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The size of a breed can greatly impact the people who buy it, whether their looking for a cat under a certain size or above it. Sometimes the size of a breed is also an important part of identifying that breed, especially with Bengal cats. Let’s take size into consideration as we look into the breed in these ways:
A lot can go into identifying a Bengal, their coat especially, but size can be detrimental in identifying a Bengal cat as well. A cat with a Bengal coat that weighs 50 lbs. isn’t going to be a Bengal.
So how big is a Bengal cat? The quick answer is that they are smaller than or equal in size to a domestic cat but bigger than an Asian Leopard Cat. Bengals are a medium to large breed of cat. Titan Bengals lists their sizes as males on average weigh in between 10-18 lbs. while females measure in at 7-12 lbs. But someone looking at the breed also needs to keep in mind that some Bengals are small for the breed while others are large, just not 50 lbs.
Purina’s Australian site lists them as weighing between 4 and 8 kgs., which is equal to 8.8-17.6 lbs.
The breeder Enchanted Tails lists Bengal sizes as males between 12 and 15 lbs. and females between 8 and 12 lbs. They do mention though of knowing a male Bengal that weighed 20 lbs.
The size also impacts the dexterity and agility of the cat, such as how high the cat can jump. For the Bengal, this big tempered cat can lead to a big jump. Check out this video to see how high one Bengal can jump when it really wants something up high.
The Bengals’ size is effected by the breeds mixed together to make this cat. Since Asian Leopard Cats weigh in around 7-8 lbs., the Bengals’ size comes from the breed of domestic cat mixed in. If the domestic cat used is a smaller breed, then the Bengals produced will be small. It’s the same when using a large domestic breed, larger Bengals will be produced.
This doesn’t always work out every time however. If small and large domestic cats are used, the Bengals produced could end up with small Bengals, large ones, or somewhere in between. The litter could even end up with a variety of sizes.
Usually however, by the time a Bengal’s family line has reached a more domestic result, there were all or mostly large domestic cats used in breeding, or there were all or mostly small. This will make the cats produced pretty reflective of the majority of the domestic cats used in breeding.
Having a larger sized cat in the home can still be something to learn to deal with. Bengal Cat World reminds readers that Bengals were bred to keep the beauty of the wild cat and the temperament of the domestic cat. This doesn’t always work however; some Bengals will show a little more of their wild side than others.
This can create, even in smaller Bengals, the personality of a big cat. Even with it all wrapped up in a small package, a wild cat tempered Bengal can still be a handful.
Their temperament isn’t the only factor for training a Bengal. It can be an important factor in why owners need to train their Bengal cat(s), for better handling of their cat.
Dealing with an unoccupied Bengal can be a hassle, but there are ways to keep that cat busy. Toys and cat trees are a great way to keep a Bengal playing, exercising, and busy. The toys are a great mental occupier that also give the cat some exercise and work out some possible aggression. Cat trees also exercise the cat and give it some personal space away from humans and other non-cat pets in the house.
A Bengal friend/sibling would occupy the cat as well, or an owner could even consider getting a comparably sized canine friend for their bored Bengal.
The size of a Bengal isn’t just an important factor in buying, adopting, and identifying the breed; it also impacts how owners adjust to having the cat in their home. Not only that, but the size of the breed can vary depending on their parentage. This is all important in understanding the breed as well as living with our beloved Bengal.
So, what do you think about the size of a Bengal? Do you agree with the information and tips above? Comment below to let us know!
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