Male vs. Female Bengal Cats: 5 Key Differences

Have you decided to bring home a Bengal cat but don’t know which gender is a better fit for you? It might feel like a unique problem, but the truth is that many people find themselves asking this very question. Today, we explore five differences between male and female Bengals to help you make this decision!

Bengal Cats: A Brief History

The Bengal cat looks like it came directly from the wild, and the truth of the story isn’t far off! Bengal cats were first developed by a woman named Jean Mill who dedicated her life to preventing the poaching of Asian leopard cats. She postulated that if the general public had access to a domestic cat with similar patterns, hunting would slow. To fill this niche, she began crossbreeding domestic cats with Asian leopard cats until desired results were achieved. Although it’s difficult to discern if her mission had a profound impact, there’s no denying that her creation of the Bengal was legendary.

Physical Characteristics

Generally speaking, Bengal cats are very energetic and athletic, and they have bodies that are well-suited for physical activity. However, females are typically much smaller than their male counterparts. On average, female Bengals weigh between eight and 15 pounds, whereas males will be heavier and weigh between 10 and 18 pounds on average. In addition, males will grow to be slightly taller, and their bodies have a more bulky and muscular structure compared to the female’s slender build.

Behavioral Differences

Like many animals, there are slight differences in the personalities of cats based on their gender. Bengal cats are incredibly curious and playful by nature. It is common knowledge that they maintain their “kitten-like” personality well into their adult years. While these traits will be present in both males and females, males tend to be the more energetic. In addition, male Bengals tend to be clingier with their humans than females. As a general statement, Bengals aren’t incredibly cuddly, but between the two genders, males are more likely to exhibit lap cat behavior. Females are equally as loving, but they have a harder time showing it. Instead of snuggling on the couch, they may express their love by following their owner around from room to room, just to hang out with them.

Vocalizations

Bengals are by no means shy; they are bold cats! If they know that meowing for your attention works, they’ll have no problem doing so loudly and frequently. While all Bengals tend to be a bit on the noisier side, males are typically the more vocal of the two genders. Most often, they vocalize for food, playtime, and attention. Females are also acutely aware of the effect that meowing has on humans; they just do so more sparingly. However, an unspayed female Bengal may begin to vocalize more frequently while she enters heat.

Response to Other Animals, Children, and Strangers

As we stated above, Bengals typically have the same temperament, regardless of their gender. However, it’s no secret that males are slightly more social. It’s not uncommon to see male Bengals hamming it up with guests you have over, and bonding with strangers quickly. Males also express a curious and sweet nature when approaching small children and other animals. Females, however, may become slightly territorial over their humans. They are quicker to become jealous, and if left intact, they may even become moody. Despite this, they generally remain sweet and loving and equally well with young children. As a rule of thumb, it’s always better to pair Bengals with pets of the opposite gender. So, if you already have male cats in your household, a female may be better suited.

Health Considerations for Bengal Cats Depending on Their Gender

While Bengals are generally regarded as a healthy and hardy breed, there are certain health conditions they may be more susceptible to than other cat breeds. According to petMD, things like Patellar Luxation, gastrointestinal issues, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency are all things to look out for.

Depending on the gender of your Bengal cat, there are certain health conditions they’ll be prone to. In females and males, uterine and testicular cancer are quite common concerns, especially if left intact. Unless you’re using your Bengal cat for breeding purposes, neutering or spaying while they’re young can prevent these diseases down the road. In addition, taking your Bengal cat in for an annual health screening is an excellent way to catch medical concerns early. Pet insurance is also a wonderful safety net to have in the event of a medical emergency.

Final Thoughts

There are few gender-based differences in Bengal personality. All members of this breed are loyal, intelligent, and fiercely loving. As always, there are exceptions to these generalizations, and any gender can express any characteristic. No matter which gender you choose, you can expect many years of companionship and happiness with your Bengal cat!