The Pet Atlas

Breed Cats Classic Body Type

Bengal

Athletic, wild-pattern look with a long, powerful build

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
High
Vocality
Medium
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Temperature sensitivity
Low

Context & compatibility

Size
Large
Lifespan
12–18 years
Coat type
Single
Coat length
Short

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want bold pattern + athletic build as the headline traits

Not ideal

  • Prefer a low-activity breed type as the default

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Often high-drive and athletic—many need real outlets for play and exploration.

Handling & social style

Many prefer engagement through play rather than frequent carrying; structured, cooperative interaction tends to work better than sporadic attention.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

The care differentiator is enrichment demand more than grooming—this is an athletic build that needs real outlets.

Environment & space

Plan for durability and structure: a dedicated play zone, sturdy climbing options, and safe sprint lanes (a bare, quiet room setup often backfires).

Daily routine

Daily structured play plus puzzle feeding/toy rotation to prevent boredom behaviors.

Health sensitivities

Look for transparent lineage info and a clear health plan (what they screen, how they track results in relatives, how they adjust breeding choices).

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United States

Background

Developed to capture a bold wild-pattern look on a strong, athletic domestic frame. Early foundation included Asian leopard cat ancestry, but the modern goal is a consistent domestic breed centered on pattern and build.