You may be excited to see their progress if you have Bengal cats at home. But there’s one big question: when do Bengal cats stop growing?
The full-grown Bengal cat size is between 18 months to 24 months. Once they get that particular age, their current body size will stay the same for a lifetime.
In this article, you will come across the different stages of Bengal cats and the factors that affect their growth.
Table of Contents
Bengal Cats Growth Stages
Take a look at this growth chart:
The following is the guide to Bengal cats’ growth stages. Learning their average size can help you identify if there are needed medical interventions for their current growth.
This size chart gives you a detailed idea about their progress:
| Age | Weight | Height | Length |
| 6-8 weeks | 1-1.8 kg | 15-20 cm | 18-23 cm |
| 8-12 weeks | 1.8-2.2 kg | 17.5-22.5 cm | 20-25.5 cm |
| 12-24 weeks | 2.7-5.4 kg | 22.5-25.5 cm | 25.5-30.5 cm |
| 24-36 weeks | 3.6-6.8 kg | 25.5-30.5 cm | 30.5-35.5 cm |
| 36 weeks-1 year | 4.0-6.8 kg | 28-35.5 cm | 35.5-40.5 cm |
| 1-2 years | 4.5-6.8 kg | 33-38 cm | 40.5-45.5 cm |
1. The first week
On the day they were born, everything was dim and cold. They couldn’t see or regulate their body temperature. They only relied on their senses to find their mother’s scent for food and warmth.
2. The second week
In their second week, they are slowly exploring their surroundings. They can walk a little (just a little wobbly). But compared with their first week of existence, they can move better and faster.
At the second week’s end, Bengal kittens fully open their eyes. If your kitten only has one eye open, don’t worry. Some kittens develop faster, and some are slower. But if the eyes still don’t open until three weeks, visit your vet clinic for possible eye infections.
3. The third week
In their third week, Bengal kittens start to play with their littermates. You can slowly introduce new types of food. Start by giving a small portion of kitten-formulated wet food.
Keep in mind, however, that kittens should still be in their mother’s care until 12 weeks. So, even though they are already eating solids, they still need their mother’s colostrum to grow up to their full potential.
4. The second month
In the second month of growth, Bengal cats get bigger. The standard weight at this stage is between 1 to 1.8 kg. Their height should not be less than 15, while their length should be from 18 to 23 cm.
These weight, height, and length standards for their age must indicate your cat’s health or whether you need to change the diet. Ensure that your kittens are getting the adequate protein essential for their growth.
2-month-old Bengal kittens explore different places in your house or even the outdoors. Their instincts start to kick in a while searching for possible prey. As an alternative, you can buy toys great for their hunting disposition.
5. The third month
Starting from the third month is the peak of their growth. Bengal kittens learn new things. Their physical and mental development allows them to go outside the box and put their curiosity into action.
- Physical Features
In their third month, they can be independent without the care of their mother. The Bengal cat’s average weight at this stage should be between 1.8 kg and 2.2 kg, while the length must be 2o cm to 25.5 cm.
Bengal, at three months, looks like a miniature version of an adult. They have prominent figures and leaner muscles. This development makes it possible for them to perform stimulating activities.
- Behaviors
At this time, Bengal kittens are ready to take on more challenges by socializing, jumping, climbing, and putting any interesting items in their mouth.
3-month-old Bengals have a lot of energy to spend in a day. That’s why you have to give adequate food that will suffice for their activity level.
6. The sixth month
Finally, you’re slowly seeing your lovely furry friends growing healthier.
- Physical Features
Their digestive and reproductive system is now fully developed. Bengal kittens’ weight varies from 2.7 kg to 5.4 kg, while the height could be from 20 cm to 25.5 cm.
Bengal cats grow longer and show their slender body that is prominent in their breed. They can grow from 25.5 to 30.5 cm in length and continue to develop until 24 months.
- Behaviors
Like humans, Bengal cats have this rebellious stage. So, they need enough training to reverse their negative behaviors. At 6-month-olds, they may show their aggressiveness.
One reason for this is that they go into heat. Male Bengal cats can be aggressive toward the same gender to win over a female cat in heat.
So, at this stage, it’s always a great idea to spay or neuter them to reduce aggressiveness. Contact your vet clinic for a spaying or neutering schedule.
7. The ninth month
In the ninth month, your furry companions are still kittens, but they are slowly getting ready for the next stage of their lives.
- Physical Features
When Bengal kittens reach nine months, permanent teeth replace their baby teeth. Their development also gets slower.
Expect them to weigh from 3.6 kg to 6.8 kg. 9-month-old Bengal kittens can grow from 25.5 cm-30.5 cm tall and 30.5 -35.5 cm long.
- Behavior
Since teething stops at this age, Bengal kittens’ chewing on things is reduced. You may still see them biting or chewing, but that’s because they are curious creatures. This is normal, but you need to address excessive biting.
8. The first year
Wow, what a remarkable milestone. Who would have thought that your little Bengal kittens could grow in just a snap of your fingers? Finally, they are now cats!
Physical Features
At one year old, they can weigh around 4.5, but the biggest Bengal cat can be 6.8 kg. They can also grow taller, up to 35.5 cm, and longer, up to 40.5 cm. But it doesn’t end there. Their total growth will be in the following year.
Behaviors
Now that they are young adult Bengal cats, they still learn, train, and explore the world. For them, life has no limits.
9. The second year
How big do Bengal cats get? They can weigh up to 6.8 kg and grow taller up to 38 cm. Their slender body can reach up to 45.5 cm long.
You now have a full-size Bengal cat. But the discovery doesn’t stop there. They are intelligent and creative. Indeed, they will enjoy life to its full potential.
Factors That Affect Bengal Cats’ Growth
The following affect Bengal cat’s growth:
- Genes – Although a Bengal cat adult can grow up to 6.8 kg, others may be slightly smaller than the others. As long as they are within the standard size and weight, you can sleep peacefully without worries.
- Foods – Diet is essential to your Bengal cats’ growth. During the early months, they must eat a more protein-based diet. Consult your vet to know the best food for your cats.
- Parasites – If you give adequate food and nutrition, but your Bengal cats still don’t grow, a parasitic infection may be the primary concern. If this happens, go to the vet clinic immediately.
Diet Formulated for Bengal Cats
Bengal cats have different builds and body systems than other cat breeds.
- Protein – The best protein for Bengal cats is beef, pork, liver, salmon, tuna, sardines, prawns, and chicken, with 87% to 98% biological value.
If you are feeding dry food to your cats, you must check the ingredient list and look for other protein sources like vegetable proteins, corn, wheat germ, and soya.
Bengal cats’ diet should contain more protein, little fat, and less carbohydrate.
- Vitamins and Minerals – Bengal cats’ foods must contain Vitamin A, D, E, and B-Complex. You can find these nutrients in eggs, liver, meat, and fish. A small amount of calcium, magnesium, and zinc is also essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bengal cats get bigger than normal cats?
Yes. Bengal cats full grown can grow up to 6.8 kg, 38 cm tall, and 45.5 cm long. Main Coon is the largest, but they are larger than the usual size of a domestic cat.
Tips for managing Bengal cat’s size:
Bengal cats must get enough nutrients from their mother’s colostrum from birth. You can keep their size healthy by providing protein, little fat content, and fewer carbohydrates.
How long do Bengal cats live?
They can live from 12 to 16 years or longer. Compared to other cats, they have a longer lifespan. The oldest Bengal cat has lived a good life for 34 years.
Conclusion
Taking care of Bengal cats is like looking after your children—and they are! When you have them, you get excited about all the progress they are making, and you get to ask yourself: when do Bengal cats stop growing?
It’s true that sometimes you just wish they stay young and stay with you forever. But the best thing you can do is give them the best life. As I have shared, you can do that by providing for their physical and emotional needs.
I am Amy Sawy, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) graduate from the University of Kansas. y husband, Dr. Plummer, and I own a veterinary clinic in Phillipsburg, Kansas. In addition to my professional background, I am a devoted pet owner myself, with a household that includes dogs, rodents, and most notably, cats – a total of five felines in my home.
In 2020, I joined an organization as a professional writer, leveraging my experience and collaborating with my team to deliver the most valuable information for your cat’s care.
