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One of the most beautiful and popular purebred cat breeds, the spotted Bengal cat might remind you of a leopard. However, you don’t have to worry about your Bengal growing to be the same size as a wild cat.
Adult female Bengal cats are usually about the size of the average Domestic Shorthair cat, weighing about 6–12 pounds. Males typically grow bigger and heavier, reaching an average adult weight of 9–15 pounds.
Of course, every cat is different, and several factors can impact how big this breed gets. Here, we delve into this topic and cover how to measure the size of your Bengal cat and how to choose the proper diet to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight.
Facts About the Bengal Cat
- The Bengal cat has a beautiful coat and can come in an array of colors. Some of them have golden brown, rusty orange fur, while others have ivory and buff coats. You can also find Bengal cats that have charcoal, chocolate-brown, or black-colored fur.
- Since these kitties are obsessed with water, they might just follow you when you jump in the shower or try to keep you company in the bathtub. Some Bengal owners build fountains in their gardens just to keep their pets entertained. Having a pool or a little pond is also a great source of amusement for these cats.
- Due to the popularity of this breed in recent decades, they have become pricey. One woman in London reportedly paid $50,000 for a single Bengal cat. Often, this breed is referred to as the “Rolls Royce of cats.”
Bengal Cat Size and Growth Chart
| Age | Weight Range | Height Range | Length Range |
| 8 weeks | 2–4 lbs. | 6–8’’ | 7–9’’ |
| 3 months | 4–5 lbs. | 7–9’’ | 8–10’’ |
| 6 months | 6–12 lbs. | 8–10’’ | 10–12’’ |
| 9 months | 8–15 lbs. | 10–12’’ | 12–14’’ |
| 1 year | 10–15 lbs. | 11–14’’ | 14–16’’ |
| 2 years | 10–15 lbs. | 13–15’’ | 16–18’’ |
When Does a Bengal Cat Stop Growing?
Bengals are quite different from other cat breeds. They are much larger overall than your standard housecat. When they reach maturity, they tend to have long, muscular bodies with sleek profiles.
These cats usually stop growing when they reach 18 months to 2 years of age. However, some can continue to grow for an additional year, but that is rare. By 2 years, a Bengal cat will weigh around 15 pounds and be up to 15 inches in height.
Within those 2 years, your Bengal cat will grow rather quickly. But there’s no need to worry. Just because they look like a leopard, that doesn’t mean they’ll reach that size!
When Do I Know My Bengal Has Reached Maturity?
When your Bengal cat reaches 2 years of age, you can consider them mature. After this, they generally stop gaining weight (aside from diet or glandular issues) or growing taller.
But even though they’ll have reached their maturity, your Bengal cat will remain active and bouncy. They will continue to play with you as usual, and they won’t ever outgrow their kitten-like behaviors. Many owners love them because of this fact alone. They’re such a fun cat to have at home!
Factors Affecting the Size of Bengals
Certain factors affect a Bengal cat’s size, one of which is the method of cross-breeding used. When a Bengal cat is not of the purest breed, they may not reach the maximum weight and height expected of a purebred one. Proper feeding is also important for Bengal cats to remain healthy and active. If they are not getting the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals from their diet, they might not reach their ideal size.
If you are concerned about the growth of your kitty, you should consult a vet.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
To keep your Bengal cat at a healthy weight, you need to ensure that they get consistent exercise and eat the right foods. The ideal diet for maintaining a healthy weight will vary based on your cat’s age, size, activity level, and chronic medical conditions.
Healthy Bengals can eat any nutritionally balanced diet formulated for felines. Commercial canned or dry diets are good choices because they’re required to be complete and balanced for cats. Ask your vet to help you choose a diet and calculate how many calories your Bengal should eat daily to reach or maintain a healthy weight.
How to Manage a Cat the Size of a Bengal
The Bengal cat is extremely active and athletic, which is mainly how they maintain their own weight. However, they’re not the smallest breed around, and this can be problematic for those living in a small space. They definitely require adequate space in order to exercise and run around.
The ideal home for Bengal cats is a house with an enclosed backyard and several trees, as they love to play in tree branches just like wild cats do.
Bengal cats that do not get enough exercise might start gaining unwanted weight. This is not healthy and can lead to eventual obesity.
How to Measure Your Bengal Cat
Weighing your Bengal cat at home is easy with a digital bathroom scale and pet carrier. Place the carrier on the scale, and zero out or tare the weight. Put your Bengal cat inside without removing the carrier, and read the resulting weight. Alternatively, you can weigh the carrier, then the carrier with your cat inside, and subtract the weight of the carrier. Similarly, you can weigh yourself and then weigh yourself holding your cat and subtract your weight.
To measure your Bengal cat, use a standard sewing tape measure. For the length, measure from the nose to the base of the tail. For the cat’s height, measure from the ground to the top point of the shoulders.
Final Thoughts
Bengal cats are some of the most fun cats to have around. They can make great companions, as they love lots of attention. However, they may not be the best choice for a cuddly lap cat. The Bengal is the best option for sporty individuals or those who like to be outdoors.
If you are thinking about getting a Bengal cat as a pet, make sure you have enough space for them at home. Since they don’t like to be left alone for long hours at a time, ensure that your schedule matches up with their needs.
Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
