The Bengal, with its wild-looking spotted or marbled coat, is energetic, muscular and highly intelligent. Bengals need plenty of activity and mental stimulation, and they tend to do best on a diet rich in animal protein. Here’s how to feed a Bengal kitten and adult.
Does a Bengal Cat Need Special Food?
No cat breed needs a special food to be healthy. Like any cat, a Bengal needs a complete and balanced food (labeled as meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles in the US, or as a “complete” food under FEDIAF guidelines in the UK) that suits its age, weight, activity and health. Some brands make breed-specific foods, and they can be a convenient choice, but a good-quality complete food for the right life stage works just as well. Many Bengal owners like to feed raw diets because of the breed’s wild look, but raw food carries risks of bacteria, parasites and, in the US, bird flu, for both cats and people. A complete and balanced commercial wet or dry food is a safer choice. Read more about types of cat food.
Feeding a Bengal Kitten
Bengal kittens are very active and grow quickly into muscular cats. They need a complete kitten food rich in animal protein, offered as several small meals a day.
- when you bring your kitten home, keep feeding the food it ate at the breeder or shelter for the first week or two, then switch gradually;
- feed a complete kitten food (or an “all life stages” food) until about 12 months old;
- kittens under 6 months usually need three to four meals a day; from 6 months, two to three meals a day is usually enough;
- always provide fresh water;
- don’t give cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea.
Read more about feeding a kitten.
Feeding an Adult Bengal
Adult Bengals are usually lean and active. Use puzzle feeders, food-hunting games and interactive play to channel their energy. Many Bengals love water, and some enjoy drinking from a fountain.
- feed measured portions, using the feeding guide on the pack as a starting point, and adjust to keep your cat at a healthy weight (you should be able to feel the ribs easily);
- include some wet food every day to help with hydration and urinary health;
- keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories;
- weigh your cat regularly and see your vet for an annual checkup;
- if your cat has been spayed or neutered, its calorie needs will be lower. Read more about feeding a spayed cat and a neutered male cat.
Health Issues and Diet
- Sensitive digestion: some Bengals are prone to soft stools or diarrhea. Change foods slowly and see your vet if it continues, as it can be caused by parasites or other problems. Read more about food for sensitive stomachs.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease that can occur in the breed.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b) and PK deficiency, inherited conditions that responsible breeders test for.
If your cat has a health condition, your vet may recommend a specific or prescription diet. Don’t give supplements or change to a prescription diet without your vet’s advice, and see your vet if your cat’s appetite, weight, thirst, stools or coat change.
What About Homemade Food?
Homemade diets are very difficult to balance and are often missing essential nutrients, such as taurine and calcium. If you want to feed homemade food, use a recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Never feed your cat foods that are toxic to cats. Read more: foods cats should never eat.
Read more about the Bengal breed and what to feed a cat.
