Bengal cats, with their wild appearance and playful personalities, are a captivating breed. But before you bring one of these mini-leopards into your home, you’re probably wondering: “How Much Are Bengal Kitties going to cost me?”. This guide will break down the factors influencing Bengal cat prices, helping you make an informed decision.
Yes, the average price for a Bengal kitten from a reputable breeder can range from $1,500 to $3,000 in 2024. This might seem like a hefty sum, but it reflects the breeder’s dedication to ethical practices, health testing, and providing top-notch care for their cats. Don’t be fooled into thinking a cheaper Bengal is just as good – the price often reflects the quality of care and the kitten’s overall health and temperament.
Where to Find Bengal Kitties for Sale
Finding a Bengal kitten requires careful consideration. Here’s where to start your search:
- Do Your Research: This is a 15+ year commitment! Take your time and learn about the breed and breeders. This guide is a great starting point.
- Avoid Classifieds: Steer clear of Craigslist, eBay Classifieds, and similar sites. These are often breeding grounds for backyard breeders and scams.
- Reputable Breeders: The best place to find a healthy, well-adjusted Bengal kitten is through a reputable, ethical breeder. These breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their cats and kittens.
Bengal Cat Price Guide: What to Expect
Here’s a breakdown of what you can generally expect at different price points for an SBT (Stud Book Tradition) Bengal kitten in US Dollars:
- Under $500: Red flag! This is likely a scam or a backyard breeder. Avoid!
- $500 – $1,000: Proceed with extreme caution. High chance of being a scam or backyard breeder.
- $1,000 – $1,500: This is on the lower end of the price range for a purebred Bengal kitten. Investigate thoroughly.
- $1,500 – $2,000: A reasonable average price for a Bengal kitten from a decent breeder.
- $2,000 – $2,500: On the higher side, typically from an established breeder with a strong reputation and high demand.
- Over $2,500: Very high end, potentially from a cattery with champion bloodlines or rare traits.
Key Factors Influencing Bengal Kitties Price
Three main factors dictate the price of a Bengal kitten:
- Kitten’s Traits: Generation, quality, age, temperament, and demand (often linked to color/pattern).
- Included Amenities: What the breeder provides with the kitten (e.g., vaccinations, spay/neuter).
- Breeder Care: The level of care and ethical practices employed by the breeder. This is perhaps the most important!
Factor #1: The Kitten’s Unique Traits
Generation:
Most Bengal kittens you’ll find are SBT Bengals, meaning they are at least four generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat. Earlier generations (F1, F2, F3) are rarer, more expensive, and require specialized care. SBT Bengals are generally the best choice for pet owners.
Quality:
A breeder’s commitment to quality is evident in the kitten’s health, energy levels, and striking appearance. Breeders focused on quality invest in cats from exceptional bloodlines, sometimes spending tens of thousands of dollars to preserve and improve the Bengal breed. They may also price kittens differently based on their individual qualities.
Bengal kittens may be categorized as pet quality, breeder quality, or show quality. Pet quality Bengals are ideal companions. Breeder quality kittens possess traits desirable for preserving and enhancing the breed and are sold to registered breeders with breeding rights. Show quality kittens exhibit all the desired Bengal traits and excel in cat shows, commanding a higher price.
Age:
Raising kittens is costly, and proper socialization takes time and effort. Kittens allowed to go home at 8 weeks or earlier are a major red flag. These breeders are cutting costs at the kitten’s expense. Kittens weaned too early are more prone to behavioral issues. Kittens going home between 12-16 weeks are better socialized but may cost more.
Older kittens or adults occasionally become available when a breeder needs to rehome them. These Bengals may be priced lower, offering a more affordable option, provided you can handle the transition.
Demand:
The higher the demand for certain colors or patterns, the higher the price. Bengal cats exhibit diverse coat colors, including Brown, Silver, Snow, Charcoal, and Melanistic, along with various patterns like spotted, rosetted, and marbled. Rarity and current trends influence demand and, subsequently, price.
Geographic location and breeder reputation also play a role. A reputable breeder with a long waitlist can command higher prices due to increased demand.
A healthy Bengal kitten with a striking coat is a testament to good breeding practices.
Factor #2: What’s Included with Your Kitten
Reputable breeders often include essential items to help you and your new Bengal kitten get off to a good start:
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Veterinarian examination and health clearance
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- Deworming treatment
- Health records
- TICA registration slip
- Health guarantee
- Ongoing breeder support and advice
Some breeders may also include:
- Microchip with registration
- Pet insurance trial
- Cat wheel
- Toys and blankets
- Airline-approved carrier
- Transition food
The more “extras” included, the higher the price may be.
Factor #3: The Level of Breeder Care
Determining the level of breeder care requires investigation. It’s crucial because it directly impacts your kitten’s health and the well-being of the breeder’s cats. Ethical breeders prioritize animal welfare over profit.
A breeder who truly cares will “do things right,” which includes:
Health Testing:
Responsible breeders conduct genetic testing to minimize the risk of inherited diseases. Bengals are commonly screened for HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and PK-def (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency). HCM screening, performed by a cardiologist, can cost $300-$1,000 per cat annually. Breeders who skip health testing often sell cheaper kittens.
Regular screening for infectious diseases is also essential. Health testing adds to the cost of kittens but ensures their well-being.
Housing:
Most breeders house males in separate, well-maintained buildings with outdoor enclosures to prevent spraying. These facilities should be clean, spacious, and enriched. Cages should never be used. Ethical breeders invest in comfortable, stimulating environments for their cats.
Quality Diet:
Cats are obligate carnivores, requiring a meat-based diet. High-quality cat food is expensive, but it’s crucial for healthy cats, nursing mothers, and growing kittens. Ethical breeders prioritize providing the best possible nutrition.
Time:
Ethical breeders dedicate significant time to socializing their cats and kittens, cleaning their environment, and providing individual attention. This time investment translates into well-adjusted, loving pets.
Registration:
Registered cats are generally more expensive because registration requires breeding rights. Buying from someone without breeding rights supports irresponsible breeding practices.
Avoiding Scams & Backyard Breeders
Avoid breeders advertising prices below $1,000, as this often signals a scam or backyard breeder.
Scams:
Scammers may take your money without delivering a kitten. Red flags include prices that seem too good to be true and pressure to buy quickly. Always thoroughly vet the breeder and ask for videos of the kitten with the breeder mentioning your name and the date. Consider using Skype or Facetime to verify the kitten’s existence.
Another scam involves selling “half-Bengals” at low prices. These are often intentional breedings aimed at exploiting unsuspecting buyers.
Backyard Breeders:
Backyard breeders cut corners to reduce expenses and attract more buyers. They may use small cages, skip health screenings, neglect hygiene, feed poor-quality diets, and send kittens home too early. They may also breed cats that don’t represent the ideal Bengal type, diluting the breed’s quality.
Even if a backyard breeder charges a high price, their unethical practices should not be supported. Kittens from backyard breeders often have health problems that lead to costly vet bills.
Remember to use a checklist when choosing your Bengal cat breeder.
While a skateboard-riding Bengal might be cool, focus on health and temperament above all else!
What If I Can’t Afford a Bengal?
If you can’t afford a Bengal kitten from a reputable breeder, consider these options:
- Rescue Network: Contact Bengal rescue organizations, but be prepared for limited availability.
- Retired Breeder: Look for recently retired Bengal breeders. Availability will be limited, and home screenings will be rigorous.
- Rehoming: Be on the lookout for older kittens or adults a breeder is rehoming.
These cats may require more patience and experience but can be incredibly rewarding.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a free pet. All pets require food, supplies, and vet care. Investing in a healthy kitten from a reputable breeder can save you money on vet bills in the long run.
Owning a cat costs around $1,000 per year. Prioritize choosing a breeder carefully over trying to save a bit of money upfront.
Next Steps
You are now well-equipped to begin your search for a Bengal cat. Good luck!
