Bengal Cat Vs. Savannah Cat – A Complete Guide

Two of the most popular cat breeds are the Bengal cat and the Savannah cat, and they seem to have similar appearances. But what are the differences between these breeds? This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Bengal cat vs. the Savannah cat.

Table of Contents

Bengal Cat vs. Savannah Cat: Breed History

Bengal Cat

A Bengal cat.

A Bengal cat.

Bengal cats are a relatively new breed of cat. They are a cross between an Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic shorthair. The intent was to create an animal that resembled a small leopard but had the gentle nature of a domestic housecat. The International Cat Association (TICA) first registered these felines in 1986.

Savannah Cat

A Savannah cat is in a desert.

A Savannah cat is in a desert.

The Savannah cat is a cross of an African serval with a domestic cat. Jean Sudgen Mill, a retired schoolteacher from California, bred the first litter of Savannah kittens in 1986. The breed has been steadily increasing in popularity ever since. TICA first registered Savannah cats in 2001, and the association has registered over 150 Savannah cats worldwide.

Bengal Cat Vs. Savannah Cat: Physical Features Differences

Both cat breeds resemble a wildcat – they all have spots. Nevertheless, these cats have different physical features. For example, Bengal cats have a strong, muscular build and are very agile. Also, they are medium in size and have white paws, rounded ears, and large rosette markings on their sides. Their coats have stripes or leopard-like spots and come in different colors, from brown to orange to black. Moreover, Bengal cats have very long whiskers, which help them to navigate through the dark.

Meanwhile, the Savannah cats have lean athletic builds with cheetah-like spots. They have long legs, large ears, long necks, and hooded eyes. In addition, these felines have long bodies with elegant tails that can be as long as their bodies. The Savannahs are also larger than the average house cat, with males weighing between 12-25 pounds and females 10-18 pounds. Savannah cats come in all colors of the rainbow – they can have black, brown, yellow, or white coats with spots or stripes. Their fur is short and sleek, but it’s not excessively soft and doesn’t tangle easily.

Bengal Cat Vs. Savannah Cat: Personality Trait Differences

A savannah kitten with yellow eyes is on a cat tree.

A savannah kitten with yellow eyes is on a cat tree.

The Bengal is a laid-back kitty that enjoys cuddling. Intelligent and curious, these cats also have a high need for attention and love to be around people. However, the Bengals can be shy around strangers. Still, the Bengals are more vocal than other domesticated cats.

The Savannah, meanwhile, is a high-energy cat that likes to explore new environments – and will try to climb on anything in its way. They are excellent “jumpers” and need plenty of room to roam around. Furthermore, Savannah cats are intelligent and have an unmatched sense of hearing, which makes them great hunters. 

Bengal Cat Vs. Savannah Cat: Feeding Recommendations

A Serval Savannah kitten is on a wooden fence.

A Serval Savannah kitten is on a wooden fence.

The feeding recommendation for Bengal cats is about 1/2 cup of food per day, given in two meals per day. This amount should be split into two different types of food so that the cat doesn’t get bored with the same thing every day. It should also contain wet and dry food so the cat gets all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Savannahs, meanwhile, require a diet that is high in protein, low in fat, and includes some carbs. When it comes to meat, for instance, a Savannah cat needs 6-8 ounces per day. That’s because these felines have a higher metabolism than other breeds of cats.

Bengal Cat Vs. Savannah Cat: Price

A Bengal cat is seated.

A Bengal cat is seated.

The average price for a high-quality Bengal cat oscillates between $2,000 and $3,000. However, a typical cat’s price could be as high as $10,000, especially if the feline closely resembles its ancestors. Savannah cats are even more pricey, costing up to $20,000. However, you can get a kitten for $1,000.

Conclusion

So, which is the better breed? It depends on what you’re looking for in a cat. For more information on Bengal and Savannah cats, contact us today.