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The Bengal cat is quite recognizable—once you’ve seen one, there’s no mistaking what you’re looking at! They’ve become popular due to their striking appearance and energetic and loving temperaments. But part of considering bringing a new cat to your home includes knowing their lifespan. After all, you want to keep your new pet with you for as long as possible.
So, the average lifespan of a Bengal and the things that you can do to help prolong your cat’s life is worth knowing. The average lifespan of a Bengal cat can be from 7–10 years depending on several factors. However, like any other breed, their lifespan can vary widely, and some Bengals can live beyond 15 years of age. We get into all that and more here.
What’s the Average Lifespan of a Bengal Cat?
Bengals are exotic, social, and loving cats. While many people report their Bengals to live to around 15 years of age, a recent 2024 UK study suggested that Bengals have a particularly short life expectancy. Life expectancy depends on their health and other factors that are out of your control.
But a few things are inside your control that can help you see your Bengal living well into their 15s.
Why Do Some Bengals Live Longer Than Others?
1. Breeding History
The more purebred the cat is and the more inbreeding in their ancestry, the more likely the cat will have a lower life expectancy. Bengals are still a relatively new breed compared to breeds like the Egyptian Mau, which dates back to Ancient Egypt. It was in the early 80s that Bengals started to make an appearance.
Ask the breeder about the family history of the Bengal that you are interested in. You can also ask if they use Bengals from “outside” their usual breeding program.
2. Nutrition
Bengals, like any cat, are obligate carnivores, which means they rely almost entirely on animal protein to thrive. Bengals need the bulk of their food to be meat, but many manufactured cat foods include grains, fruits, and vegetables.
The Bengal is a highly energetic and active cat, so their nutritional requirements must be based on their current age and include enough protein, carbohydrates, and fats to sustain their high energy drive.
If you have questions about what to feed your Bengal, we recommend speaking with a veterinarian.
3. Hydration
If you have a Bengal, you have a cat that needs plenty of exercise and enrichment. This means taking time every day to play with your cat and adjusting your home. They also do quite well walking on a harness. Without enough play and the opportunity to run, climb, and jump, your cat risks becoming bored and overweight.
Ensure that you have enough toys and areas for your Bengal to use. They love climbing up to high places, so you’ll want cat trees and maybe a few shelves and scratching posts.
4. Enrichment and Exercise
There’s a certain amount of controversy around the subject of indoor cats vs. outdoor cats. But it’s safe to say that as long as you don’t allow your Bengal to become bored and can provide them with healthcare, a high-quality diet, and plenty of playtime and love, an indoor Bengal will live much longer than an outdoor cat.
The risks of going outside are dog or wild animal attacks, being struck by cars, and exposure to toxins and infectious diseases. Also, the Bengal’s gorgeous coat is one-of-a-kind, and there’s a risk of someone snatching your cat.
Bengals do quite well walking on a harness, so this is an option that can give your cat outdoor exercise and entertainment while keeping them safe at the same time.
5. Indoor vs. Outdoor
There’s a certain amount of controversy around the subject of indoor cats vs. outdoor cats. But it’s safe to say that as long as you don’t allow your Bengal to become bored and can provide them with healthcare, a high-quality diet, and plenty of playtime and love, an indoor Bengal will live much longer than an outdoor cat.
The risks of going outside are dog or wild animal attacks, being struck by cars, and exposure to toxins and infectious diseases. Also, the Bengal’s gorgeous coat is one-of-a-kind, and there’s a risk of someone snatching your cat.
Bengals do quite well walking on a harness, so this is an option that can give your cat outdoor exercise and entertainment while keeping them safe at the same time.
6. Catproof the House
Dental problems can impact your Bengal’s health. Taking care of your Bengal’s teeth can help prevent gum disease and other health concerns that can affect your cat’s mouth.
A study found that diet affects oral health in cats, with dry food being associated with better oral health. The study suggests that a dry diet could improve feline oral health. However, wet food has other important benefits, so a diet of both wet and dry could work best for some cats.
7. Dental Care
Bengals are a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain genetic disorders. One of the most common heart diseases in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genetic testing is available for Bengals to detect progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and Pyruvate Kinase (PK) deficiency.
8. Healthcare
Taking your Bengal to get a regular wellness check every year is the best way that you can keep on top of their health. Your vet can pick up on any potential health conditions before they become serious. This includes annual vaccines, which will further help your Bengal from becoming ill.
Having your Bengal spayed or neutered can prolong your Bengal’s lifespan. Not only will it keep your cat from running away during heat seasons, but it also helps prevent certain diseases.
9. Healthcare
Taking your Bengal to get a regular wellness check every year is another way that you can keep on top of their health. Your vet can pick up on any potential health conditions before they become serious. This includes annual vaccines, which will further help your Bengal from becoming ill.
Having your Bengal spayed or neutered can prolong your Bengal’s lifespan. Not only will it keep your cat from running away during heat seasons, but it also helps prevent certain diseases.
The 4 Life Stages of a Bengal
Kitten
From birth to approximately 12 months of age
Young Adult
From 1 year to 6 years
Mature Adult
From 7 to 10 years
Senior
From 10 years onwards
How to Tell Your Bengal’s Age
One of the best ways to gauge your cat’s age is by looking at their teeth. The second way is through their size and weight. They are larger cats than many other breeds. When they are fully mature, they have muscular, long, and sleek bodies.
Bengals tend to stop growing by the time that they are 18 months to 2 years of age. At 2 years old, the average Bengal might weigh about 12 pounds and be 15 inches in height.
Of course, the best way to determine your cat’s age is to ask your vet.
Conclusion
A Bengal cat that is well loved and well taken care of may have a lifespan of up to 15 years and potentially beyond! Always schedule a visit to your vet’s clinic yearly and any time that you have questions or concerns.
Give your cat high-quality cat food, visit the vet often, play with them daily, provide them with an enriched environment, and learn to read their needs. You’ll end up with a healthy and happy cat that might just live a very long life.
See Also:
- Russian Blue Bengal Cat Mix: Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits
- Charcoal Bengal Cat: Facts, Pictures, Origin, & History
Featured Image Credit: Jane Koshchina, Shutterstock
