Bengal vs. Savannah Cat (Differences, Similarities & Best)
Most similar in appearance to the African leopard, the Bengal is a domestic cat breed developed to look like exotic wildcats. The Savannah is a domestic cat breed created by crossing the African serval with a domestic cat.
Developed in the 1980s and 1990s, they are the largest of the domesticated cats. Bengals have large rosettes or spots, while Savannahs have small dots and horizontal lines that create a geometric pattern.
The Savannah is the result of a cross between the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat, and a domestic cat. The Savannah is taller than the Bengal with long legs, big ears, and can weigh up to 25 pounds.
Keep read on to know in depth difference between Bengal and Savannah Cat.
All about Bengal Cat
Bread info
| Height | 14-16 inches |
| Weight | 10-15 pounds |
| Coat | Short and dense with rosettes or spots |
| Temperament | Active, playful, curious, and intelligent |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Family-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-friendly | Yes |
The Bengal cat is a lovely creature with a reputation for being both independent and intelligent. Bengals are also known for being very active, and they love to play.
If you’re looking for a cat who will keep you entertained, a Bengal may be the perfect fit. Originally developed by crossing domestic shorthairs with Asian leopard cats, Bengal cats have several unique physical characteristics.
They are relatively large cats, with males typically weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. Females are usually smaller, weighing between 8 and 10 pounds.
Bengals also have very distinctive markings, which can include spots, rosettes, or marbling. Plus, their fur is typically shorter and sleeker than that of other domestic cat breeds.
If you’re interested in adding a Bengal cat to your family, be sure to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with healthy, well- socialized kittens.
All about Savannah Cat
Bread info
| Height | 17-19 inches |
| Weight | 15-25 pounds |
| Coat | Short and dense with spots or horizontal lines |
| Temperament | Paired, curious, and intelligent |
| Lifespan | 12-20 years |
| Family-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-friendly | Yes |
The Savannah is a domestic cat breed that descends from the African Serval. They are tall and lean, with long legs, large ears, and a spotted or marbled coat.
Most Savannahs are the result of breeding a Domestic cat with a Serval, but there are also a few foundation Savannahs who descend only from other Savannahs.
These cats range in size from small (about 10 pounds) to large (25 pounds or more), with males generally being larger than females. They are intelligent, active, and playful, and make wonderful companions for families with children and other pets.
Savannah cats require considerably more exercise than the average domestic cat, so owners need to be prepared to provide them with opportunities to run and jump.
A large portion of the day should be devoted to playtime, and a securely fenced yard is essential for a safe outdoor experience. For all of these reasons, the Savannah cat is not an appropriate pet for everyone.
But for those who are willing to provide them with the time, attention, and enrichment they need, they can make wonderful lifelong companions.
Bengal vs. Savannah Cat: Similarities
Bengal and Savannah cats are two of the most popular cat breeds on the market today. They both have a wild look that is sure to turn heads, but they are actually quite different in a number of ways.
However, there are also some surprising similarities between these two breeds. Read on to know to find out similarities between Bengal and Savannah cat.
1. Activity (Both Are Active Cats)
Both Bengal and Savannah cats are very active. They love to play and run around, and they need a lot of space to do so. If you’re looking for a couch potato cat, neither of these breeds is likely to be a good fit.
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Bengals are “one of the most active breeds of cats.” They love to explore and are always up for a game.
Savannahs are also very active cats. In fact, they are known to be some of the most active domestic cats in existence. They need a lot of space to run and jump, and they love to play.
2. Low Shaded Coat (They Both Have a Short, Sleek Coat)
Bengal and Savannah cats both have short, sleek coats. The Bengal’s coat is typically shorter and smoother than the Savannah’s, but both breeds have fur that lies close to the body.
This low-maintenance coat is one of the reasons these breeds are so popular. You won’t have to spend hours brushing them, and they don’t require regular baths.
3. Ears (They Both Have Large Ears)
Another similarity between Bengal and Savannah cats is their ears. Both breeds have large, pointed ears that stand erect on the top of their head.
This feature gives them a wild look, and it also helps them hear better than other cats. Their large ears are also one of the reasons they need so much space – they need room to move their ears around to pick up sounds.
4. Eyes (They Both Have Large, Expressive Eyes)
Bengal and Savannah cats both have large, expressive eyes. This is one of the features that makes them so captivating. Their eyes are usually green or gold, and they are set wide apart on their head.
5. Personality (They Are Both Outgoing and Affectionate)
Another similarity between Bengal and Savannah cats is their personality. They are both outgoing and affectionate, and they love to be around people.
They are also both intelligent and curious, and they like to explore their surroundings. If you’re looking for a lap cat, either of these breeds would be a good choice.
6. Very Vocal (They Both Love to Talk)
Bengal and Savannah cats are both very vocal. They love to meow, chirp, and chatter, and they will often carry on conversations with their owners.
If you’re looking for a quiet cat, neither of these breeds is likely to be a good fit. But if you enjoy the sound of a cat’s voice, you’ll be charmed by their chatter.
7. Health Issues (They Are Both Prone to Some Health Problems)
Unfortunately, Bengal and Savannah cats are both prone to some health problems. They are both susceptible to genetic disorders, and they can also have problems with their bones and joints.
Before you adopt either of these breeds, be sure to do your research and talk to a veterinarian about the potential health problems they may face.
Bengal vs. Savannah Cat: Differences
When choosing a new cat, potential pet parents often wonder about the differences between Bengal and Savannah cats. Here’s a quick overview of the key points:
1. Temperament (Bengals Are More Independent)
Bengals are known for their independence, while Savannahs are known for their affection. Bengals are more likely to want to explore on their own, while Savannahs are more likely to want to be around people.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that Bengals are more independent than Savannahs. The study also found that Bengals are more likely to be aggressive towards other cats, while Savannahs are more likely to be friendly.
2. Size (Savannahs Are Usually Larger)
Savannahs are usually larger than Bengals. The average Savannah weighs 15-20 pounds, while the average Bengal weighs 8-15 pounds.
According to the Cat Fanciers Association, the largest recorded Savannah was a male who weighed 28 pounds. The largest recorded Bengal was a female who weighed 21 pounds.
3. Pattern (Bengals Have Spots, while Savannahs Have Stripes)
Bengals have distinct spots on their fur, while Savannahs have horizontal stripes. The pattern on a Bengal’s fur is similar to that of a leopard, while the pattern on a Savannah’s fur is similar to that of a tiger.
4. Tail (Savannahs Have Longer Tails)
Savannahs have longer tails than Bengals. The average Savannah has a tail that is about 20% of their body length, while the average Bengal has a tail that is about 10% of their body length.
Once I researched the difference in size, I realized that the longer tail on a Savannah is likely due to their larger size.
5. Price (Savannahs Are More Expensive)
Savannah cats are more expensive than Bengal cats. The average price for a Savannah kitten is $1000-$5000, while the average price for a Bengal kitten is $500-$1500.The high cost of Savannah kittens is due to their rarity and the fact that they are still considered to be a new breed.
If you’re looking for a Bengal cat, you may be able to find one at a local shelter or rescue organization. However, Savannah cats are much less common, so it’s unlikely that you’ll find one up for adoption.
Health Problems Characteristic of Each Breed
As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to be aware of the health problems that may be associated with your cat’s breed. Bengal and Savannah cats are two popular breeds, and each has its own set of potential health concerns.
1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Savannahs are more likely to develop this condition than Bengals.
If your cat has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, their heart muscle will become thickened. This can make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood, and it can eventually lead to heart failure.
There is no cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but there are treatments that can help improve your cat’s quality of life. If you think your cat may have this condition, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.
2. Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition that causes cysts to form on the kidneys. These cysts can eventually lead to kidney failure.
3. Asthma
Asthma is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrowed. This can make it difficult for your cat to breathe and can eventually lead to respiratory failure.
4. Renal Amyloidosis
Renal amyloidosis is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Renal amyloidosis is a condition that causes an abnormal protein to build up in the kidneys. This protein can eventually damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. This can eventually lead to serious health problems, such as kidney failure, blindness, and even death.
6. Progressive Retinal Degeneration
Progressive retinal degeneration is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Progressive retinal degeneration is a condition that causes the retina to slowly deteriorate. This can eventually lead to blindness.
7. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. This can eventually lead to pain, lameness, and even arthritis.
8. Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Spinal muscular atrophy is a hereditary condition that causes the muscles to slowly deteriorate. This can eventually lead to paralysis.
9. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition that can be found in both Bengal and Savannah cats. However, studies have shown that Bengals are more likely to develop this condition than Savannahs.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that causes the heart muscle to thickens. This can eventually lead to heart failure.
Bengal vs. Savannah Cat: Which is Wilder?
The Bengal and Savannah are both beautiful, unique cats that have become increasingly popular in recent years. But which of these two breeds is closer to their wild ancestors? The answer may surprise you.
The Bengal is a hybrid of the domestic cat and the Asian leopard cat. Bengals were originally created for the express purpose of being kept as pets, and as such, they have been bred for generations to be friendly and docile.
However, Bengals still retain many of the physical traits of their wild ancestors, including large spots and a muscular build. They are also known for their high energy levels and love of play.
Savannahs, on the other hand, are a relatively new breed of cat. They are a cross between the domestic cat and the African serval, and as such, they closely resemble their wild cousins in both appearance and behavior.
Savannahs are typically larger than Bengals and have longer legs. They are also considerably more active, and are known for being very curious and playful. In fact, Savannahs typically require more exercise than other domestic cats, and they may not do well if left alone for long periods of time.
So which breed is wilder? That really depends on your definition of “wild.” If you’re looking for a cat that closely resembles its wild ancestors in appearance and behavior, then the Savannah is probably your best bet.
However, if you’re simply looking for a high-energy feline friend, then the Bengal may be a better choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide which breed is right for you is to meet some Bengals and Savannahs in person to see which one you connect with the most.
Which Cat Breed is A Better Pet?
Bengal and Savannah cats are two of the most popular breeds in the world of exotic pets. Both breeds are known for their striking color patterns, wild appearance, and loving personality.
So, which cat is the better pet? The answer may depend on your individual preferences, but here are a few things to consider.
If you’re looking for a cat that loves to play and has a lot of energy, a Bengal may be a good choice. If you prefer a more laid-back pet that enjoys lounging around the house, a Savannah might be a better option.
Bengals are also known for being very vocal, while Savannahs are generally more quiet. When it comes to training, Bengals can be taught to walk on a leash and even do tricks.
Savannahs, on the other hand, tend to be more independent and may not be as receptive to training. Ultimately, the best cat breed for you will be the one that best fits your lifestyle and personality.
Final Thoughts
I hope now you have a better understanding of the Bengal vs Savannah cats. As you can see, both breeds have their own unique set of features that make them special.
If you’re looking for a cat that closely resembles its wild ancestors, the Savannah is probably your best bet. If you prefer a more laid-back pet, the Bengal might be a better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which cat breed is right for you is to meet some Bengals and Savannahs in person to see which one you connect with the most. Thanks for reading!
