Bengal cat insurance
Is the Bengal the right cat breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Bengal Cat
Bengal cats have a unique and beautiful appearance. This, combined with their playful and energetic temperament, has made them a favourite among cat lovers worldwide.
Bengal Cat quick facts
- Size: Medium to large
- Lifespan: 12-20 years
- Weight: 4-7kg
- Colours: Brown, snow, silver, blue and solid - with spotted, marble and charcoal patterns
- Temperament: Active and playful
- Common health issues: PRA (eye disease), PK-def (blood anaemia) and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Where does the Bengal come from?
The Bengal’s origins date back to the 1960s, when an American breeder named Jean Mill crossed an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. Her goal was to create a breed with the exotic, wild look of a leopard cat but with the friendly and manageable nature of a domestic cat.
The Bengal quickly gained popularity for its striking appearance and playful personality. The International Cat Association (TICA) first approved the breed in 1991 with the Spotted pattern, and in 1994, TICA also approved the Marble pattern and snow colour variants.
Looking for cat insurance for your Bengal cat?
Protect your Bengal with peace of mind from Agria.
What is a Bengal's temperament?
Playful
Bengals love to explore their surroundings and are always looking for new adventures.
Active
It is not unusual to see a Bengal climbing trees, performing high jumps or chasing toys around the house.
Energetic
Their energetic nature makes them perfect companions for active owners who can provide enough stimulation and play.
Social
Social and loving, the Bengal thrives in family environments and can quickly adapt to new people and situations.
Clever
Known for their intelligence, Bengal cats are quick to learn, making them a good candidate for training.
Bengal training and exercise
A cat as active and curious as the Bengal requires a certain level of stimulation to stay happy. They need a lot of commitment in terms of play and exercise – and activities like hunting can be key to helping release pent-up energy.
Cat behaviourist consultant Anna Jönsson Bergstedt gives her tips on training your Bengal cat – and keeping them entertained:
- 1
Give your Bengal something to climb
You’ll need to adapt your home environment to suit the needs of your cat. And for Bengals, this includes places to climb and observe from. Even better if you also include scratching opportunities – like special cat furniture.
- 2
Take your Bengal out on a walk
Bengals are curious cats, so it’s not surprising that they’re suited to going on walks. It’s important to introduce your Bengal to their harness and lead gradually before slowly introducing them to their outdoor environment.
Avoid ‘cat backpacks’ for cats to be transported in. They’re too small for Bengal cats and do not offer sufficient ventilation or protection for cats in general.
It’s also worth remembering that some cats don’t want to be outside with us. They might prefer to explore their immediate outside environment by themselves.
- 3
Use food to keep them active
All cats have to eat, regardless of their breed. ‘Scatter feeding’ is a great way to keep them active – you can spread food or treats out around the home, and hide them for the cat to find. You can also use activity bowls or food puzzles. However, you may need to do this in place of a regular food bowl, otherwise your Bengal won’t see the need to exert itself.
- 4
Schedule in regular playtime
Bengal’s need to be kept pretty active, so it’s important that you plan regular play time sessions with your cat. Be prepared to play with your Bengal daily – and have lots of different options when it comes to toys and games.
To avoid having to buy new toys all the time, you can rotate the toys you have, so that they are not all available all the time. This will keep them engaging for longer.
Bengal size & appearance
The Bengal's body is muscular and athletic, giving it an elegant and graceful appearance. It also has long legs and a long tail, adding to its impressive size. A fully grown Bengal can weigh between 4-7 kg, depending on gender and genetics.
Bengal fur, colours and patterns
Bengals have short fur and a dense coat, which comes in three different patterns: Spotted, Marble and Charcoal. The classic and most common pattern for Bengals is the black spotted variant, which gives it a unique and exotic look. They can also have ‘glitter’, which is when the fur has a shimmering look to it.
Bengal health issues
The Bengal is a relatively healthy breed. However, there are some genetic diseases that they can get, including:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
A genetic eye disease.
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef)
Blood anaemia
It is important to buy a Bengal from a responsible breeder who tests their cats for these diseases and follows breeding recommendations.
Caring for your Bengal
The Bengal's coat is relatively easy to care for. It requires regular brushing to maintain a good condition and to reduce the risk of hairballs.
It is also important to give your Bengal enough exercise and stimulation to keep it happy and healthy.
Bengal cat insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Bengal's life, we’ll always be there for you and your cat!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your cat can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your cat.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Bengal FAQs
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