7 Shocking Facts About The Cashmere Bengal Cat: 2025 Price Guide & Low-Shedding Secret

Contents
The Cashmere Bengal cat is one of the most luxurious and least understood feline breeds in the exotic pet world today. Often mistaken for a completely different breed or simply a "fluffy" Bengal, this long-haired variant is, in fact, a 100% purebred Bengal that carries a recessive gene responsible for its incredibly soft, semi-long coat, which feels like the finest cashmere wool. As of the current date in late 2025, the demand for these rare, velvet-coated companions is soaring, driving prices to the higher end of the Bengal spectrum, making them a true status symbol among cat aficionados. The key distinction of the Cashmere lies in its coat—a feature that surprisingly simplifies its care and dispels the myth that all long-haired cats are high-maintenance. Prospective owners searching for a "Cashmere Bengal cat for sale" in 2025 need to understand that they are acquiring a cat with the same wild, energetic personality of a standard Bengal, but wrapped in a coat that is surprisingly low-shedding and requires minimal upkeep. This unique combination of exotic looks, a playful temperament, and easy care is why the Cashmere is rapidly gaining recognition and value across the globe.

The Cashmere Bengal Profile: A Luxurious Overview

The Cashmere Bengal, also known as the Long-Haired Bengal, is genetically identical to its short-haired counterpart, the Bengal cat, with the exception of one recessive gene. This gene is the sole reason for its magnificent, silky coat. First appearing in litters of standard Bengals, the Cashmere was initially overlooked but has since gained significant recognition and respect. Here is a complete profile of the Cashmere Bengal:
  • Origin: United States (Same as the short-haired Bengal, developed from crossing the domestic cat with the Asian Leopard Cat).
  • Coat Type: Semi-Longhair (Medium to Long).
  • Coat Texture: Incredibly soft, silky, and luxurious, often compared to cashmere or mink.
  • Coat Pattern: Must exhibit the same vivid, high-contrast patterns as a standard Bengal (spotted or marbled).
  • TICA Status: Recognized for Championship competition by The International Cat Association (TICA) since May 2017.
  • Size: Medium to Large; Males typically 10-15 lbs, Females 8-12 lbs.
  • Temperament: Highly intelligent, active, curious, affectionate, playful, and devoted. They are known to enjoy water and can be leash-trained.
  • Grooming Needs: Surprisingly low-maintenance, often requiring less brushing than other long-haired breeds.
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15+ years.

The acceptance of the Cashmere Bengal by TICA in 2017 was a monumental step, solidifying its status not just as a variant, but as a legitimate and highly-valued member of the Bengal breed.

The Surprising Truth About Cashmere Bengal Grooming and Shedding

One of the most common misconceptions about the Cashmere Bengal is that its long, flowing coat requires daily, intense grooming. The reality is quite the opposite, and this low-maintenance secret is a major factor driving their popularity.

The Low-Shedding Secret of the Silky Coat

Unlike many long-haired breeds (such as Persians or Maine Coons) which have a thick, dense undercoat that mats and sheds heavily, the Cashmere Bengal’s coat is described as having a unique, silky texture. This texture, reminiscent of mink or fine cashmere, is the key to its surprisingly minimal shedding. * Reduced Matting: The fine, silky nature of the hair means it is less prone to trapping loose hair and forming painful mats. * Minimal Shedding: Many breeders and owners claim that the Cashmere Bengal sheds significantly less than other long-haired cats, and sometimes even less than the short-haired Bengal, making them an excellent choice for those sensitive to dander. * Easy Maintenance: For the most part, weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the coat in pristine condition. Only during the seasonal change in spring, when they shed their winter coat, might a daily comb-out be necessary.

This "wash-and-wear" coat, combined with the Bengal’s naturally clean habits, means the Cashmere is a stunning cat that doesn't demand hours of daily brushing. This is a huge relief for potential owners who love the luxurious look but dread the work.

Cashmere Bengal Personality: The Wild Heart Under the Soft Fur

Genetically, the Cashmere Bengal is a Bengal through and through. The long-hair gene does not affect the cat’s personality, meaning owners can expect the classic, dynamic Bengal temperament. The Cashmere is an extremely active and intelligent breed that requires significant mental and physical stimulation. They are not "lap cats" in the traditional sense, but they are incredibly affectionate and loyal companions who thrive on interaction. * Curiosity and Activity: They are mischievous and highly curious, often engaging in "trouble" if not provided with plenty of toys, puzzle feeders, and climbing opportunities. * Dog-Like Traits: Many Bengals can be trained to walk on a leash, play fetch, and learn complex tricks, showcasing their high intelligence. * Love of Water: A unique Bengal trait, the Cashmere is no exception and may enjoy playing with running water, splashing in their water bowl, or even joining you near the shower.

Prospective owners must be prepared for a highly interactive and demanding pet. The Cashmere Bengal is a family member who wants to be involved in everything you do.

2025 Price Guide: What to Expect When Buying a Cashmere Bengal Kitten

The price for a Cashmere Bengal kitten is influenced by the same factors that affect all purebred Bengals: bloodline, color, pattern quality (rosetting), and whether the kitten is being sold as a pet, a show cat, or for breeding. Given the rarity of the long-hair gene, Cashmere Bengals generally command a premium price.

The Current Price Range (Late 2025)

The general price range for a pet-quality Bengal kitten from a reputable breeder in 2025 is between $1,500 and $3,000 USD. The Cashmere Bengal, due to its specialized breeding and rarity, typically falls at the higher end of this range or slightly above:
  • Pet Quality Cashmere Kitten: $2,000 to $3,500+ USD.
  • Show Quality Cashmere Kitten: $3,500 to $5,000+ USD (These kittens possess near-perfect patterns and conformation to the breed standard).
  • Breeder Quality Cashmere Kitten: $4,000 to $7,000+ USD (These kittens are sold with breeding rights and often carry highly desirable genes).

It is important to note that the long-haired gene is recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene to produce a Cashmere kitten. This specialized breeding requirement contributes directly to the higher cost and limited availability.

Finding a Reputable Cashmere Bengal Breeder

The most important step in acquiring a Cashmere Bengal is finding a TICA-registered breeder who specializes in or is known for producing the long-haired variant. A reputable breeder will provide:
  1. Health Guarantees: Proof of health screenings for common Bengal issues like HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) and PK-Deficiency (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency).
  2. Registration Papers: TICA registration papers confirming the kitten's purebred status.
  3. Socialization: Kittens that are well-socialized, friendly, and comfortable with human interaction.
  4. Vaccination/Spay-Neuter: Up-to-date vaccinations and a contract requiring spaying or neutering for pet-quality kittens.

Never purchase a Cashmere Bengal kitten from a source that cannot provide verifiable TICA registration or health records. The initial cost is an investment in a healthy, well-adjusted companion that will be part of your family for many years.

Cashmere Bengal vs. Short-Haired Bengal: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between the two variants ultimately comes down to aesthetics, as their personalities are identical. * Short-Haired Bengal: Offers the classic, sleek, wild look with a coat often described as a "pelt." It has a signature "glitter" effect that catches the light. Grooming is minimal (once a week). * Cashmere Bengal: Provides a softer, more luxurious, and arguably more elegant appearance. The pattern is slightly diffused by the longer hair, giving it a unique, plush look. Grooming is still minimal, but the coat is longer.

For the owner who desires the exotic, playful nature of the Bengal but with the added touch of a rare, surprisingly low-maintenance long coat, the Cashmere Bengal is the perfect, luxurious choice for 2025.

7 Shocking Facts About the Cashmere Bengal Cat: 2025 Price Guide & Low-Shedding Secret
cashmere bengal cat for sale
cashmere bengal cat for sale

Detail Author:

  • Name : Reece Hoppe MD
  • Username : heidenreich.aiyana
  • Email : jovan51@frami.com
  • Birthdate : 1982-02-09
  • Address : 57747 Cronin Keys Hoytton, VT 29945
  • Phone : +16188870651
  • Company : Fay Group
  • Job : Painting Machine Operator
  • Bio : Eius aut est quod autem. Earum sint accusantium asperiores voluptates aliquid aperiam id. Voluptatibus accusantium blanditiis modi. Veniam non est et magnam omnis ad. Et et dolorem iste sit quaerat.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/yvonne_xx
  • username : yvonne_xx
  • bio : Minus ipsa id quod sit nihil. Qui cumque a est possimus vel et minima enim. Et dolores repellendus sed et fugiat qui.
  • followers : 6636
  • following : 1494

tiktok:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/yvonne_kirlin
  • username : yvonne_kirlin
  • bio : Consequatur earum quia voluptatem magnam qui. Et enim nam ex in ipsam consequuntur.
  • followers : 2307
  • following : 997