Bengal Cats vs. Savannah Cats: The Similarities and Differences Between These Breeds

Bengal and Savannah cats are domestic cat breeds developed by crossing domestic cats with wildcat ancestors. Bengals are a mixture of the Asian Leopard cat and domestic cats, whereas Savannahs originate from domestic and African Serval cats. 

Bengal and Savannah cat breeds have long, glossy black or brown fur, and they also share many physical features, such as dense fur and beautiful blotches on their chest and flanks, but there are some critical differences between the two breeds. 

Bengals are more active than Savannahs and may be better adapted to changing environments. Personality-wise, Bengals are usually playful and affectionate, while Savannahs are more reserved and independent. Bengal cats look more exotic than Savannah cats. If you’re looking for a cat that has a rugged look, Bengal cats may be the perfect choice for you.

The Similarities Between Bengal and Savannah Cats

Very Athletic

Both cats are very athletic and love to play. Both breeds need plenty of exercise. If they’re not getting it, they may become inactive and overweight. As a result, their diet needs to reflect this – a high-quality wet food supplemented with fresh vegetables and fruit is ideal. 

Regular playtime is also essential – Bengals love to play fetch, while Savannahs enjoy chasing toys around the house. If your cat isn’t getting the exercise it needs, give it a large enough space to run around. Bengal and Savannah cats are active cats that love to play, so make sure to include them in your family’s activities as much as possible!

Curious Creatures

Both cats are curious creatures who love to play. They both love to sunbathe and often take naps in the sun! In addition, they make excellent pets, as both Bengals and Savannahs are low-maintenance house pets. Their playful nature makes them excellent companions for people of all ages.

Love Water

Savannah and Bengal cats love water but prefer different types of water. Bengals enjoy drinking fresh water, while Savannahs like to drink from the garden or a pool, and both make good pets and can be very affectionate with their owners.

Like to Be Outside

Both cats like to be outside and enjoy exploring different environments. Bengals are better climbers than Savannah Cats and can explore yards better as they have a soft coat that doesn’t require much maintenance. On the other hand, Savannah Cats may need a hairball medication supplement as they often groom themselves less than Bengals.

Don’t Shed Much

Both have a lot to offer cat lovers, and they don’t shed much. However, both Bengal cats and Savannah cats require regular grooming to maintain their coats, but Savannah cats may require more grooming due to their long coat. 

Both breeds come in various colors and patterns, making them perfect for anyone who wants an eye-catching pet but is okay with having one that doesn’t need as much attention as other house pets. 

Savannah cats and Bengals love hunting and scavenging, so if you live in an apartment or city with lots of movement (like New York City), these feline friends would be great additions to your household!

Love Interactions

Bengal cats and Savannahs are pretty communicative and love interacting with people. Bengal and Savannah cats are known for their energetic and playful personality, but Savannah cats are more social and outgoing, while Bengal cats may be more reserved and independent.

In addition, these cats also have a lot of playfulness in them – so be sure to provide plenty of toys for them to play with! 

The Differences Between Bengal and Savannah Cats

A few key differences between Bengals and Savannah cats must be considered when deciding which cat is the right fit for your family. While Bengals may be better choices for people who want a “tougher” pet that can handle more activity, Savannah cats are great for people who want a cat that is easy to care for.  

Size

Bengals are leaner cats with softer coats. They typically weigh 8 to 15 pounds, while Savannah cats can weigh up to 25 pounds. Their ears and heads are smaller than those of a Savannah cat.

Wildness

Bengals are wilder than Savannah cats, which is reflected in their behavior. Both cats can be kept as indoor pets, but Savannah cats are more suitable as house pets because they’re not as active as Bengals and are not as challenging to potty train as some cats. 

Different Coloring and Markings

If you’re looking for a cat that looks like a wild one, go for a Bengal cat! These adorable cats have different coloring and markings than domesticated Savannah cats. For instance, Bengals tend to have more stripes down their back.

Bengal cats have a distinctive coat pattern, a marbled or spotted pattern similar to a wildcat. On the other hand, Savannah cats have a more sleek and streamlined appearance, with long legs and a slim build.

Cost

The cost of a Savannah cat or a Bengal cat can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the age and quality of the cat, its pedigree and bloodline, and the breeder’s location.

Savannah cats are relatively new and rare, often more expensive than other domestic cat breeds. Prices for Savannah cats can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the cat’s generation, size, and quality.

Relatively, Bengal cats are expensive breeds, but they are generally less expensive than Savannah cats. Prices for Bengal cats can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the cat’s age, pedigree, and quality.

It is essential to carefully research the breeder and the cat before making a purchase, as many unscrupulous individuals may try to sell unhealthy or poorly bred cats at inflated prices. It is also a good idea to ask for references and visit the breeding facility to ensure that the cats are raised in a healthy and humane environment.

Health 

Regarding these breeds’ health, you should note one significant difference: Bengals are prone to developing a blood disorder called polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is a severe condition that causes the kidneys to become cyst-like and can often result in chronic kidney failure. You can take steps to screen for PKD at an early stage and prevent it from becoming a problem. 

Other than that, Bengal and Savannah cats share many common health concerns, such as obesity and allergies.