It is essential to know when a cat will reach its maximum size before you welcome it to your home. Suppose you plan to be a cat-parent to a Bengal soon; this is something you must consider. Bengal cats get quite big, and it’s better to know their age so you can allocate a wide space in your home.
So What Age Are Bengal Cats Fully Grown?
An average Bengal cat grows into its full size when they reach one and a half years old to two years old. Bengal cats are considered medium to large-sized cats. When a female Bengal cat matures, it can weigh between seven to ten pounds. In comparison, a male Bengal cat can weight from ten to fifteen pounds.
Bengal cats are generally healthy, intelligent, active, and make great companions. When they outgrow their kitten-like stage, they demonstrate dynamic behaviors in their life; that’s why they’re so amusing.
It’s a challenge to determine if a kitten is fully grown or not mature enough. Once you’re aware of what to expect on their possible full-grown size and maturity, you’ll know if it is the right fit for your home.
Why Do Bengal Cats Grow This Big?
The ancestors of Bengal cats are the Asian Leopard cats, which are small jungle cats that weights ten to fifteen pounds. Some breeders breed the Asian Leopard cats with a variety of domestic cats to produce the Bengal cat. This is why a mature Bengal cat’s final weight will depend on their “parents” sizes as well.
* OCICAT: 6-15 lbs
* ABYSSINIAN: 6-10 lbs
* EGYPTIAN MAU: 7-11 lbs
* BOMBAY: 6-11 lbs
* BRITISH SHORTHAIR: 11-18 lbs
Just by looking at the different breeds’ average weight, expect to have an enormous Bengal cat if it has many British Shorthair on the ancestral lineage. For Bomba and Abyssian descent, expect their product to be smaller.
What Are Other Factors That Affect the Maturity of Bengal Cats?
The maturity of a Bengal cat does not depend on their weight alone, but their health too. Bengal cats are at high risk of developing flat-chested kitten syndrome. This is characterized by a flat rib cage and a deformed chest, and it may affect the spine of a kitten too.
Bengal kittens that have the flat-chested kitten syndrome are usually sluggish, thin, cough always, and are unable to participate in physical activities. The illness affects the kittens in different ways, some are worst-case scenarios, and some can still enjoy their kitten days. The good news for kittens who survive the illness is that they do not present the symptoms when they reach maturity.
Final Thoughts
So for aspiring Bengal cat owners, it is always best to note their age, breed, and, as much as possible, check for the signs of flat-chested kitten syndrome. It is always best to know all these factors so you can prepare yourself and your home before you welcome this wonderful creature. It is suggested to keep a journal and monitor their growth and give the best care possible so they can grow healthy and happy.
Don’t forget to read our guide here on how to tell if your cat is a Bengal mix.
