General Bengal Cat FAQ

Welcome to our General Bengal Cat FAQ section, where we answer the most common questions about Bengal cats and caring for your Bengal kitten. We’re here to help you provide the best care for your new feline family member. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out to us directly!

What's a Bengal cat? What do they look like?

A Bengal cat is a unique domesticated breed known for its wild appearance and playful nature. Officially accepted by TICA in 1983, the breed was started by Jean Mill through the hybridization of domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat. Bengals from the first three generations are considered "early generation" Bengals. To be officially recognized as domestic Bengals by cat registries, they must be at least four generations away from the Asian leopard cat.

Bengals are famous for their beautiful coats which may be brown, silver, or snow and can feature spotting or marbling. They are the only domesticated cat breed that can have rosetted spots.

They can also have a charcoal pattern effect (not a pattern) which can be seen in all colors and patterns.

Desirable traits may include glitter, "mascara", and whiter color around the eyes, belly, and whisker pads.

Bengals are lean, muscular cats that typically weigh between eight and fifteen pounds, with males generally being larger than females.

What should I feed my Bengal?

At LKN Bengals, we believe in providing the best possible start for our kittens, which includes a raw diet with rotating proteins. Raw feeding provides cats with fresh, human-grade meat, which supports their natural carnivorous instincts. Kittens raised on raw diets often exhibit better coat quality, dental health, and overall well-being.

While we encourage continuing a raw diet, we understand it's not for everyone! When your kitten leaves us, they will be sent home with frozen raw food to make the transition smooth, whether you continue with raw or choose a high-quality wet food.

Recommended Raw Food Brands:

Rah Raw
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products
Viva Raw
My Pet Carnivore
Hare Today
Simply Rawsome

For those looking into species appropriate raw feeding, we recommend the book So You Want to Raw Feed Your Cat by Meghan Leah Waals.

What are Bengal's temperaments like?

Bengals are known for their intelligence, affection, and playful, social nature. With their dog-like personalities, they make excellent companions for dogs of all sizes. Many Bengal owners enjoy teaching them tricks, taking them on leash walks, playing fetch, and engaging in interactive games. Bengals also have a natural love for water and climbing, thriving in environments with plenty of high perches like cat trees and shelves where they can explore and play.

In addition to their active nature, Bengals are also known to be vocal. They communicate with a variety of sounds, including chirps, trills, meows, and yowls. Bengals often "talk" to their owners to express their needs, whether they’re hungry, playful, or seeking attention. This vocal expressiveness makes Bengals more interactive than many other breeds, and they typically form strong, close bonds with their families.

How can I enrich my Bengal?

Enriching your Bengal cat involves providing mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy, engaged, and healthy. Here are a few enrichment activities you may choose to add to your Bengal's routine:

Interactive Toys: Use toys that stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts, such as feather wands, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders.
Cat Trees and Scratching Posts: Provide vertical space with cat trees and scratching posts to encourage climbing and scratching.
Playtime/Social Interaction: Regular play sessions with toys and games help burn off energy and strengthen your bond. Bengals thrive on social interaction and companionship.
Environmental Enrichment: Rotate toys and introduce new objects or scents to keep their environment stimulating.
SAFE Outdoor Access: Take your Bengal for a leash walk, backpack or stroller ride to satisfy their curiosity and need for exploration. You may want to look into purchasing or building a catio, which allows cats to safely experience the outdoors.
Training and Tricks: Teach your Bengal new tricks or commands using positive reinforcement to engage their intellect.

Are Bengals hypoallergenic?

Bengals are often considered less allergenic than other breeds. They produce less dander and shed less than other cats. Additionally, their coat requires minimal maintenance, meaning they groom themselves less frequently. Since allergic reactions are often triggered by a cat’s saliva, this reduced grooming can result in fewer allergens. However, those with severe allergies may still experience reactions, so it's recommended to spend time around Bengals to see how you respond before adopting one.

What should I look for in a Bengal breeder?

Ensure they conduct health testing for genetic conditions like Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and inquire about their socialization practices for kittens. If possible, visit their home or facility to confirm it's clean and spacious. A knowledgeable and passionate breeder should be willing to answer your questions and provide guidance. Look for a written contract that outlines health guarantees, and ensure the breeder is transparent about their practices and the kittens' lineage. Additionally, choose a breeder who offers post-purchase support.

How long do Bengal cats live?

Bengal cats usually live anywhere from 12 to 16 years, but with proper care, some can live even longer. Their lifespan can depend on factors like genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. Regular vet visits, a well-balanced diet, and plenty of enrichment can help your Bengal lead a long and healthy life.

What is a show-quality Bengal?

A show-quality Bengal is a cat that meets the highest breed standards for things like coat pattern, color, structure, and overall appearance. These cats are typically considered ideal for showing in competitions and have very few, if any, imperfections.

Please be aware that LKN Bengals and its authors are not licensed veterinarians. The information provided is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice. We cannot be held liable for how readers choose to use this information.