Bengal cats are one of the most visually-striking cat breeds, bearing a strong resemblance to the Asian leopards they’re descended from. One of my close friends is the loving owner of a feisty Bengal cat that I’ve helped them raise and it was definitely a fun journey. If you’re the new owner of a Bengal kitten and wondering when a Bengal kitten becomes an adult cat then here’s your guide.
A Bengal kitten typically reaches adulthood at an average of two years old. Some may mature faster and take only 1.5 years, while others mature slower and take around three years. You can expect a fully-grown adult Bengal cat to weigh around eight to 15 pounds and stand eight to 10 inches tall.
If you want to learn more about the growth of a Bengal kitten, then keep reading for information on its lifespan and growth stages.
Bengal Cats: Medium-Sized Balls of Energy
As mentioned, Bengal cats descend from Asian leopards — and it certainly shows. They grow to be medium-sized cats that are larger than the average tabby cat but smaller than a Maine coon.
FACT: It can take a Bengal cat two to three years to transition into adulthood, which means they grow at a slightly slower rate than other cats, who reach maturity by one year old.
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Bengal cats don’t lose their kitten-like playfulness as other cats do, who often mellow or settle down with age. They are ideal pets for families with children and other pets due to their:
- short hypoallergenic coat
- high intelligence
- sociable nature
Throughout their lives, whether kitten or cat, you’ll find them:
- meowing
- jumping
- playing
- spunky
- energetic
- affectionate
Some of the physical features that make the Bengal cat stand out from other breeds are its smaller face, leaner body, and longer hind legs. A fully-grown cat Bengal will measure around 16 to 18 inches long (not including the tail), weigh 8 to 15 pounds, and stand eight to 10 inches tall. Their average lifespan is 9 to 15 years, and their growth has 6 main milestones.
Bengal Kitten at Eight Weeks Old
At 8 weeks old, your Bengal kitten should weigh around 2 to 4 pounds, stand 6 to 8 inches tall, and measure 7 to 9 inches long.
If you’re adopting your Bengal kitten from a breeder, this is typically the stage they’ll start looking for adopters. However, you likely won’t receive your kitten until they’re 12 weeks old and properly weaned and socialized.
Bengal Kitten at Three Months Old
At 3 months old, your Bengal kitten should weigh around 4 to 5 pounds, stand 7 to 9 inches tall, and measure 8 to 10 inches long.
While they’re still new to your home, you should work on socializing them properly — Bengals have a reputation for being fun and easy to get along with, yes, but if you don’t give them the attention they need they can grow up to be anxious and fearful, just like any other cat.
Bengal Kitten at Six Months Old
At 6 months old, your Bengal kitten should weigh around 6 to 12 pounds, stand 8 to 10 inches tall, and measure 10 to 12 inches long.
You’ll notice your kitten getting a significant size increase when they hit six months because it’s around this time that they stop being kittens. However, you should continue to feed them high-nutrition kitten food (like this one from Amazon) to supplement their growth.
Junior Adult Bengal Cat at Nine Months Old
At 9 months old, your junior adult Bengal cat should weigh around 8 to 15 pounds, stand 10 to 12 inches tall, and measure 12 to 14 inches long.
Shortly before they hit the nine-month mark, you may notice their coat changing colors. This is the time when they get rid of their “camouflage coat” and trade their fuzzy, uneven hair and blurry spot pattern for a sleek, shiny, and clearly-patterned coat.
Junior Adult Bengal Cat at One Year Old
At one year old, your junior adult Bengal cat should weigh around 10 to 15 pounds, stand 11 to 14 inches tall, and measure 14 to 16 inches long.
This is the stage where other cats would be considered fully matured, but your Bengal cat still has a bit of growing to do. At this age, however, they’re very close to their final size.
Adult Bengal Cat at Two Years Old
At two years old, your Bengal cat is now a fully-grown adult, weighing around 10 to 15 pounds, standing 13 to 15 inches tall, and measuring 16 to 18 inches long.
Generally, males are bigger than females, regardless of how much you feed your cat — a male will often be a few pounds heavier, a few inches taller, and a few inches longer.
Older Stages: Mature, Senior, and Geriatric Bengal Cat
When your Bengal cat hits seven years old, they’re considered a mature cat. From 11 to 14, they’re considered senior cats and from 15 onwards they’re considered geriatric.
During these stages, it becomes especially important to get annual check-ups at the vet to catch health problems before they worsen. If you ever notice sudden changes in their habits (e.g. eating less, lethargy, etc.), it can’t hurt to get it checked out.
Wrapping Up
So, when does a Bengal kitten become an adult cat? Generally, they start transitioning into adulthood at six months, but they don’t reach full maturity until they’re two years old, or even three years old in some cases.
As your Bengal kitten grows up, you’ll definitely notice a change in its size, weight, length, and coat pattern, but you can count on its lively personality to stay the same throughout.
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