Bengal cats stop growing between 18 months and two years. They are considered fully grown once they reach this point and will not continue to grow significantly beyond this age. They stop growing after a while because they have reached their full genetic potential for size.
Depending on genetics, diet, and lifestyle, the Bengal cat’s lifespan can range from 12 to 16 years or more. Regarding physical growth, Bengal cats typically reach their full adult size and weight at around one to two years of age. However, it’s worth noting that some Bengal cats may continue to fill out and gain muscle mass even after they stop growing in size. This can make them appear larger and more muscular, even if not growing. It is also essential to remember that each cat is an individual, and their growth and development may vary.
Bengal Cat Growth Stages
Bengal cats go through several growth stages as they develop from kittens to adult cats. These stages include:
- Newborn: Bengal kittens are born blind and deaf, depend entirely on their mother for survival, and weigh around 3-5 ounces at birth.
- Neonatal: During the neonatal stage, from birth to weeks of life, Bengal kittens open their eyes and ears and move around more. They will also start to develop teeth and begin to eat solid food.
- Transitional: During the transitional stage, which lasts 2-3 weeks, Bengal kittens will become more active and start exploring their surroundings. They will also begin to develop their coordination and motor skills and will start to play with toys.
- Juvenile: During the juvenile stage, Bengal kittens will continue to grow and develop. They will develop their hunting instincts and engage in playful chasing and pouncing.
- Adult: Once Bengal cats reach 2-3 years of age, they are considered fully grown and have reached their adult size. They will continue to develop and mature but will not grow significantly in size beyond this point.
What Can Affect Your Bengal’s Growth
Genetic Background
The genetic background of a Bengal cat can have a significant impact on its growth and development. Bengal cats are related to leopards, but only indirectly. As a breed, Bengal cats result from breeding domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, which gives them their distinctive wild-like appearance.
Bengals are a relatively new breed, and the breeding program that created them has been focused on selecting specific characteristics such as coat pattern, size, and behavior.
This breed is generally more prominent than most domestic cat breeds, with males weighing 10-15 pounds and females weighing 8-10 pounds. However, the size of a Bengal cat can also be affected by its genetic background, with some cats being larger or smaller than others.
Knowing your cat’s genetic history can help you make informed decisions about its health and care. For example, notice a cat with unusual eye color or patterning. It may be possible to trace the cat back to a particular litter to learn more about its parentage and origins. Knowing your Bengal cat’s genetic background can ensure that it receives proper care and has a healthy and long life.
Parasitic Infestation
Parasitic infestation can harm the growth and development of Bengal cats. Parasites, such as worms, fleas, and mites, can cause various health problems affecting a cat’s ability to absorb nutrients and grow properly.
The most common parasitic infestation is hookworm, which can cause anemia and other cat health problems. Lice are also a common parasitic infestation in cats and can cause hair loss and itching. Fleas can also be a problem and can cause your Bengal to become sick or develop diarrhea. Ticks can also cause anemia and other health problems affecting Bengal cats, leading to slow growth and development.
If you suspect your Bengal cat may have a parasitic infestation, you must take him to a veterinarian for evaluation. Parasitic infestations are often hard to diagnose without professional help, so it’s always best to avoid risks with treatment options and risk of harm.
Diseases
Diseases can significantly impact the growth and development of Bengal cats. For example, the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) attacks a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other diseases. For example, cats infected with FeLV may have a slower growth rate and may be more prone to infections.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is another virus that attacks a cat’s immune system and can lead to slow growth and development. Cats with FIV may also be more susceptible to infections and other diseases. Meanwhile, Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease that can cause inflammation in a cat’s body, including the abdomen. This can lead to losing appetite, weight loss, and slow growth.
In addition, Feline Distemper, also known as panleukopenia, is caused by a virus that attacks a cat’s immune system and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. These symptoms can cause a loss of appetite, weight loss, and slow growth in Bengal cats.
It’s important to note that regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, and parasite control can prevent these diseases. Early detection and treatment of these diseases can help to minimize their impact on a Bengal cat’s growth and development.
Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for your Bengal cat to stay healthy and live a long and happy life. Exercise helps your cat maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity. It also helps promote a healthy appetite and encourages your cat to eat a balanced diet.
In addition to helping your cat stay fit and healthy, exercise also gives your cat something to enjoy besides sleeping in all day. By playing and running around, cats can release some of their energy and help keep them healthy and happy.
Exercise can be as simple as playing with your cat or taking it for a walk. But if you have the time and space, you can also look for cat-friendly activities like cat agility, cat modeling, or feline yoga.
Diet
Diet plays a crucial role in the growth and development of Bengal cats. Proper nutrition is essential for a Bengal cat to reach its full potential in size and overall health. For starters, Bengal cats need a diet high in protein to support their growth and development. Good sources of protein include meat, fish, and eggs.
Bengal cats need a diet high in fat to give them the energy they need to grow and develop. Good fat sources include fish oil, chicken fat, and sunflower oil. In addition, Bengal cats do not require a high amount of carbohydrates in their diet, but they do need some to provide energy. Good sources of carbohydrates include brown rice, oats, and potatoes.
Bengal cats also need a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support their growth and development. Good sources of vitamins and minerals include fresh fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and leafy greens.
