Bengals, known for their gorgeous spotted coats and vivacious personalities, have rapidly gained popularity among cat aficionados. But how do they stack up against other breeds like the majestic Maine Coon or the exotic Savannah?
Here, we’ve done the legwork to bring you a comprehensive Bengal comparison with other famous breeds to help you learn more about these extraordinary breeds.
As a breed that commands attention with its wild appearance, the Bengal cat is truly a sight to behold. Known for their strong affinity for activity, Bengals are an energetic bunch with a need for mental stimulation and play.
Despite their exotic looks, they are highly affectionate and can form strong bonds with their human families.
If you’re intrigued by the splendor of the Bengal and are curious about how they compare to their feline counterparts, read on for a detailed discussion that just might help you decide on your next purrfect companion.
Bengal Cat Vs Maine Coon
Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated breeds, with males tipping the scales at an impressive 18 to 22 pounds and females at 8.8 to 13.2 pounds. Standing tall with a height range of 10 to 16 inches, Maine Coons often dwarf their Bengal counterparts in size.
However, size isn’t the only difference that sets these two breeds apart. While both share the common trait of high affection levels, their energy and activity levels can be quite contrasting.
Maine Coons are the gentle giants of the cat world, combining their playful nature with a friendly, easy-going temperament that endears them to families and cat enthusiasts alike.
| Bengal Cat | Maine Coon | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 10-16 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 18-22 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 12.5-15 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | High |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Low |
| Affection Level: | High | High |
| Energy Level: | High | Medium-High |
| Trainability: | Medium | Medium-High |
Bengal Cat Vs Savannah
Savannah cats, on the other hand, are noted for their tall and lean builds, with heights spanning 14-17 inches. Weighing in at 16-25 pounds for males and around 12 pounds for females, they are another large breed that can command a room with their presence.
Much like the Bengal, the Savannah breed is recognized for their active and energetic behavior and need for regular interaction and stimulation. Boasting long lifespans of up to 20 years, the Savannah is a breed for individuals looking for a long-term, energetic companion.
Their exotic look, along with their high exercise requirements, make them ideal pets for those who enjoy interactive play and challenging their pets with new tricks and activities.
| Bengal Cat | Savannah | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 14-17 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 16-25 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 12-20 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | High |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Low-Medium |
| Affection Level: | High | High |
| Energy Level: | High | High |
| Trainability: | Medium | High |
Bengal Cat Vs Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a remarkable breed itself, often prized for its natural spotted coat and striking green eyes. It is one of the few naturally spotted breeds of domesticated cat, similar to the Bengal in appearance.
However, the Egyptian Mau typically has a more slender build, with females weighing between 6-14 pounds and males between 6-15 pounds, which is slightly less than the Bengal’s average. With a height spanning 8-14 inches, the Mau can be either smaller or taller than the Bengal, depending on the individual cat.
Maus are known for their moderate activity level, meaning they are playful without being overly exuberant, and their affection level is high, making them loving companions for their human families.
Additionally, they have a comparable lifespan to Bengals, though they shed a bit more due to a fuller coat.
| Bengal Cat | Egyptian Mau | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 8-14 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 6-15 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 10-15 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | Medium |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Medium |
| Affection Level: | High | High |
| Energy Level: | High | Medium |
| Trainability: | Medium | Medium |
Bengal Cat Vs Sphynx
The Sphynx is a breed that’s impossible to confuse with any other, thanks to its unique hairless appearance. Yet, in terms of personality, they share quite a few similarities with the Bengal.
Sphynx cats typically weigh between 7-10 pounds for females and 8-14 pounds for males, putting them on a similar scale to Bengals in terms of weight. Standing between 8-10 inches, they match the Bengal in height as well.
Where they strike a stark contrast is in their grooming needs; Sphynx cats have no fur to shed, instead requiring regular skin care to remove oils that would usually be absorbed by fur. They are known for their high levels of energy and affection, enjoying the company of their humans immensely.
If you’re fond of the Bengal’s engaging personality but want a hypoallergenic option, the Sphynx could be an intriguing alternative.
| Bengal Cat | Sphynx | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 8-10 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 8-14 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 9-15 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | High |
| Shedding Level: | Low | None |
| Affection Level: | High | High |
| Energy Level: | High | High |
| Trainability: | Medium | Medium-High |
Bengal Cat Vs Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is a breed revered for its silken double coat of a bluish-gray hue and striking green eyes.
Size-wise, they typically fall within the same range as Bengals, with females weighing 7-12 pounds and males weighing 7-15 pounds, and standing 9-11 inches tall. Russian Blues are known for their mild temperament and medium to high energy level, making them active without being too demanding.
They also have high affection levels, similar to Bengals, but they tend to display a reserved nature, especially around strangers. With a lifespan stretching up to 20 years, they’re a breed for those seeking longevity in their feline companions.
| Bengal Cat | Russian Blue | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 9-11 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 7-15 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 15-20 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | Medium-High |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Low-Medium |
| Affection Level: | High | High |
| Energy Level: | High | Medium-High |
| Trainability: | Medium | Medium |
Bengal Cat Vs Toyger
The Toyger is a breed that was developed to resemble a toy tiger, with striped markings and a robust body. Sharing a similar size to the Bengal, male Toygers weigh between 10-15 pounds and females 7-10 pounds, while their height typically ranges from 9-13 inches.
Though the Toyger has a different coat pattern with stripes compared to the Bengal’s spots and rosettes, their fur has a similar feel. Toygers are not as active as Bengals and have a moderate activity level.
They are known for being mellow and easygoing cats, with medium levels of affection. The Toyger is a great option for those who admire the wild look of the Bengal but prefer a cat with a more relaxed demeanor.
| Bengal Cat | Toyger | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 9-13 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 10-15 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 10-15 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | Low-Medium |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Medium |
| Affection Level: | High | Medium |
| Energy Level: | High | Low-Medium |
| Trainability: | Medium | Medium |
Bengal Cat Vs Ocicat
The Ocicat may remind cat lovers of a mini ocelot, although it has no wild DNA – much like the Bengal, it achieves its wild look purely through domestic breeding.
Ocicats often weigh between 6-9 pounds for females and 9-14 pounds for males. They share a similar height range with Bengals, usually measuring at 9-11 inches tall. These spotted beauties are renowned for their playful nature and high activity levels – traits they hold in common with the Bengal.
Additionally, you’ll find they are very affectionate and sociable, making them great family pets. If you’re drawn to their spotted coats and lively personalities, your choice between a Bengal and an Ocicat might hinge on small differences in personality and the specific patterns of their coats.
| Bengal Cat | Ocicat | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 9-11 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 9-14 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 15-18 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | High |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Low |
| Affection Level: | High | High |
| Energy Level: | High | High |
| Trainability: | Medium | High |
Bengal Cat Vs Abyssinian
The Abyssinian cat, often referred to as ‘Aby’, is one of the oldest known breeds and is notable for its athletic build and beautiful ticked coat. Abyssinians are relatively small compared to Bengals, with male Abyssinians weighing between 7-12 pounds.
They stand between 8-10 inches tall, similar in height to a Bengal. Both breeds are notable for their high energy levels and intelligence, making them suitable for interactive play and learning tricks.
However, Abyssinians can be somewhat more independent in nature and their affection levels, while high, may not always be as overt as the Bengals’.
Their lifespan ranges between 9-15 years, paralleling the Bengal’s expected lifespan.
| Bengal Cat | Abyssinian | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 8-10 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 7-12 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 9-15 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | High |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Low |
| Affection Level: | High | Medium-High |
| Energy Level: | High | High |
| Trainability: | Medium | Medium-High |
Bengal Cat Vs Domestic Shorthair
The Domestic Shorthair, often referred to as the “normal cat,” is not a specific breed but a categorization for cats that do not have a breed pedigree. They can vary widely in size, colors, and patterns.
Male Domestic Shorthairs tend to weigh between 11-15 pounds and females somewhat less, sharing overlaps in weight with Bengals. Their height and length are also close to those of Bengals. While Bengals were bred specifically for their distinctive coat and personality traits, Domestic Shorthairs present a broad genetic palette, often resulting in a mixed temperament and energy level that can range from low to high.
They typically live between 15-20 years, often outliving many purebred cats. For those who love the free spirit and diverse appearance of the Domestic Shorthair but admire the exotic look of the Bengal, the choice may come down to the allure of a known pedigree versus the charm of a unique mix.
| Bengal Cat | Domestic Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Average height (Male): | 8-10 inches | 8-10 inches |
| Average weight (Male): | 10-15 lb | 11-15 lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years | 15-20 years |
| Exercise: | Medium-High | Medium-High |
| Shedding Level: | Low | Medium |
| Affection Level: | High | High |
| Energy Level: | High | Medium-High |
| Trainability: | Medium | Medium |
Conclusion
In conclusion, when comparing the Bengal cat with other breeds like the Maine Coon and Savannah, it’s apparent that each has its own distinct characteristics and charm. Bengals stand out with their manageable size, vivid coat patterns, and loving nature.
Understanding the differences in activity levels, space requirements, and personality traits is key to a harmonious relationship with these feline companions.
You should consider how each breed’s characteristics fit with your lifestyle to ensure the perfect match between you and your cat. All breeds are uniquely wonderful, promising years of joy, companionship, and the special kind of love that only a cat can give.