Is a Bengal kitten right for you?

Are you aware of and up to the responsibilities of being a Bengal owner?
Bengal cats are becoming more and more popular among cat fanciers and for good reason.  Bengals offer the best characteristics of cats with a few dog traits thrown in.  

The Bengal is one of the most exotic breeds of cat that you will ever come across. The uniqueness of their breed lies within their blended bloodlines giving you an animal like no other. The Bengal cat is a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat. The blend of these two bloodlines created a mix that is hard to match in any other breed of cat.

Are you ready to bring a high energy kitten into your home?

• This cat will be part of your family for 15-20 years.  There is a lot of work and commitment involved.  
• Litter boxes, trimming nails, vomit, hair balls, diarrhea, visits to the veterinarian.  It’s not all fun and games.

Bengal Cat Traits:
Size:
The average size of Adult Bengals is about the same as most other cat breeds with adult males weighing slightly more than adult females.  In general an adult Bengal will weigh between 10 and 14 pounds.

Life Span:
When fed properly and kept up to date with vet checks and activity levels, you can expect your Bengal cat to live a long and happy life of 15 to 18 years or more. 

Shedding / Hypoallergenic:
Because they have a more dense Pelt versus a normal cats fur the bengal cat sheds very little in comparison to other cat breeds.  In addition Bengals are one of just a few cat breeds that are Hypoallergenic.  Meaning they are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to cats.

Coat Colors and Patterns:
Bengals come in a variety of coat colors and patterns and you can find an excellent resource at this link on most of them.  In general the most popular color is the brown Rosetted.  Bengals come in shades of brown, silver, charcoal and a few colors in between with a few different patterns. Everyone has their own favorite look but in general the wild tiger look is what draws people to this breed.

Bengal Health:
Like a domestic cat, Bengals have health issues and some genetic issues that you should be aware of.  There is a detailed list of these issues at this link,  Reputable breeders will screen for these issues in their breeding program to insure that you get a healthy, happy, well socialized companion that will live a long and healthy life.  

To promote the Bengals health, we must provide him or her with an optimal environment for their development. Whether they are a pet or a breeder in a breeding program, all Bengals have the same needs:

• A good diet
• A clean and stimulating environment
• Access to sunlight
• Time to move around and play
• Good contact with humans
• Minimized sources of stress

Cost:

• The price of purchasing a Pure-Bred Bengal kitten is just the beginning.  Food, litter, toys, treats,  Possibly an Exercise Wheel, Veterinarian visits, Supplements and Pet insurance are just some of the things you have to be prepared to pay for. 

Outdoor or Indoor Cat?

• An indoor cat can live 15-20 years while an outdoor cat live on average 1/2 that long.
• Outdoor cats catch many more diseases (FeLV and FIV being common).
• Outdoor cats can get into fights, hit by cars or killed when they drink poison like antifreeze.
• Pure-bred cats can easily be stolen – Your expensive exotic cat could easily end up as someone else’s exotic cat.
• If you really want your cat to go outdoors, we recommend you build a secure outdoor enclosure or walk them on a harness and leash.

Taking walks outside on a harness is excellent stimulation as well as exercise. Starting young with a well fit harness goes a long way to enhance your fun and relationship with your Bengal cat. 
It does take a little work to get them used to the harness but it's worth the effort.  Be aware though that once your Bengal has been outside with you, they will want to be outside all if the time.  SO don't take them out if you don't plan to do it often... See Should your Bengal be allowed outside?

What will you feed your cat?

• Dry food has been long suspected to cause urinary tract issues and diabetes.  This poor diet leads to dehydrated cats.
• We want to see our cats live long, happy and healthy lives and diet is a big part of this.
• Follow this link to a comprehensive review of why all cats and especially Bengals should be fed at least a partial Raw diet.

Does the Bengal breed fit your lifestyle?

• Purebred cats tend to have personality traits that are inherent in the breed.
• Bengals are active, human loving cats.  Their way of bonding is through play.
• They want attention and are very energetic and need plenty of exercise.
• They are not lap cats and don’t sit quietly on the sofa arm all evening.  If you want a placid cat, a Bengal is not for you.  That isn’t to say a Bengal won’t sit in your lap; just don’t expect them to sit all night!
• If you plan to leave a single Bengal alone for long periods it’s going to make for a sad, problematic cat.
• ​We highly recommend that you consider buying Two kittens at the same time, if you do not have an active family or other young pets that can play with your new Bengal.  Please see this article on this subject.

Bengal Cat Personality:

Because of their recent connections to the Asian Leopard Cat, Bengals have personalities that are different from most cat breeds and some people say Bengals are more like a dog than a cat.  Bengals seem to be more easily trained and many prefer the company of humans as would a dog.  

Bengals are lively, intelligent and interactive cats.  They, typically, don’t ignore you nor are they dull cats.  They will be an active part of your family.  They are outstanding athletes: running, climbing and jumping to huge heights.  They’ve been known to play fetch and can be trained.  Most Bengals love attention too and will frequently nuzzle your face, flip on their backs and crave affection.  Don’t be surprised to see your Bengal jump on the bed and kneed the covers with their paws and sleep with you until morning.

Bengals are not wild animals.  Unless you specifically buy an early generation Bengal, then your Bengal will be many generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat and they have been domesticated with lots of skill and work from dedicated Bengal breeders.  They will be no more aggressive or wild than any other domestic cat.

When properly socialized Bengals will get along with other house pets and can be part of a multi pet household. The key is in the introductions to others as a kitten, this is one of the BIG reasons that it is important to find Bengal kitten breeders that spend the time with their kittens to socialize them.

Bengals and Children:
Just as in humans, every Bengal is different but in general Bengals are good with other members of the family and children.  This again goes back to how the breeder socialized the kittens.  If the breeder says the kittens are shy, it is a sure sign that they have not spent enough time interacting with them.  If possible visit the breeder and spend time with the kitten before you buy one.  Pick the one that seems to be the least shy and wants your company or wants to play.

Ease of training:
Unlike other cat breeds, Bengals are able and willing in most cases to be trained and are willing to accept commands from their owners. Bengals can be trained to walk on a leash which is VERY rare in the cat world. Prepare for a few strange looks... Because of the popularity of Bengal cats you should NEVER allow your Bengal to go outside without you.  It is likely to end up as someone else's pet.  Most Registered Bengal Breeders will have a microchip implanted in the kitten.  It is about the size of a grain of rice and can easily be scanned by vets during visits or by animal control if they were to find your cat so that it can be returned to the proper owner

Biting:
Bengals do not bite any more or less than any other cat breed and in general will only bite if they are in danger.  Playful nips during play are common and rarely do any harm.

Vocalization:
Bengals tend to speak more than many other cat breeds and will let you know if they need or want something.

Intelligence:
Bengal cats are one of the most intelligent of the cat breeds, Knowing this it is easy to understand why they are more vocal than most other breeds.  If they are vocalizing they are in many cases trying to communicate with you or let you know they are displeased about something

Affection:
Bengal cats love to cuddle and will show their owners affection. They will bond with their owners and show lots of love. BUT if you try to force a bengal to cuddle you are likely to get a hiss or even possibly a scratch. You can't force love... Every Bengal will be different in the amount of handling and cuddling that they want and need.

Kids:
Great!  Bengals love kids and enjoy their high levels of energy.  All of our Bengals have been socialized with some very energetic, grabby and loud children so they will be familiar with most behaviours that children do. Just remember that children need to be coached on how to approach a kitten and how to be gentle.

Dogs:
Great!  With all other pets make sure that they are gradually introduced and have an opportunity to get familiar with each other’s scents before they physically meet.  Bengals can actually bond with dogs and become great friends.

Water play: 
Some Bengals especially love to get in the shower or play in the tub. A fountain with running water such as commercially available cat drinking fountains can provide a lot of fun for your Bengal . Sometimes they may take a toy and drop it in the water as if to see if it is playing dead. Or they may take a paw and dig beside the fountain as though they are digging up water…
It's all lots of fun to watch!  You wouldn’t believe that a cat could like water so much.  Most Bengals love to splash and play with water.  Running water from a sink or a fountain is a blast to play with.  Watch your toilet (especially if you use cleaning agents like bleach) and running hot water.  It’s rare, but some Bengals have also been known to swim or to shower with their owners!

Summary:
When purchased from the right breeder and properly socialized as kittens, Bengals make excellent pets and companions.  The key is finding the right breeder.  Shop carefully and use the checklist provided at this link as a guide in making your decision. (Breeder Checklist).

For more Bengal related content and information or to find your purrfect Bengal kitten or Bengal Related Products, visit us at RegisteredBengals.com

See also, Things you should know before getting a Bengal.

"If it's not a Bengal, It's just a cat"
If you have one, You know it's true...

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