Exotic and wild-looking, Bengal cats have become increasingly popular in recent years. But with the increase in demand comes a higher price tag. So exactly how much does a Bengal cat cost?
Once you start researching the cost of Bengal kittens, you will soon discover that prices vary greatly. This is mainly because there are a lot of factors that influence the price of a Bengal cat.
However, one thing is for sure, Bengal cats are one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world and you should be prepared to spend more than a thousand dollars for a Bengal kitten.
If you are working with a limited budget, purchasing an adult Bengal or a retired breeding cat is a slightly more affordable option.
You may even wish to consider a Bengal mix, which will potentially give you some of the most desirable characteristics of a Bengal but with far less cost.
In this article, we will tell you how much a Bengal cat cost in different countries all over the world. Armed with this information, you won’t get ripped off and will know the average price of a Bengal cat based on your location.
Bengal Cat Prices In The USA
Finding a quality breeder in your state might seem like a difficult task, but there are many reputable Bengal cat breeders all over the United States.
If you have trouble locating a quality breeder in your state, check out TICA-approved Bengal cat breeders.
TICA registered Bengal cat breeders have signed the TICA code of ethics. This means that their breeding programs place the utmost importance on the health and temperament of a Bengal cat.
Reputable breeders spend a lot of time, money, energy, and effort to ensure that their Bengal kittens are healthy, properly socialized, and can make great companions to prospective buyers.
The exact Bengal cat price in the USA depends on several factors, such as the breeder, coat color and markings, gender, lineage, and quality.
Here is the average cost of Bengal cats in the United States:
Pet quality Bengal kittens: Expect to pay from $1500 to $2000 for a pet quality Bengal kitten from a reputable breeder.
Top quality Bengal kittens: The average cost of top quality kittens is between $2000 and $2500, but the price can be higher depending on the coat color and markings.
Breeder quality Bengal kittens: These kittens come with breeding rights and most reputable breeders will sell them only to established and registered catteries. On average, kittens with breeding rights start at $3000 and can cost up to $5000 depending on the coat color and pedigree.
Show quality Bengal cats: Show quality Bengal kittens start at $6000 and can cost well over $10,000.
Retired breeding cats & adult Bengal cats: On average, retired breeding cats, also known as Kings and Queens, and adult Bengal cats cost between $500 and $1200.
Please note, these are average prices of Bengal cats across the United States and they can be subject to change. Depending on the breeder and type of kitten you are looking to purchase you may end up spending more money.
Another thing to keep in mind, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t try to save a few bucks by purchasing a Bengal kitten from a backyard breeder or a pet shop.
These persons are breeding cats just for a profit with no regard to their health, temperament, and overall well-being.
Bengal Cat Prices In Canada
If you live in Canada, there are a number of TICA registered breeders that adhere to the highest breeding standards, including genetic screening of their breeding stock and kittens.
Bear in mind, most catteries are willing to ship their Bengal cats internationally for an additional shipping fee. So even if you don’t live in Canada, you will be able to purchase a Bengal kitten from a Canadian breeder.
Another thing to keep in mind, most Canadian breeders price their Bengal cats based on coat color and markings and usually sell them as quality or top quality pets.
Listed below are the average prices of Bengal cats in Canada:
Brown Spotted: Expect to pay between $1500 and $2600 CAD for a Bengal kitten with a brown spotted coat.
Brown Marble: Bengal cats with brown marble coats on average cost between $1300 and $2300 CAD. Ultimately, the shape and quality of the markings will determine the exact price of a brown marble Bengal cat. Cats with distinctive markings are generally priced higher.
Snow Spotted: Expect to pay between $2000 and $4500 CAD for snow spotted Bengal kitten from a reputable breeder.
Snow Marbled: On average a snow marbled Bengal kitten costs between $2500 and $3000 CAD.
Silver Spotted: A silver spotted Bengal kitten on average costs between $2000 and $4500 CAD. The shape, size, and quality of the markings will determine the exact price, hence, cats with better markings usually cost significantly more.
Silver Marbled: Expect to pay between $2500 and $3000 CAD for a silver marbled Bengal cat. But, keep in mind, the price can be higher and will depend on a breeder.
Show and breeding kittens: The average price of show quality Bengal kittens that come with breeding rights is between $4000 and $8000 CAD. Bear in mind, most breeders will sell show and breeding quality kittens to registered catteries only. However, in some cases, breeder quality Bengal kittens may be sold as pets, but their price will exceed the price of a pet quality Bengal cat.
Retired adult Bengal cats: Expect to pay between $450 and $1500 CAD for a retired adult Bengal cat from a reputable breeder. Bear in mind, the cat’s age, coat color and markings, and pedigree will determine the exact cost.
Please note that the prices of Bengal cats can vary from one breeder to the next and depend on the color, markings, and quality regarding the breeding standard. The breeders evaluate every individual Bengal cat and kitten and have the freedom to set the final price.
Bengal Cat Prices In The UK
If you live in the United Kingdom, there are several TICA registered Bengal cat breeders that make kittens available. Bear in mind, Bengal cats are in demand, so most breeders have waiting lists and a non-refundable deposit.
Another thing to keep in mind is that each Bengal kitten is individually priced based on its coloring and markings. Therefore, you might end up paying more than an average price.
Here is what you can expect in terms of Bengal cat price in the United Kingdom:
Pet quality Bengal kittens: Expect to pay on average between £450 and £1800 for a pet quality kitten. Keep in mind, certain catteries charge more for male Bengal kittens so they are at the upper end of the price range.
Breeding quality Bengal kittens: Bengal kittens that come with breeding rights usually cost between £1000 and £2000. However, depending on the coat color and markings you may end up paying a lot more than the average price.
Retired adult Bengal cats: You can save a lot of money by purchasing an adult Bengal cat that’s no longer used in a breeding program. Generally, the price for retired breeding cats starts from £200.
Early Generations: Certain breeders in the UK also sell F2 and F3 generations of Bengal cats. Early generations of Bengal cats start from £3500 and can cost several thousand pounds depending on coat color, markings, temperament, and gender.
Before leaving for their forever home your Bengal kitten will also be fully vaccinated, checked by a veterinarian, microchipped, de-wormed, and come with TICA registration papers. All of these expenses are already covered in the price and are standard when you are purchasing a Bengal kitten from a reputable breeder.
Bengal Cat Prices In Australia
Whether you live in Australia or you plan to move there, know that Bengal cats are no longer illegal in Australia. If you plan to purchase a kitten, you should know how much a Bengal cat costs in Australia.
When buying a Bengal cat in Australia you should be aware that most breeders will only sell their kittens to pre-approved homes. Furthermore, the majority of Bengal cat breeders in Australia will only sell their cats to people who agree to keep them indoors-only.
As is the case in many other countries, Australian breeders have waiting lists for their Bengal kittens and will ask you to put your name on a list. The breeders also require a non-refundable deposit, which can range from $200 to $500 AUD, for reserving the kitten for you.
Please note, unless you are a registered Bengal cat breeder you won’t be able to purchase a Bengal kitten with breeding rights. Bengal cat breeders in Australia only sell spayed and neutered kittens as companion pets.
Let’s see how much does a Bengal cat costs in Australia:
Marbled Bengal cats: Expect to pay between $950 and $1500 AUD for a marbled Bengal kitten. The exact price will depend on the breeder, coat color, and the quality of markings.
Spotted/Rosetted Bengal cats: On average these kittens cost from $1800 to $2500 AUD, but the price can be higher depending on the quality of markings.
Snow Bengal cats: Starting price for snow Bengal kittens is around $1700 AUD, but you may end up paying up to $3000 AUD for a snow Bengal cat depending on a breeder.
Breeding quality Bengal kittens: Bengal kittens with breeding rights on average cost between $3500 and $8000 AUD. As mentioned earlier, only registered breeders and catteries will be able to purchase a breeding quality Bengal kitten, and they aren’t sold as pets.
Retired breeding cats: Expect to pay between $250 and $500 AUD for an adult Bengal cat that is no longer used in a breeding program. Purchasing a retired breeding cat is a great way to get a purebred Bengal cat at an affordable price.
Keep in mind, just like in the United States and all other countries, the Australian breeders have the right to determine the price of an individual Bengal cat based on its coat color and markings.
Bengal Cat Prices In New Zealand
If you live in New Zealand there are over a dozen high-end Bengal cat breeders that are registered with New Zealand Cat Fancy or TICA. So, with a little bit of research and information, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a reputable Bengal cat breeder near you.
Most Bengal cat breeders in New Zealand make kittens available to leave to their new homes when they are 10 to 13 weeks old. Furthermore, a reputable breeder will have a waitlist for kittens and require a holding deposit to secure a kitten for you.
Deposits vary from one breeder to the next, but on average expect to spend from $250 to $500 to secure a pet quality Bengal kitten of your choosing. If you are looking to purchase a Bengal kitten with breeding rights, be prepared to spend up to $1000 for a deposit to hold your kitten after selection.
Bear in mind, the deposit is non-refundable once a kitten has been reserved, but it can be transferred to another Bengal kitten in case you change your mind.
Listed below are the average prices of Bengal cats in New Zealand:
Brown Rosetted Bengal kittens: Expect to pay from $1700 to $2300 for a pet quality Bengal kitten with a brown rosette coat.
Snow Lynx & Mink Rosetted Bengal kittens: Depending on a breeder the average cost of snow lynx and mink Bengal kittens is between $1900 and $2300.
Snow Sepia Rosetted Bengal kittens: Bengal kittens with a snow sepia rosette coat pattern on average cost between $2100 and $2500.
Silver Bengal kittens: Be prepared to spend from $2000 to $2400 for a Bengal kitten with a silver coat and rosette markings.
Marble Bengal kittens: Expect to spend between $1300 and $2300 for a marble Bengal kitten. Keep in mind that brown marbled Bengal kittens are usually at the lower end of the price range. Silver and snow marbled Bengal kittens generally cost more.
Charcoal Rosetted Bengal kittens: These kittens usually cost between $2000 and $2500, but the price can also be higher depending on the breeder and demand.
Breeding quality Bengal kittens: Bengal kittens with breeding rights on average cost between $5000 and $8000. However, breeding quality Bengal kittens are only available to approved and registered breeding programs.
Retired breeding cats: Adult Bengal cats that are no longer used in breeding programs on average cost between $500 and $1000. Retired breeding cats are spayed or neutered, and are a much more affordable option if you are looking for a purebred companion cat.
Before being ready to leave for their new home, your Bengal kitten will be microchipped, checked by a vet, de-wormed, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and ticks regularly. Furthermore, your kitten should be registered with New Zealand Cat Fancy and have papers that prove its pedigree.
How Much Do Bengal Cats Cost In The Rest Of The World?
The exact price of a Bengal cat depends on a lot of factors, including the breeder, coat color and markings, quality, generation, and gender. Your location and demand for Bengal cats will also have a huge impact on the final price of purebred kittens.
The current average price for pet quality Bengal kittens is between $1500 and $3000. Depending on the country you live in and the demand for purebred Bengal cats, you may end up paying slightly less or slightly more than the average price.
However, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is! Breeding Bengal cats is a very expensive hobby when done ethically, and reputable breeders spend a lot of money, time, and effort raising healthy and temperamentally sound Bengal cats.
Regardless of which part of the world you live in, you should thoroughly research Bengal cat breeders in your area and check if they are registered with major feline organizations.
Whether you are looking to buy a pet quality Bengal cat or a kitten with breeding rights, you should understand all the factors that could impact the price, so you can make an educated decision.
What Factors Affect The Price Of A Bengal Cat? Why Do Bengal Cats Cost Much?
As soon as you start researching how much a Bengal cat costs, you will discover that there are a lot of different prices out there. This is mainly because there are a lot of different factors that influence the price of Bengal cats. These factors also help to explain why some Bengal cats cost so much money.
Understanding various factors that can impact the price of a Bengal cat will give you a chance to plan your budget accordingly.
The main factors that determine the price of a Bengal cat are:
1. Generation
As someone who is looking to purchase a Bengal cat, you probably already know that Bengal cats are created by crossing domestic cats with small Asian Leopard cats. Therefore, every Bengal kitten will receive a rating that signifies how far from the Asian Leopard Cat ancestor that particular Bengal cat is.
When a Bengal cat is bred with an Asian Leopard cat, their kittens will be rated as the F1 generation. When an F1 female is bred with a male Bengal cat their kittens are considered F2 generation.
Next, when an F2 female is bred to a male Bengal cat they produce kittens that are considered an F3 generation. And finally, when an F3 female is bred with a male Bengal cat their kittens are considered F4 generation.
To be considered a domestic cat by major cat registries, a Bengal kitten must be at least four generations (F4) or more removed from the Asian Leopard cat.
The cost of a Bengal cat will largely depend on how many generations they are removed from their Asian Leopard cat ancestry. Therefore, F1 Bengal kittens are the most expensive, followed by F2 and F3 generations.
If you are looking to buy an F1 generation Bengal cat, be prepared to spend from $2000 to over $10,000 for a kitten. The exact price will depend on the coat color and markings, quality, and breeding rights.
Male F1 Bengal cats are usually the cheapest and cost around $1500 since they are born sterile and are therefore unable to produce offspring.
Bengal cats that are F2 and F3 generations on average cost between $1500 and $5000. Again, the exact price will depend on gender (females are more expensive than males), coat color, markings, and quality.
F4 and later generation Bengal kittens are generally the best choice for pet owners and on average cost from $1500 to $3000. These kittens can be purchased with or without breeding rights and are eligible for showing and registration.
2. Quality
Once you start researching different breeders and looking at Bengal kittens, you will come across kittens described as pet quality, breeder quality, and show quality. And while you might be interested in purchasing a pet quality Bengal kitten, certain kittens that possess exceptional traits will be identified as a breeder or show quality.
Reputable breeders that adhere to the breed standard and breed for quality often have to spend tens of thousands of dollars for Bengal cats that come from quality
lines and have breeding rights. As a result, these kittens cost much more than those sold in pet stores or by backyard breeders.
When it comes to quality, breeders identify Bengal kittens as:
• Pet quality: As a prospective cat owner, you should look for a pet quality Bengal kitten. These kittens on average cost between $1500 and $3000, but the price can be higher depending on coat color and markings. Pet quality kittens are spayed or neutered and aren’t meant for showing.
• Breeding quality: Breeder quality kittens usually possess great physical and temperamental traits that should be passed down and can improve the entire breed. Bengal kittens with breeding rights are only sold to registered catteries and breeding programs that are committed to preserving and improving the Bengal breed.
• Show quality: Show quality Bengal kittens possess all the desired traits you would want to see in a Bengal cat. These kittens have the potential to do exceptionally well when judged in cat shows and usually have an outstanding pedigree. Show quality Bengal cats are the most expensive and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
3. Bengal Cat Coat Type/Color
Bengal cats can come in a variety of different coat colors and patterns. The coat color and the quality of markings are one of the main factors that can influence the price of a Bengal cat.
According to TICA, the standard recognized colors of Bengal cats are brown, silver, and snow. However, Bengal cats can also come in charcoal, blue, and melanistic (solid black) color.
Furthermore, snow Bengal cats can come in three different variations – seal lynx point, seal mink, and seal sepia.
Additionally, Bengal cats can sport two distinctive coat patterns – spotted and marbled. But, there is a wide variety of markings within each pattern category that a Bengal cat can display.
And while Bengal cats can come in a variety of different coat colors and pattern combinations, some coat markings are rarer than others. For example, snow Bengal cats tend to be the rarest and in high demand.
Consequently, snow Bengal kittens usually cost much more than brown and silver Bengal cats. Furthermore, spotted Bengal kittens of any coat color are usually more expensive than marbled Bengal cats since kittens with spotted coats are more popular.
4. Age
Age is also one of the major factors that impact the price of a Bengal kitten. Besides being expensive, taking care of growing Bengal kittens takes a lot of time and effort.
Reputable Bengal cat breeders will keep the kittens in their care until they are between 12 and 16 weeks old. These types of kittens are typically more expensive due to the extra cost that went into raising and feeding them.
If a breeder is willing to sell you a cheap kitten that is only eight weeks old, know that they are trying to cut the costs. If this is the case, you should walk away and look for another breeder, who isn’t trying to make a quick profit at the expense of the kitten.
Kittens that are weaned too early are more likely to develop behavioral issues such as separation anxiety and aggression. Furthermore, these kittens aren’t properly socialized and will likely experience lifelong behavioral problems.
You should know that many reputable Bengal cat breeders are more than willing to take back kittens that were already sold if their new owners decide to return them for any reason. When this happens, a breeder will now have to look for a new home for an older kitten.
These older kittens are generally cheaper and can be a more affordable option if you are working with a limited budget. If you come across an older Bengal kitten, make sure that you are able and equipped to provide a forever home.
5. Supply And Demand
It’s very simple, the higher the demand for a particular Bengal cat, the greater the price. While Bengal cats come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, some coat colors and patterns may be more popular than others.
Bengal cats with “popular” coat colors and patterns are in high demand and consequently cost more. Furthermore, some colors and patterns are rarer than others which can affect the price as well.
Also, don’t forget that supply and demand in your area can also affect the price of a Bengal cat. For example, there might be more demand for Bengal cats in your area, than there are reputable breeders, which translates into higher prices.
Furthermore, reputable breeders might have long waitlists of people who are looking to purchase Bengal kittens from them which means higher prices.
6. Health Testing
All pedigreed cats, including Bengals, have the potential to develop genetic health conditions. Any breeder who claims that their cats don’t have any health or genetic problems is either trying to trick you or isn’t knowledgeable about the breed.
Like most other cat breeds, Bengal cats are prone to hereditary health conditions. Currently, Bengal cats are actively tested and screened for three conditions – HCM, PRA, and PK-def.
A reputable breeder will know about these issues and will test their breeding cats and kittens for these problems regularly. To put things into perspective, a HCM screening costs from $300 to $1000 per cat and must be performed every year.
Therefore, a backyard breeder that sells cheap kittens won’t have enough money to screen and test their cats regularly. On the other hand, a reputable breeder that spends money on routine screening will sell Bengal kittens at a higher price, to cover all of their expenses.
Additionally, reputable breeders will also screen their cats and kittens for infectious diseases regularly and address any issues right from the start.
Bengal kittens that come from health tested lines will always cost more than those kittens that haven’t been tested for genetic health conditions. But with the higher price tag, comes the guarantee that your new kitten is healthy and unlikely to have any genetic health problems in the future.
On the other hand, Bengal kittens that haven’t been tested for genetic conditions are more likely to become sick at some point and require costly veterinary treatments. So, while you might save some money now, you will most likely spend much more in the future and also bear witness as your cat gets sick and needs costly medication.
Conclusion
As you can see, many different factors affect the price of a Bengal cat. Coat color, markings, quality, generation, the level of breeder care that went into raising the kitten, and demand are just some of many things that influence the price.
The current average price for a pet quality Bengal kitten is between $1500 and $3000 when buying from a reputable breeder. However, Bengal kittens with breeding rights and show quality Bengal cats can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Knowing how much a Bengal cat costs in your country can help you budget accordingly and avoid being ripped off or tricked by an unethical breeder. And if purchasing a purebred Bengal kitten is too expensive for you, retired breeding cats and adult Bengals are a more affordable option.
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