Cats are amazing little houseguests that steal our hearts and make us wish they lived forever. Unfortunately, everything comes to its natural end, even those amazing little house guests. A cat that reaches a lifespan of 20 years is considered a remarkable achievement and a testament to their exceptional longevity. Some cats have even lived longer, such as Cream Puff, a mixed tabby beauty, who lived to be 38 years old (August 3, 1967 – August 6, 2005). Let’s see where the Bengal breed’s lifespan falls in the cycle of life.
A Little About Bengals
The exotic Bengal is beautifully spotted or covered with rosette swirls and is an unusual-looking domesticated cat. A Bengal is a half-domesticated cat (usually with some spots), and an Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). The Egyptian Mau, a light-colored cat with dark spots, is the preferred breed of domestic cat. The Asian leopard cat is a wild animal and is not a good pet for anyone. However, Bengals make great pets for those looking for energetic companions.
Bengal kittens sometimes resemble wildcats in appearance. As they grow older, they become very friendly, almost dog-like. However, Bengals make great pets for those looking for energetic companions.
Bengals aren’t like usual cats who enjoy sleeping more than anything. Instead, they need to be walked daily and should have a means of exercising, like a cat wheel. Otherwise, they will become destructive and bored. When they become bored, it’s everyone’s problem. These lovely beasts want to play whenever you’re willing and even when you’re not!
You can help keep their minds occupied and stimulated while at work by leaving them with some Bengal-type kitty toys that help them pretend they are on a great hunt in the jungle while safe in your living room. They fetch toy mice and pom-poms. You can even purchase a laser beam, aka the elusive red dot, which you set automatically to shut off after the time you’d like. The beam slides around the room, keeping any cat able to see it and entertained for hours.
Bengals love playing fetch like dogs and also love water. Dogs tend to get along with Bengals considerably more than some other breeds. Don’t be surprised if you have a cute kitty visitor when you take a bath or shower. If you are near water, they love to swim. Of course, never force your cat to do anything it is not comfortable with, or you might receive the gift of stitches—yes, we are talking about the medical kind.
Many breeders claim Bengals are hypoallergenic, but they aren’t, and they shed less dander than some other breeds. Every cat is different. A cat’s allergen level is dependent on the genetics of the parent Bengals. Many of the typical cats used for breeding are lower-allergen cats, but even lower-allergen cats can vary in intensity. When a person is allergic to a cat, it is because of their skin cells, called dander.
Dander isn’t just found in the hair follicles and their paw pads, but also in saliva, fur, urine, and sweat. It is possible to fight feline allergies, just as you would take allergy medication every spring and fall. Talk to your doctor about the best allergy medication for you. Of course, allergies can also be severe and life-threatening; in that case, choosing a pet that doesn’t produce dander or one with different dander and proteins you may tolerate is best.
Lifespan of the Bengal Cat
Bengals’ lifespans can vary widely based on how healthy they are, their genetics, what they are fed, where they are kept, whether they go outdoors, and so on. Much like our lives, a Bengal’s life can take twists and turns as it ages.
We develop issues as we age, and the same can be said for most animals and Bengals. There is a lot that can ultimately define their lifespan. Not every cat has a good, loving home, even the extremely expensive ones.
How Genetics Play a Role in the Length of a Bengal’s Lifespan
Breeders check for several genetic health conditions to ensure that the cats they are breeding are healthy and will not pass any diseases to their offspring. Some of the most common genetic conditions are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Bengal progressive retinal atrophy, erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency, and ulcerative nasal dermatitis.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common deadly disease in Bengals. It attacks the heart, making the muscle thick and unable to pump blood efficiently. Progressive retinal atrophy is another common genetic finding in Bengals. In this disease, the retina is attacked, and the cat loses its vision over time. Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency, or PK deficiency, is common in Bengals and attacks their red blood cells, which can lead to death.
Like anything, owning a very expensive top-bred Bengal means you will be concerned for their health if anything arises. Always check out the breeder’s references to see if all genetic testing has been completed and what the results showed. It is essential to know what you are getting into with a Bengal. They might live to be 20 years old, or they might only live to be 8 years old; every cat is different. Enjoy your time together because a Bengal will live in your heart forever.
