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For Breeders
Bengal cats are known for their wild, exotic appearances, but this doesn’t mean they don’t make a fabulous domestic companion. The highly desired cat breed has both domestic and Asian leopard cat descendants, combining the intelligence and activeness of a wild cat with the affection and friendliness of a pet kitty.
So, if the stunning Bengal breed with its spectacular marbled coat and athletic figure intrigues you, read on. Here we will discuss the personality and temperament of a Bengal Cat and what to expect from this feline if bringing one into your home.
Are Bengal Cats Dangerous?
As descendants of wild leopards, people often worry that Bengal cats are dangerous. However, Bengal cats as a breed are not feral. As long as they are socialised and cared for properly, for example, bred by a licensed and responsible breeder, Bengals are no more dangerous than any other domestic cat.
Another common concern is that because Bengals have such high energy, they can be aggressive. However, this is another myth as Bengals are not more or less prone to behaviour problems or aggression than other domestic cat breeds. In short, their wildness stops at their appearance.
What are the specific temperaments of a Bengal cat?
Let’s take a brief look at the personality of the Bengal Cat before we dive into some of them in more detail.
- Energetic and highly active
- Confident and bold
- Great jumpers and climbers
- Playful and curious
- Talkative
- Affectionate
- Sociable
- Attention seeking
- Intelligent
- Easy to train
- Water lovers (both drinking and playing in)
Are Bengals really high maintenance?
Indeed, Bengal cats aren’t for everyone. They have very high energy levels and require lots of play and stimulation for their well-being. If caring for a Bengal cat, you’ll need to provide plenty of ways for him to exercise.
What’s equally important is that Bengal owners have enough time to play with them. Bengals are not low-maintenance cats and need interactive play with their owners. Because of this. Bengals do good in households where there are children or lots as people who frequently interact with them. Bengals are incredibly entertaining to play with and can bring much fun and laughter into a family home.
Should Bengals be indoor or outdoor cats?
For their well-being, they do best outside, where they can freely release their energy. However, as Bengals are an exotic, sought-after breed, many Bengal owners opt to keep them as indoor-only cats to prevent theft.
If a Bengal cat is kept indoors, it must have designated shelving for climbing, tall cat trees, and plenty of toys. A large outdoor enclosure is preferable, but indoor space is sufficient, providing there is enough space for them to run around.
How affectionate are Bengals?
Bengals are far too active to sit on your lap as you watch your favourite TV show. Therefore, if you’re looking for a relaxed cat to laze around and snuggle with you, a Bengal may not be the best option.
However, despite not being the cuddliest kitties, Bengals are still very loving towards their owners. Like other active cat breeds, such as Abyssinians, Bengals show affection by following their owners around. They are social and curious kitties that like to be involved in everything you do and feel like they are part of the family.
Bengals prefer being on their feet than carried around, but their tolerance to being held varies from cat to cat. However, Bengals enjoy being petted, especially when in a relaxed or sleepy mood.
Are Bengal cats loud?
It’s no secret that Bengals are very vocal cats, and one way they will show their love is with their meow. Bengals love to chat with their owners using a range of different tones and sounds and love it when their owners talk back to them. Moreover, ignoring your Bengal cat’s vocalisations will not make them stop. Instead, they will probably just meow louder until they receive the attention they are craving!
Can Bengals be left alone?
Being such a friendly and people-person breed, Bengals don’t like to be left alone for too long. In fact, they should never be left alone for longer than 24 hours. This is something to think about if you are considering getting a Bengal, as this cat breed will thrive in a home where someone is often there.
You might also choose to get two Bengal kittens together so they can keep each other company while you are out. Bengals tend to do better in pairs, so this is a good option if you worry that you cannot meet your Bengal’s social needs on your own.
How smart are Bengal cats?
Bengals are extremely smart and have an excellent memory, making them an effortless breed to train and teach tricks to. In fact, most Bengals can quickly learn basic dog-like commands, such as ‘sit’, ‘lay’ and ‘high five’. Furthermore, Bengals can be taught to walk on a leash.
Combining their activeness with their intelligence, Bengals make excellent climbers and jumpers. They have impressive jumping skills, leaping as high as three times their height. Their climbing abilities are just as notable, too, as they will climb and hide in the most unthinkable places.
Because Bengals are so intelligent, they can be sensitive to their owner’s moods, picking up on subtle signs of anger and sadness. They show an ability to recognise gestures and expressions in humans and adapt their behaviour to it.
What are Bengals like with other animals?
If introduced from an early age, Bengals do great with other family cats and dogs. Early socialisation and exposure to other animals is vital with this breed. If they are introduced to another pet while young, they will be more accepting of new animals in the future. However, it will likely be difficult to introduce an older Bengal to a new pet if they have never had an animal companion before.
Final Thoughts
Bengals are not the most low-maintenance breed out there and do require some time and energy. However, if you’re up for the challenge, your wild-looking kitty will repay you with a lifetime of love and devotion.
