Bengal
BEN-gawl
Energetic, Intelligent, Playful, Confident. Origin: United States (hybrid of Asian Leopard Cat and domestic cat).
An adult Bengal weighs 10-18 lbs (male) or 6-12 lbs (female), needs 180-540 calories daily, and lives 12-16 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Bengal needs 180 to 540 calories per day. An average male (14 lbs / 6.4 kg) needs around 390 kcal; a female (9 lbs / 4.1 kg) roughly 280 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Bengal. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Bengals are athletic, muscular cats with wild ancestry (Asian Leopard Cat). Their hybrid origin gives them some health advantages through genetic diversity, but specific conditions appear in the breed line. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b), a Bengal-specific form of the eye disease, has a DNA test available. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and patellar luxation also occur. Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
Exercise and activity
Bengals need more exercise and enrichment than most domestic cats. They are powerful jumpers and climbers with a strong prey drive. Tall cat trees, puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and ideally a secure catio or leash walks satisfy their energy. Many Bengals enjoy water play. Without adequate stimulation, they become destructive and vocal. Plan for 20-30 minutes of active, interactive play daily.
Care and traits
Bengal cats have a short to medium, spotted or marbled, with glitter-like sheen coat. Origin: United States (hybrid of Asian Leopard Cat and domestic cat).
Bengals are a hybrid breed (domestic cat crossed with Asian Leopard Cat). Early generations (F1-F3) may be restricted by law in some areas. Their wild heritage means they often love water; many Bengals will join you in the shower. They're vocal, active, and not a breed for someone wanting a quiet lap cat.
The Bengal is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
Tools for Bengal owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 180 to 540 calories per day for an adult Bengal. An average individual at 14 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males: 10-18 lbs (4.5–8.2 kg). Females: 6-12 lbs (2.7–5.4 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
Among Bengal cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly flagged condition. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, reducing its efficiency. Screening via echocardiogram can detect it before symptoms appear. Annual cardiac checks are recommended for breeds with known HCM prevalence. Other conditions to monitor include progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia. Not every Bengal will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026