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View 8 More +The Bengal and the Siamese are two iconic breeds beloved by feline enthusiasts for their stunning looks and exceptional dispositions. If you are among the large group of people who love both cats, you should check out the Bengal Siamese mix. As the name suggests, this cat is a mix of the leopard-like Bengal and the sleek Siamese. The result is a stunning feline that displays the best qualities of each parent.
Breed Overview
Height:
8–10 inches
Weight:
10–15 pounds
Lifespan:
12–20 years
Colors:
Spotted, brown, tan, black, white
Suitable for:
Active families, experienced cat owners, social cat lovers, people with mild allergies, multi-pet households
Temperament:
Energetic, curious, clever, talkative, and playful
Bengal Siamese mixes are a unique mixed breed, as they are made by crossing the rare Bengal with the popular Siamese. Not everyone can get their hands on such a special mixed breed, making the Bengal Siamese mix a coveted cat for many.
The Bengal Siamese mix’s relative rarity is not their only notable feature. They are often described as energetic, intelligent, and playful. To learn more about this special cat, keep reading below.
Bengal Siamese Mix Characteristics
Bengal Siamese Mix Breed Kittens
Siamese cats are popular and fairly easy to find, whereas Bengal cats are rare. Therefore, finding a Bengal Siamese mix may be a challenge. You can reach out to your local animal shelters and ask if they have a Bengal Siamese mix in their care, but chances are that they won’t. Your best chance at finding a Bengal Siamese mix will be to work with a breeder specializing in the mixed breed.
When searching for a breeder, ensure you only work with reputable, responsible breeders. Unethical breeders may produce as many kittens as possible without concern for the mother or the litter’s health. Later on, you may discover that a kitten from an unethical breeder has several health concerns. Therefore, it is best to avoid shady breeders and search for one that cares for their cats.
The Bengal Siamese kitten will be a chatty, hyperactive kitten. Before bringing them home, you will want to kitten-proof your house. Don’t underestimate how much trouble your Bengal Siamese mix can get into; Bengals have a knack for exploring and getting into mischief.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bengal Siamese Mix
Your Bengal Siamese mix may take after one parent more than the other. Still, their personality should stay essentially the same: spunky and talkative. The Siamese is often described as a spirited, vocal cat that will meow, chirp, or trill to get their owner’s attention. The Bengal is active, curious, and constantly in need of enrichment. And like the Siamese, the Bengal isn’t afraid to be vocal to get what they want.
If you want a lap cat, the Bengal Siamese mix may or may not fill that role. Siamese cats don’t mind curling up and snuggling, but Bengal cats are usually too full of energy to bother. They prefer to explore than to cuddle.
Despite their energetic nature, the Bengal Siamese mix can live in a small apartment just as well as a large house as long as they have plenty of entertainment. Provide interactive toys, puzzles, and vertical climbing spaces to ensure your Bengal Siamese mix has plenty to do. Otherwise, they may resort to destructive behaviors to entertain themselves.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
The Bengal Siamese mix is a great family cat. Both parents thrive on social interaction, and the Bengal Siamese mix does best when surrounded by their favorite people. When they aren’t playing with their owners, you will likely find them perched on a vertical space where they can observe the whole family.
They are good with children, but like many cats, they have personal space boundaries that must be observed. Children who understand and respect the boundaries of the Bengal Siamese can form strong relationships with them. Younger children who have not yet learned when to give the Bengal Siamese space should be supervised when interacting with the cat.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Bengal Siamese mixes get along with other pets, but they are unsuitable for all pets. Cats and dogs are typically fine companions for the Bengal Siamese mix, but large dogs should be supervised carefully to ensure they don’t accidentally trample the Bengal Siamese.
Likewise, a large dog with a high prey drive may see the Bengal Siamese mix as prey to chase, creating a poor living situation for your cat. Therefore, consider each animal in your home carefully before adding a new addition.
The Bengal Siamese mix is not recommended when it comes to smaller animals such as birds, mice, or hamsters. The Bengal has a high prey drive and sees smaller animals as potential food sources. Housing a small animal with the Bengal Siamese is a recipe for disaster, so it is best to avoid it altogether.
Things to Know When Owning a Bengal Siamese Mix
Before deciding to bring home a Bengal Siamese mix, there are a few critical care requirements that you should know about. Responsible pet owners should ensure they can provide quality care regarding food, exercise, training, grooming, and healthcare.
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
Your Bengal Siamese mix will need high-quality, AAFCO-certified cat food to guarantee that they are receiving sufficient nutrition that will keep them healthy. As long as your cat is eating food with the AAFCO’s stamp of approval, they shouldn’t need added supplements in their diet; however, if a vet recommends it, you can add supplements as necessary.
It is recommended that you do not free-feed your Bengal Siamese mix. Instead, feed them a healthy amount of food at the same time each day to get your cat into an eating routine. An experienced vet can help you determine how many calories are appropriate for your cat so that you know you are feeding them the proper amount.
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Another note: if you hear your Bengal Siamese mix growl while they eat, don’t worry. It is typical for Bengal cats to growl when they eat, so it may be a quirk that your Bengal Siamese mix inherits.
Exercise 🐈
Exercise is essential for the Bengal Siamese mix since they have a lot of energy they need to burn off. Otherwise, they can misbehave.
Establishing a regular exercise time with your Bengal Siamese mix is a great way to ensure that they stay active. Engaging with your cat can keep them moving and build your bond, so make sure you have a rotation of interactive toys on hand so you can play with your pet.
When you are away from home, leave out toys so that your Bengal Siamese mix can play on their own. Having vertical climbing spaces can also keep your cat moving throughout the day.
Training 🧶
Both Bengals and Siamese cats are highly intelligent and capable of learning tricks. Teaching new tricks to your Bengal Siamese mix can be a great way to bond and keep them mentally enriched, and for the most part, your Bengal Siamese mix will be cooperative and eager to please. Their attention span may be short, so keep training sessions under 15 minutes.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your Bengal Siamese mix. The Bengal Siamese can be sensitive, and harsh correction methods will only scare them or damage their trust in you. By focusing on reward-based training, you will see better results quicker and build a better bond with your pet.
Grooming ✂️
Typically, the Bengal Siamese mix doesn’t require high-maintenance grooming. Weekly brushing should reduce shedding, prevent tangles, and keep their coat looking good. They shouldn’t need regular baths, but they may beg for one. The Bengal loves water, and your Bengal Siamese mix may be more than happy to jump in the tub whenever possible.
Other ways to care for your Bengal Siamese’s grooming needs include checking their ears, trimming their nails, and brushing their teeth.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Bengal Siamese is typically a healthy cat. Both parents are known to have long life spans, and it is possible that your Bengal Siamese mix could live as long as or longer than 20 years.
A key area to pay attention to is your cat’s eyes. Both the Bengal and the Siamese are known to have issues with their eyes, including progressive retinal atrophy and hereditary retinal degeneration. Annual vet visits are a great way to ensure your cat stays healthy.
Other conditions to watch for include patellar luxation and dental disease, which are common in the Bengal Siamese mix.
- Luxating patella
- Dental disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Hereditary Retinal Degeneration
Male vs Female
The behavioral differences between a fixed male and female Bengal Siamese mix will likely be minimal. Instead, the biggest influences on your cat’s temperament will be which parent they take after the most, as well as their personality quirks. However, unfixed cats may display significant behavioral differences depending on their sex.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bengal Siamese Mix
1. Bengals Are True Cat Burglars.
If you have personal items you want to keep your Bengal Siamese away from, you’ll need to get creative. The Bengal is a true cat burglar that steals things they like and stores them away for later.
2. Siamese Cats Have Lived in the White House During Three Presidencies.
The Siamese cat is more than just popular—they’re presidential. Siamese cats have taken residence in the White House as presidential family pets during the terms of Rutherford B. Hayes, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter.
3. Bengal Siamese Mixes Are Chatty.
You’ll have a talkative companion if you bring the Bengal Siamese mix home. Both Bengal cats and Siamese cats are known for being vocal, so prepare yourself for a chatty cat!
Final Thoughts
The Bengal Siamese mix is truly a special feline. Not many cat owners will have the privilege of owning such a unique mixed breed due to the Bengal’s rarity, but those who can welcome one into the family will have a lively, vocal companion. There is never a dull moment with the playful Bengal Siamese mix, especially when they start exploring and getting into mischief.
Due to the Bengal’s active and adventurous spirit, first-time cat owners may find the Bengal Siamese to be a handful. Experienced cat owners who are confident in their training abilities will find that the Bengal Siamese is an entertaining companion with an excellent disposition.
If you think that the Bengal Siamese is the right pet for you, start by visiting local animal shelters. Plenty of cats need a home, and if you can find a Bengal Siamese mix at the shelter, you can bring home a wonderful pet and provide them with the loving family they need.
See also:
- Abyssinian Siamese Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
- Cornish Rex vs. Sphynx: Differences Explained (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Left: (Bengal Cat) EZvereva, Shutterstock, Right (Siamese Cat) Altsva, Shutterstock
