Bengal Cat vs American Shorthair Cat: Key Differences Between The Breeds Explained

While cat breeds aren’t as well-known as dog breeds, there are many different kinds of cats out in the world. Which breed you purchase matters, as they all have different traits and temperaments. Two popular cat breeds are the Bengal and American Shorthair. These cat breeds are pretty similar, but there are many differences between the Bengal cat vs the American Shorthair cat.

In this article, we’ll delve into all the differences you should keep in mind when choosing between these two breeds. We’ll delve into their physical features, personalities, grooming needs, and health concerns.

Bengal Cat Overview

Bengal cats are best known for their striking and distinctive appearances. They tend to resemble leopards or ocelots, which makes them look very exotic. They were started in the 1960s by an American woman named Jean S. Mill, who crossed an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat.

This experiment resulted in the creation of the Bengal. However, the breed has undergone a lot of careful breeding, which has made them more domestic than wild. All of this careful breeding has made them pretty expensive, though.

American Shorthair Cat Overview

The American Shorthair is a “working cat.” They were bred to help with rodent control, with their ancestors arriving in America on board ships in the early colonial period. They are prized for their mousing skills and are very versatile. While early colonists didn’t selectively breed these cats, nature helped ensure they could live in the new American climate.

Today, these cats are exceptionally common, but they’re also considered very “ordinary.” Their ability to adapt to a range of climates makes them a great option for many families. Plus, they’re also rather inexpensive.

Bengal Cat vs American Shorthair Cat: Key Differences

There are many places where Bengal and American Shorthair cats differ. In this section, we’ll dive into the main differences between these two remarkable breeds, which should help you select which one may work best in your family.

Appearance

Bengal cats are known for their very exotic appearance and eye-catching patterns. They resemble wild leopards, which is a big reason many owners decide to purchase them. Their coats can come in a variety of different colors, though, including brown spotted rosettes, snow leopard, charcoal, and silver.

On the other hand, American Shorthairs come in a huge range of colors, but the classical tabby pattern is the most common. They tend to look rather “ordinary,” as they were not bred primarily for their appearance like the Bengals were.

Bengal cats can also get rather large. They’re very athletic and tend to be very active, though some later generations have calmed down. American Shorthairs vary considerably in size, with some being rather small.

Temperament

Bengal cats are very energetic and intelligent. They are a great option for those who want a more interactive cat. However, they can be a bit much sometimes. They’re very playful and tend to spend a lot of their time running around. If you’re looking for a cuddly cat, you should look elsewhere.

These cats thrive on mental stimulation. Their owners typically need to invest in many interactive toys and spend a lot of time playing. They sometimes even like water, so you may need to invest in a small pool, as well.

American Shorthair cats are much more easygoing and have less work. They’re sociable and tend to get along with everyone, but they don’t spend as much time playing. They can still be energetic, especially as kittens, but not nearly as much as Bengal cats.

Often, these cats do better in a more relaxed, quiet environment. However, they can get along fine with smaller children as long as they are properly socialized. Their versatility allows them to thrive in a variety of homes.

Grooming

Bengals have short, sleek coats that don’t require much brushing. However, they do shed, so you may want to brush them regularly to reduce shedding. Regular brushing can also help maintain the sheen of their coat.

American Shorthairs have similar grooming needs, though they may need to be brushed even less. Their coats tend to be easy to maintain, and most owners do not brush them at all. However, they do shed, so you may want to brush them regularly to help prevent excessive shedding.

Health Considerations

Bengals are generally healthy cats. However, they may be prone to some heart conditions, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Sadly, this health condition is rather common in most cats. Responsible breeding can help prevent it to some extent, so it’s important to purchase your kitten from a responsible breeder.

American Shorthairs are also a very robust breed and aren’t prone to any breed-specific health issues. They have a very wide gene pool, so genetic conditions aren’t common.

Still, they can be prone to common feline health problems, like dental issues and obesity. Caring for them properly can help prevent many of these health issues, though.

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