Bengal vs British Shorthair Vet Costs
Bengal owners spend $430-$1,100/yr at the vet. British Shorthair: $420-$1,100/yr. That's a $5/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Bengal
$6,800-$16,500
lifetime vet costs (14 yrs)
moderate health risk
Lifetime Gap
$500
Bengal costs less
British Shorthair
$6,800-$17,500
lifetime vet costs (15 yrs)
moderate health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Bengal | British Shorthair | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $765/yr | $760/yr | British Shorthair |
| Annual Range | $430-$1,100 | $420-$1,100 | - |
| Preventive Care | $310/yr | $310/yr | Bengal |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $470/yr | $450/yr | British Shorthair |
| Pet Insurance | $32-$68/mo | $32-$68/mo | British Shorthair |
| Spay/Neuter | $175-$420 | $175-$420 | Bengal |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $6,800-$16,500 | $6,800-$17,500 | Bengal |
Bengal Health Risks
moderate risk · medium, 8-15 lbs · 14-year lifespan · 2-3 visits/year average
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b) (8-12%) $150-$500
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (10-15%) $500-$5,000
- Tritrichomonas foetus (10-20%) $100-$500
- Flat-chested kitten syndrome (1-5%) $200-$1,000
British Shorthair Health Risks
moderate risk · medium, 7-17 lbs · 15-year lifespan · 1-2 visits/year average
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (15-20%) $500-$5,000
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD1) (5-8%) $500-$5,000
- Obesity (40-50%) $100-$500
Breed-Specific Procedures
Bengal
- PRA-b DNA test $50-$100
- Cardiac ultrasound $250-$500
- Fecal PCR test $80-$200
- Wellness exam + vaccines $120-$270
British Shorthair
- Cardiac ultrasound (HCM screening) $250-$500
- PKD DNA test $50-$100
- Dental cleaning $300-$700
- Wellness exam + vaccines $120-$270
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Bengal
$32-$68/mo ($384-$816/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
British Shorthair
$32-$68/mo ($384-$816/yr)
moderate risk. Worth it if you get coverage before age 2, when premiums are lowest.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.