Why would a cat even need insurance? They are clean, independent, and strong. It won’t be a shocker if you see a cat jumping from a height of 20m and standing straight as if its bones were made of steel. And if an average cat is like this, your Bengal Cat is like a pint-sized leopard. But even these ferocious creatures can get sick and injured at times. Some medical conditions may even be very severe and cost 4-digit thousands. Insurance can help you get reimbursed on eligible vet bills.
We’ll come to the average monthly insurance cost that you may have to pay. Before that, we thought, now that you’re going to be a proud owner of a Bengal Cat (or are already one), it will be intriguing for you to know some facts about the breed – (1)
They are a hybrid breed. They are a mix between a male domestic cat and a female Asian leopard cat. This means that they all have some wild blood flowing in their veins.
They are water babies. You can leave a Bengal in water all day and they will not move. Don’t be surprised if they jump in the bath with you.
They are almost like dogs. You can take them to a park and play a game of fetch with them and they’ll love it. Don’t worry if you don’t have a ball. They’ll fetch almost anything for you.
They are very social and trainable. So, if you have another pet in the house, you’ve just got them a best friend (after you, of course). They are also very talkative. So, you’ve got a gossip box there. And you can train them to perform tricks.
They’re natural hunters. This one is obvious because of their wild roots. So, small animals, like birds and rodents, can be at risk.
Lastly, these leopard-like cats are not legal to own everywhere. Because of the fact that they don’t just look wild, but have some wild blood in them as well, some states don’t allow them. This may again depend on the generation of the cat. The earlier it is, the higher the wild genes in them, and the higher the chances of them being illegal in some states.
If you’re lucky to be staying in a state where it’s not illegal to own one, congratulations!
And with that, let’s move on to the answer that you came looking here for.
What is the Average Monthly Premium for Bengal Cats?
The average premium for Bengal cats is $34.03†. In general, you’ll find the insurance cost of cats to be comparatively lower than that of dogs. The insurance cost is calculated using factors like breed, lifestyle, past medical conditions, location, etc. You may find the cost a little higher if you live in an area where access to the wild is easy as there is a chance for these cats to get out and get themselves injured or infected.
Are Bengal Cats High Maintenance?
When you say maintenance, it includes cost in terms of money, time, and resources. In the case of Bengal Cats, you won’t be paying a lot of dollars for their food and grooming but will be paying with your time. They require a lot of playtime and social time as compared to other cat breeds. There is a reason they are known as the dogs of the cat world. But that’s the fun part, right?
There is one major area where pet owners may end up spending the most amount of money – Healthcare. Bengal Cats are a relatively healthy breed. However, there are some medical conditions that they are prone to in their life -
Common medical conditions for Bengal Cats
The common medical conditions that Bengal Cats are prone to include – (2)
Lymphoma – It is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system which includes the lymph nodes, ducts, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. While all cats are prone to developing cancer, Bengal cats are slightly more at risk of developing Lymphoma cancer.
Patellar Luxation – This is when the kneecap moves or becomes dislocated from its normal position. These cats are very sturdy and athletic in general. However, not all of them are born with sturdy knees.
HCM or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – It is the thickening of heart muscles. Most cats are prone to this in their lifetime.
PYD or Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency – This is a genetic disorder in cats that causes the red blood cells to break down faster than normal. This leads to anemia and other blood-related problems.
Other conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and irritable bowel disease can also affect a Bengal at some point in their life. While some of the above conditions are minor, others can be severe and may even need surgery for treatment. The cost of treatment can certainly add up as it can include medications, alternate therapies, prescription diets, and more.
With Spot Pet Insurance, you can save up to 90% on covered vet bills.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Cat Insurance helps to provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellness of their pets. With a Spot plan, pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills. This way pet parents can focus on caring for and supporting their pets. Spot plans also offer preventive care add-ons, which can help cover the eligible costs of spaying and neutering, dental cleaning, vaccinations, and other routine care services.
† Average premiums are based on current policyholders as of 2024 with accident-only or accident-and-illness plans and may vary due to plan options such as annual limit, co-insurance, and annual deductible, as well as your pet’s breed, age, and location. Quotes at purchase will reflect these factors and your specific selections. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Billingsley, B. (2024, July 26). 20 Interesting & Unique Bengal Cat Facts (2024 Update). Catster. https://www.catster.com/cat-breeds/bengal-cat-facts/
Leeson, J. (2024, April 19). Bengal. https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/bengal
