓ Minimal shedding
- ✓ Bath only as needed
- ✓ Wipe ears and clean eyes
- ✓ Trim nails regularly
❤ Keeping Healthy
A healthy diet and regular vet care help keep your Bengal happy and healthy.
- • Regular vet checkups
- • High-protein, quality diet
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Provide mental stimulation
- • Keep indoor or supervised outdoor time
$ Cost of Ownership
Bengals are a higher investment due to their rarity.
Purchase Price: $1,500 - $5,000
Monthly Cost: $60 - $120
First Year Cost: $900 - $1,800
Lifetime Cost: $13,000 - $20,000+
👍 Pros
- Beautiful, exotic appearance
- Very intelligent and trainable
- Playful and affectionate
- Great with families
- Unique and eye-catching
👎 Cons
- Very energetic
- Needs lots of stimulation
- Can be vocal
- Higher cost
- Not ideal for sedentary homes
💡 Did You Know?
Compare Bengal
See how the Bengal stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
