Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Long Do Bengal Cats Live? Vet-Reviewed Average Lifespan Data & Facts

Bengal Cat on the tree

Bengal cats are a cross between a domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat. Bengals are known for their gorgeous spotted fur and affectionate personalities. If you have the space for a Bengal and the energy to keep up with them, this could be the cat breed for you.

What’s nice about cats is they typically live longer than dogs, but it depends on the breed of cat you adopt. Let’s look at the average Bengal cat lifespan and a few facts that determine their longevity.

divider cat paws oct 2024

What’s the Average Bengal Cat Lifespan?

On average, Bengal cats live between 12–15 years, with the older spectrum reaching 20 years old.1 A rumor suggests that the oldest living Bengal reached 34 years old before passing away, but there’s no proof, so we can’t say for sure.

Still, Bengals can live longer than their average lifespan, but that depends on several factors discussed below.

person giving kibble to bengal cat
Image Credit: YRABOTA, Shutterstock

divider cat faces oct 2024

Why Do Some Bengals Live Longer Than Others?

1. Nutrition

Nutrition is the biggest contributor to your Bengal living as long as possible. Like other cats, Bengals need a diet rich in protein. This can be obtained through standard cat food, or you can try feeding a homemade diet. But please follow nutrition guidelines to avoid nutrient deficiencies and health concerns. A poor homemade diet is more dangerous than a poor commercial diet, but a vet can help you develop a healthy diet plan.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money

Knowing how much to feed your Bengals depends on the cat’s age, weight, and energy output. It also depends on the food’s calorie count. Bengals are very active, so you may need to feed your cat more than other cat breeds.

Overall, a well-rounded, high-quality cat food rich in protein is the best option for a long, healthy life.


2. Environment & Conditions

The environment in which your cat lives is another big part of their longevity, especially with Bengals. Behavioral problems, depression, and stress often stem from Bengals not receiving enough exercise and attention from owners.

A good way to avoid behavioral issues is to offer interactive play time with puzzle toys, ping pong balls, and cat trees. Other great toys are coffee sacks, boxes, and cat scratchers.

Looking for toys that will cater to the many needs of your cat? The Hepper Hi-lo Cat Scratcher is one of our favorite cat products, and it will encourage your cat to get active. Its clever three-angle design offers multiple ways for your cat to climb, stretch, and exercise. Made of a sturdy plywood base and a replacement cardboard insert, this scratcher is an option that cats can enjoy for years to come. If your cat requires a little encouragement for self-play, the Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set is a fantastic choice for their instinctual needs. Made with natural, bite-resistant hessian fabric and filled with organic catnip. Cats can satisfy their natural prey instincts while getting the physical activity they need to thrive. 

Image Product Details
Great for Exercise Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher Hepper Hi-Lo Cat Scratcher
  • Multi-level play
  • Promotes exercise
  • Long-lasting material
  • Encourages Self-Play Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set
  • Contains catnip
  • Kitten safe
  • Satisfies prey instinct
  • At Catster, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!


    3. Living Quarters or Housing

    Feeding your Bengal a high-quality diet and offering interactive playtime is a good start, but it won’t make a difference if your Bengal suffers trauma from being outside. The best way to keep your Bengal living as long as possible is to keep them indoors.

    Staying indoors protects your Bengal from predators, diseases, and catnappers. However, walking your Bengal is a great way to safely expose them to the outdoors. Plus, your Bengal won’t get bored with their toys as quickly.

    Bengal cat like a leopard sneaks Indoor
    Image Credit: Alexander_Evgenyevich,Shutterstock

    4. Breeding History

    Genetics and breeding history play a part in a Bengal’s life expectancy for medical reasons. Usually, purebred animals have a shorter life expectancy since they have less genetic mixing. However, Bengals are a cross between two breeds, so their genetics have more variety if bred correctly.

    However, a bad breeding operation can undoubtedly shorten your Bengal’s life, so it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder.


    5. Healthcare

    Bengals are generally a healthy cat breed, but they come with a few medical concerns, such as:

    • Lymphoma
    • Ear infections
    • Eye conditions
    • Urinary conditions
    • Stomach problems

    Proper veterinary care, a healthy diet, and keeping your Bengal indoors can help prevent these diseases. Taking your Bengal to the vet at least once a year for an annual wellness exam, routine blood work, and dental cleanings will help your Bengal live a long, happy life.

    divider cats oct 2024

    The 6 Life Stages of a Bengal Cat

    • Kitten (0–6 months): The kitten phase lasts from birth to 6 months old. Newborns are born with their eyes shut and open around 7–14 days old. Bengal kittens are the most rambunctious, playful, and vulnerable at this stage. Early socialization is vital. Kittens are born without teeth but will develop baby teeth (deciduous teeth) around 3 weeks old. The teeth stop growing when the kitten reaches 6–8 weeks old. Baby teeth fall out around 3 to 6 months old (11 weeks) as the adult teeth creep in. Kittens start chewing more often around this time. You’ll also notice your kitten sleeping between 16 and 20 hours daily.
    • Junior (6 months to 2 years): Usually, the kitten’s enthusiasm slows down around this time, but your cat is still learning how to be a cat. Your Bengal will stop growing around 1.5–2 years old. Females are typically 10 pounds and males are 15 pounds.
    • Prime (3–6 years): Bengals reach the prime adult stage after they turn 3 years old. In this stage, the body is fully developed, and their bodies are fully capable of acrobatics, hunting, and anything else to do with daily cat life.
    • Mature Adult (7–10 years): At this stage, their body starts to slow down some, but their energy is still high. It’s common for cats to gain a little weight during this stage of life. This is about middle age for a cat.
    • Senior (10–14 years): Your Bengal is now considered an old man or lady but can still have a few years left. Routine vet visits are a must since medical issues will start to show more often.
    • Geriatric (15+ years): Your Bengal is a wise senior at this stage. You’ll notice your Bengal sleeping most of the time and may have to deal with routine medical issues. At this stage, it’s essential to watch your cat for any sudden changes.
    Bengal cat sitting on the bed
    Image Credit: Shvaygert Ekaterina, Shutterstock

    How to Tell Your Bengal’s Age

    The best way to guess your Bengal’s age is by checking their teeth. As mentioned above, kittens develop baby teeth around 3 weeks old and lose their baby teeth around 3 months old. All adult teeth should be set when the kitten is 7 months old.

    Gently open your cat’s mouth and look at the teeth. The incisors are the first teeth to fall out, followed by the canines and premolars. These can give you an indication of how old your kitten is. You can also have your vet look at your cat’s teeth.

    If your Bengal has all their adult teeth, pay attention to your cat’s weight. Bengals stop growing in the junior life stage, so you’ll know your cat is at least 2 years old if they’re not growing.

    Older cats will have more wear and tear on their teeth, especially plaque build-up. Their eyes are another indicator of age since they tend to develop cloudiness around 7 years old and older.

    Ask your vet to check for any of these signs to help you determine the age of your Bengal.

    divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

    Conclusion

    So, now you know how long Bengal cats can live. Bengals don’t live longer or shorter than the average house cat and are relatively healthy. Are you still interested in owning one?

    Well, Bengal cats are not your average house cat. They require a lot of space and an owner willing to put up with their high activity levels. Although they look wild, they’re delightful and loving creatures.

    The Bengal is worth the investment if you can put forth the time (and energy) to play with them. If you do, your Bengal will live long and thrive in your home.


    Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    2 Responses

    1. My Baby Girl was 14 years old.she slept allot but still would like to go outside to play with me in the field with bugs and being the great hunter with deer.

      Three weeks ago I lost her to the neighbours eight month old Husky got home and didn't notice she wasn't in her nest on my bed went to bed and woke up the next morning and I'[[ let you fill in the rest of my story.

      I am 73 years old live in the country I miss my little girl so much. My life is so empty when would it be OK for me to get another Bengal I worry about not being here long enough to see her through a ripe old age. I know they belong to one person I want to make the right dission please help.

      1. Hi Louise, we are so sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences. Cats are resilient and adaptable, so you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy one. Perhaps make an agreement and get him or her a “godmother” or “godfather” who can take over their care if your time comes before. We know of so many people loving their pets even more because they were inherited by someone they loved a lot.

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    How Long Do Tortoiseshell Cats Live? Average Lifespan Data & Facts

    As a cat owner, you often wonder what the average lifespan of your feline pal might be. A tortoiseshell cat isn’t precisely a...

    fluffy cat domestic longhair tortoiseshell cat

    How Long Do Savannah Cats Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care

    Savannah cats are beautiful hybrid spotted cats with long legs and distinctive, large ears. The hind legs are usually just a bit longer...

    Cat Savannah F1 sitting on the stairs

    How Long Do American Shorthair Cats Live? Average Lifespan Data & Facts

    Studies have shown that owning a cat can reduce stress levels and improve mental health, leading to a longer and happier life. But...

    American shorthair male cat tabby

    How Long Do Obese Cats Live? Vet Approved Facts & Health Tips

    It’s easy for your cat to become obese. They’re too adorable when they beg for food with those big eyes. However, obesity can...

    white-cat-laying-on-the-animal-scales-while-the-male-vet-measure-weight_Odua-Images_Shutterstock

    More related

    Bramble Cat Breed

    Bramble Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

    No primary feline registry recognizes the Bramble Cat, making it unique among pets. It’s not unusual, nor is it a mark against the...

    Bengal VS Tabby Cat

    Bengal vs Tabby Cat: The Differences (With Pictures)

    There are various similarities between the Bengal and the tabby. For example, they both have exotic-looking markings. The Bengal is known for their...

    singapura kitten

    7 Cat Breeds With the Shortest Lifespans (Info & Pictures)

    Based on a recent study conducted in the UK looking at almost 8,000 cats, researchers established that the average lifespan for pet cats...

    beautiful cat is lying on the couch and rests. Nice Silver spotted Bengal cat at home

    Silver Bengal Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Origins & History

    Silver Bengal cats are a type of Bengal cat with silver markings. These markings were introduced into some lines of the Bengal through...

    Keep reading

    Will Cat Conjunctivitis Go Away by Itself? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

    There are a variety of eye infections and issues you may see in your cat throughout their life, and conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye issues that cats get. Conjunctivitis, also sometimes referred to as pink eye, is...

    Woman cleans a cat's eyes

    9 Best Cat Foods for Diarrhea in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

    When your cat has diarrhea, it affects the entire household. There can be additional messes to clean up and unpleasant odors to contend with. Generally, diarrhea is a short-lived experience and things will go back to normal in a short...

    cat eating kibbles from red bowl

    Can a Cat Hear Better Than a Dog? Vet Approved Differences & Comparison

    Cats and dogs often get compared to each other, and many people engage in heated debates to determine which pet is better than the other. When it comes to the arena of hearing, science has proven that cats generally have...

    dog and cat checked by vet

    7 Natural Sources of Taurine for Your Cat: Vet-Reviewed List

    When it comes to feline diets, the importance of taurine cannot be overstated. An essential amino acid for cats, this nutrient is found almost exclusively in animal meats. Prolonged deficiency of this key ingredient can lead to a plethora of...

    Taurine - powder and capsule

    How to Get a Scared Cat Out of Hiding: 5 Vet-Approved Tricks

    Cats are always looking out for their safety and are experts at hiding when they feel afraid or threatened. It’s fairly normal for cats to hide when they first arrive in their new home. The unfamiliar environment can make them...

    cat hiding in the cabinet

    Can Cats Eat Strawberries? Vet-Approved Diet Facts & FAQ

    Cats often appear to have a slim selection of foods they’ll eat, which can make it seem surprising when they greedily munch down a fresh strawberry. Though we may not expect it, we also don’t need to worry, as cats...

    Can Cats Eat Strawberries

    Why Does My Cat Have Diarrhea? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

    Cat owners know how aloof their feline companions can be, and we can sometimes miss signs telling us that something is off, so it is important to pay attention to your cat’s energy levels, eating, and toilet routine. Feline diarrhea...

    orange cat pooping on the grass

    6 Potential Side Effects of CBD Oils for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Science & Facts

    Many cat owners are turning to holistic approaches and natural supplements like CBD oils to treat their felines. As these alternative treatments keep undergoing research, it isn’t much of a surprise that more pet owners are getting invested in the...

    Man giving CBD oil to a cat