As cat lovers increase in number, their creativity also increases. Each one wants a unique and interesting kitten.
So they are willing to be as innovative as possible.
One of the ways to put your innovative skills into action is through a Maine Coon and Bengal mix.
Carried out with caution and ethics, such a crossbreed is a great idea. T
hough kitten breeds differ in appearance and personality, they are similar genetically.
So, you can mate different breeds to get unique ones. In this case, we’ll focus on a mate between a Bengal and a Maine Coon.
Looking at both Bengal and Maine Coon cats, you’ll note that their size is the same.
Therefore, mating the two is safe – so that should not be a concern.
The idea came after several scientific researchers who wanted to see how the mix would go.
The result of the cross shows some traits from the two breeds. These traits are both mental and physical.
However, we are not certain what traits each braid would inherit. As in, a Bengal and Main Coon mix could have equal traits from each breed.
Alternatively, the mix could look 80% Maine Coon but have Bengal-ish behavior (and vice versa).
Simply put; you can’t really predict what characteristics your cross will have.
Nonetheless, it’s always advisable to get all the information necessary about the mixed breed before doing one.
Just as we have mentioned earlier on, we have no guarantee of what traits your mix will have from each breed.
But one thing for sure, the look of your Maine Coon Bengal mix will be a combination of Maine Coon and Bengal.
Chances are your cross will exhibit more Maine Coon traits than Bengal, or vice versa. In such a case, then, your kitten will be a little bulky, with a big tail and fluffy ears.
On the other hand, if your cat bears more likeliness to its Bengal parent, then it will have a long and broad face, muscular, long, and slim body. Similarly, its ears will be point forwards and small.
An adult male Maine Coon can weigh as high as 20lbs, whilst a mature Bengal can tip the scale at 15lbs.
As you can see the two breeds are really large in size.
Therefore, your kitten will certainly have a bigger body than that of an average cat.
Just as any other animal cross, we are not certain about the characters of a mix between Main Coon and Bengal.
Your mix could have more characters from one breed than the other.
Let’s see some characters that your kitten will have if it demonstrates more Maine Coon traits than Bengal.
For one, Maine Coon kittens are large – just as Bengal ones.
The fur is medium to long and very thick. As for the ears, they look like “lynx” and covered with fur – to keep them warm. The ears look intelligent and large – though a bit rounded.
All these physical traits combined will produce a kitten with an amazing personality. Maine Coon cats are outgoing and super friendly.
Mostly, they would not hesitate to relax on your laps. The really do their best to retain a great relationship.
On the other hand, if your cross shows more Bengal traits, then it will have personalities such as:
Perhaps Bengals are the most intelligent kittens you’ll ever come across. Due to this high intelligence alongside their wild origins, Bengal cats have strange behaviors.
One thing is that they adore the water. Nearly each Bengal will have some degree of obsession with water.
If you have this breed at home, you’ll note that the cat dips its paw into the bowl when drinking water. Other cats don’t do that. Instead, they drink straight from the bowl.
In addition to their intelligence, Bengals are excellent in hunting.
They got the experience from their wild origins. Maybe you are wondering how you can curb them from such a tendency.
Well, you can expose your Bengal cat to tiny animals – do so severally.
Bengals are territorial – at times they can be nasty. Therefore, it is advisable to have these cats in pairs. Otherwise, introducing a Bengal to other breeds is challenging. They don’t like lots of environmental changes either.
However, Bengals are affectionate – if treated the right way. Though at like dogs, they love people. They like to play games and follow their owners.
They are good at learning basic commands such as “stay” or “sit.”
For this reason, you should be careful with the Bengals as they can learn even the bad behaviors from humans.
Remember that these are animals – so they don’t know the good and bad behavior.
Since this is a mix between two breeds, your cat might have health issues related to each.
Let’s see what health issues each breed might face.
1. Health issues with Maine Coon
• Hip Dysplasia – these are joint issues that affect big cats
• Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – nearly 34 percent of Maine Coons tend to have the mutant gene that leads to HCM.
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy – this is a health issue that weakens the muscles of a Maine Coon cat
• Polycystic Kidney Disease – though not popular, these cysts can at times affect cats
2. Bengal health issues
• Hip Dysplasia – when hip joints are malformed, walking is a challenge due to pain
• Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency – this is a type of anemia
• Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy – a type of heart illness that affects some kittens
• Patellar Luxation – same as Hip Dysplasia but this one affects knee joints. It leads to dislocation and pain
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy – An eye disorder that a cat might inherit from their parents. It can cause blindness.
As you can see, Hip Dysplasia and HCM are health issues that affect the two breeds.
So, there are high chances that a cross between Bengal and Coon will suffer from them.
Luckily, you can screen a cat before breeding to fight this faulty gene that causes HCM.
You don’t have to get a special breeder. Instead, seek information from the breeder whether the parents went through screening.
Have them give you the certificate and see the findings.
Above all, both parents should have hip screens before breeding.
As we conclude, you might be interested in knowing about how much a Maine Coon Bengal cross would cost.
Well, since it’s a mix, don’t expect to pick it up at a cheap price.
However, prices vary and are negotiable or flexible depending on location and the seller.
Nonetheless, expect to spend around 200 to 500 dollars more for this cross cat.
Meanwhile, if you’d like to learn more about the Maine Coon, please CLICK HERE
Here’s a cute video to show you what Maine coon Bengal mixes are like;
Here’s some tips for you should you like to know more;
I have a mainecoon cross bengal kitten which is really more bengal in appearance . She is very playful . 12 weeks old . I wasnt looking for a cross breed kitten . I found this link very helpful.
Hey Sharon
Where did you find yours? And how are they doing? I’d love this mix 🙂
My son and partner bought it from a farm near Telford . She is so adorable but getting big now . She is 3 times her size and shes 7 months old .
Hey Sharon, where in Telford did they get the mix? I just missed out on one in Montreal. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Luci
Sorry to but in but I have a litter of Maine coon x Bengals due in about 7 weeks if you are intrested I will be happy to talk to you in private.
Hi Luci
I’m not sure if I did the reply right but I have a litter due in a few weeks my girl is full breed M/C and the dad is full breed Bengal I’m happy to talk with you if your interest.
Regards Julie
I have 2 cross maine coon and snow bengall who are brother and sister. They are so adorable and i have a very strong bond with them they follow me everywhere . Yes including the toilet. Even putting my make up on they are there in the bathroom. They let me know when they want something and will pat me on the cheek. They are very affectionate and both will sit on my knee together. One on my legs and one on my chest. They are only 9 months old but look like fully grown cats. They look like they are going to be very big.
I’ve owned a Bengal Maine coon for nearly 20 years!! This June 21 she’s 20 and still going strong! Best cat ever! Awesome hunter and protector and no fear at all ….almost a guard cat
How much for a kitten?? 6187030092
A friend of mine passed in an accident and he had a black cat with orange red spots (beautiful), her kittens and grand kittens (yes they expanded) look as if they may be a Maine Coon Bengal alley cat cross. Is there any way to send you pics to see what you think?
Hello. Loved your article. I have two Maine X Bengals kittens; one of each sex. My boy is large, long tailed, more Bengal, with a magnificent profile (he’s so handsome), very muscular and a silky coat with stripes. He’s a bit OCD about his litter tray though. My girls more Maine to look at with tufty and a pure white bib/paws tips. She’s half the size of her brother, at present, and is the feisty one. She’s not a lap cat at all, doesn’t like to be handled. Where he loves to be with us, on our laps or behind us on the sofa cushion backs. Both adore water, are intelligent and like being high up (my lounge curtains didn’t fair well, and are gone, replaced with wooden shutters, ha-ha). Love them both.
I have a Maine Coon/Bengal Mix. She’s 16 weeks now & started to grow large. She has Bengal markings, her “cheetah” spots are starting to come in more and more. She’s got a calico look as well. Very lovable cat, constantly wants to lay on my chest & lick me as well as purring. Very attached. Thank you for sharing information.