How Much Does a Bengal Cat Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A Bengal cat is bred from Asian leopards and a domestic cat to resemble the look of a leopard.  This relatively new cat breed is known to be very confident, friendly and, unlike other cats, they love to play in the water.

Medusa by ReflectedSerendipity, on Flickr
Medusa” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by  ReflectedSerendipity

How much does a Bengal cat cost?

On average, a Bengal cat can cost anywhere from $800 to more than $4,500 for a show quality cat that has champion parents.  The cost of a Bengal cat is going to depend on the type, quality, age, breeder, as well as where you live.  Breeding show quality Bengal cats can cost $6,000 to more than $8,500 each.  Noted in our table below, we were able to contact a few breeders and inquire about the various colors/patterns found online.  The table shows you what the “average” price may be.

Rising Sun Farm, a reputable Bengal cat breeder located in Minnesota, says a top quality pet can cost $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the coloration and markings, while a top quality breeder can be $3,000 to $4,500.  A silver/snow Bengal cat can cost $1,400 to $2,000, depending on the markings, while a mink quality can be in the $1,200 to $4,500 range.

Prince Royal Bengals note the cost of a Bengal cat will depend on its classification, if you’re buying breeding rights, the age and pedigree.  When all of these factors are considered, the costs for a “pet-quality ” Bengal can be $500 to $1,000.

According to BengalCatsToronto.com, the costs can greatly depend upon the size of the ears, neck, torso, tail, legs, color and patterns.  The costs, when everything is factored in, can be $800 to $3,000.

Type of Bengal CatPrice Average
Black$850 to $1,600
Leopard Print (most common)$800 to $3,500+
Marble$1,400 to $2,800
Silver$1,000 to $2,200
Snow (also referred to as a Seal Lynx Point or Seal Mink)$1,200 to $3,700

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Most breeders, before you’re able to bring a cat home, will want a deposit, usually $200 to $500 to secure your cat.  This deposit can be applied to the cat’s total purchase and will be expected once the breeder accepts your contract.  Most Bengal kittens will be able to go home at nine to 13 weeks old.  Breeders will usually wait until the kitten is eating well and is able to use the litter box.

Reputable breeders should include a health check-up report from a licensed vet, a health guarantee, up-to-date shots, registration papers and a travel crate if shipped.  Some breeders may also include the microchipping, an FIV snap blood test, TICA registration if eligible, a starter kit filled with goodies and will spay or neuter the kittens.

What are the extra costs?

Shipping charges via an airline can cost upwards of $250 to $450, depending on the airline and how far the cat has to travel.  If the breeder travels with the cat, which some breeders recommend, the costs can double since you will have to pay for the breeder’s hotel stay and airline ticket.

Some breeders may require you spay or neuter by seven to eight months old.  This will be at your expense and can usually cost about $80 to $150 to have done at a local vet’s office.

Recurring costs have to be thought of such as food, cat litter, accessories, treats, vitamins, medicine and routine/surprise vet visits.  With a healthy cat, plan on budgeting at least $400 to $500 per year.

Tips to know:

Despite the name, this cat isn’t a tiger, nor is it a leopard; instead, it’s considered a domestic cat and won’t need any special licensing if you keep it in the United States.

The coat can come in many colors, ranging from a golden, rusty look to an orangish-sandy look.  The spots, like the coat, can vary in color as well and will come in a rust, cocoa or chocolate brownish color.  Some cats may have a mixture of spot colors, usually bordering the spot color.  The term “rosette,” which you may see from time to time, simply means the cat is a tri-color and the spots will have the outline of a darker color.  The most common colors will be chocolate, cinnamon and charcoal, but you may see brown, silver, blue and snow colors on the market as well.  The black is often referred to as a Melanistic Bengal.

The average Bengal weighs eight to 15 pounds.

These cats tend to be very confident and outgoing, and unlike most other cats, these breeds love to hang around in the water.

If trained properly, these cats can learn how to fetch and can even be walked around the block on a leash if trained properly; however, not all cats enjoy being on a harness and may just sit there.

Unlike other cat breeds, the Bengal cat is known to be very energetic, athletic and smart.  This cat won’t be ideal for those who want a cat that’s quiet and tends to lounge around the house.

The breed was accepted by the International Cat Association in 1991.  It isn’t recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association.

The Bengal cat personality is known to be curious, active and very intelligent.  They demand a lot of interaction, and if left for hours on end, they may get into cabinets or drawers to find items to play with.  They are known to get along with other pets and children, as long as they are trained at a younger age to handle cats carefully.

Bengals are known to be prone to infectious diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis and trichimonas foetus, a disease that can cause diarrhea.

Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?  Even though they do have dense fur and don’t shed much, they aren’t completely hypoallergenic.  A member on Reddit said the coat is different than that of a domestic cat and it’s considered more a “felt.”  Since everyone is different, the best thing to do is have the breeder come over with the cat for about an hour to see if the allergies kick in.

How can I save money?

While it doesn’t hurt, consider checking out local shelters, such as the Humane Society, or Bengal cat rescue groups to see if they have any cats that resemble a bengal cat or have a retired cat for a fraction of the cost.  They may also have a Bengal mixed kitten available.  Many adult-sized cats can be adopted for less than a few hundred dollars.

Many breeders often have retired Bengal cats for less than $1,500.  These cats are often two to four years old.


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How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. PC (Bend,  Oregon) paid $0 and said:

    Free! We moved out of the city and found a ditched, neutered bengal wandering the neighborhood. We’re guessing some hipster bought him then ditched him when he was climbing the apartment walls. Although he’s all muscle & twice the size of our other (female)cats, he moves away from confrontation. He does love the dog, who loves all the cats. He’s the only cat allowed to be outdoors at night as well as day, so he’s mellow when indoors. If you have your heart set on a bengal, check out rescue organizations or animal shelters. There’s no such thing as only 1 person making 1 type of mistake in the world.

    Was it worth it? Yes

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