Bengal Maine Coon Mix Cat: Breed Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits
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| Height: | 11 – 15 inches |
| Weight: | 8 – 15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | Average of 15 years |
| Colors: | Nearly any imaginable color and pattern |
| Suitable for: | Active families, homes with other cats and dogs |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, active, social, loyal, curious |
What happens when you breed a graceful, exotic cat and a sturdy North American feline? You get a lovable Bengal Maine Coon mix! These clever kitties like to be around people and other animals. They aren’t much for being home alone for long periods unless they have another furry pal to keep them company.
Purebred Maine Coons come in approximately 75 different color combinations.1 Bengals are different hues of brown, black/grey, and cream, with marbled or spotted fur. Some cats will look distinctly Bengal-like, while others will take after their Maine Coon heritage.
The same goes for the cats’ personalities. Maine Coon lovers often call their cats “gentle giants.” Bengals are natural athletes who need room to climb and explore, and a mixed breed will get into trouble without enough mental stimulation and exercise.
Bengal Maine Coon mixes are a fascinating and relatively new mixed breed. Read on to learn more about these cats.
Bengal Maine Coon Mix Kittens
The demand for purebred Bengals and Maine coons is high and will likely be so for mixes. Many breeders maintain a waitlist and require a deposit. The odds of finding a Bengal Maine Coon mix through a shelter or animal rescue are low.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bengal Cat Maine Coon Mix
1. They’ll probably love water.
Unlike most domestic cat breeds, Bengals and Maine coons are both known for their affinity for water. Don’t be surprised if your kitty tries to jump in the shower with you or splashes its paws in the pool.
2. Their appearance is a true “wild card.”
To say that Bengals and Maine coons look different is a massive understatement! Can a mixed kitty be stocky with long hair and rosette-patterned fur? Yes! Can a Bengal Maine Coon mix be slender and agile with a bobcat-like face? Also yes! There is no one look for this mixed breed. The only guarantee is that their appearance is unique and exotic.
3. They are dog-like felines.
Both breeds are sharp, curious, and loyal. A Bengal Maine Coon mix might not be the cuddliest cat, but you will have a playful companion. You can teach them to do tricks and even walk on a leash.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bengal Cat Maine Coon Mix
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Most adult Bengal Maine Coon mixes will be on the larger size. A mix that takes after its Bengal ancestors will constantly be on the move and climbing, and these cats might be too rambunctious for a home with small children.
Neither breed is sedentary, and a Bengal Maine Coon cat needs space to play without getting into trouble. Bengals, in particular, love to climb, and a tall cat tree or perch is a must.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
You can expect these cats to have strong prey drives. Bengal Maine Coons may not be a good fit for homes with pet birds or small mammals, like guinea pigs and hamsters.
Bengal Maine Coon mixes should do well with other cats and dogs, but remember that felines and canines have distinct personalities. It’s best to introduce your new Bengal Maine Coon slowly to any pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Bengal Maine Coon Mix:
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
A concern for all domestic cats is obesity. As many as 50% of all pet cats weigh more than they should. Bengal Maine Coon cats aren’t couch potatoes, but it could be easy to overfeed them and give them too many treats. Ask your veterinarian how many calories your cat should consume each day.
Your food choice will come down to your budget, preference, and availability. Of course, your cat will have the final say! A healthy Bengal Maine Coon does not have any special dietary requirements. Any high-quality cat food created for their life stage is sufficient.
Some proponents claim that Bengals benefit from a raw diet. If you feed your Bengal Maine Coon mix raw cat food, look for a brand that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines. You should consult a certified veterinary nutritionist before feeding your cat a homemade raw diet. There is more to this food regimen than just filling your kitty’s bowl with raw meat. A nutritionally unbalanced diet can lead to health problems down the road.
Exercise 🐈
Bengal Maine Coons are active cats. You need to provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation opportunities. These cats won’t need much persuading to play with a toy or laser pointer, and most of them can be leash-trained.
Training 🧶
Both cat breeds are known for their intelligence and willingness to train, and a Bengal Maine Coon will not take long to learn basic commands, litter box rules, and even a few tricks.
Grooming ✂️
How much time you spend grooming your cat depends on whether their fur resembles a Maine Coon or a Bengal. Maine Coons have shaggy, long coats that need frequent brushing. Bengals, on the other hand, have short and soft fur that may only require weekly brushing.
Health and Conditions 🏥
As a mixed breed, these cats can inherit conditions that affect Bengals and Maine Coons.
- All cat breeds can develop common health conditions such as lower urinary tract diseases, tapeworms, fleas, and eye problems. These are often minor and easily treatable.
- Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that causes malformed hip joints.
- Patellar luxation results in kneecaps that become dislocated.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a hard-to-diagnose infection that can be fatal.
- Cardiomyopathy is a form of genetic heart disease that can run in Maine coon families.
Male vs Female
The average female Bengal Maine Coon is slightly smaller than her male counterparts. She may also be more laidback and gentler than a male cat, as these are traits shared by both Bengal and Maine Coon females. Beyond these distinctions, male versus female is a matter of preference. Some breeders may charge more for a particular gender.
Conclusion
A Bengal Maine Coon mix can inherit the best traits of both breeds. You’ll likely have an active and curious kitty that follows you around. These cats will love to sit near you and play with you, but they may not like being held or cuddled. Don’t take it personally, as both breeds are too curious to sit still for very long.
Bengal Maine Coons need and crave regular exercise, and you’ll need to find ways to keep your kitty busy and out of trouble. Bengals are natural climbers, so a tall cat tree is a good investment. You can take your cat for regular walks if your living space is small because Maine Coons and Bengals are known for their ability to be leash trained.
Bengal Maine Coons crave companionship, and they won’t do well home alone for long periods. If you don’t already have a cat or dog, consider buying a pair of Bengal Maine Coons. The two cats can keep each other company when you’re not around.
It might not be easy to find a Bengal Maine Coon cat. There aren’t a lot of breeders who mate pairs, but interest in this mixed breed is growing. If you add a Bengal Maine Coon to your family, you’ll have a loyal companion for many years.
Image Credit: Left – Bengal (JanineWilkins, Pixabay); Right – Maine Coon (Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock)
