Understanding your cats vocabulary

Building a strong relationship with your cat starts with understanding what they are saying.  We are Registered Bengals and we raise TICA registered Bengal Kittens.  We usually have a house full of Kittens and adults so understanding their needs is a very important part of what we do.

No one wants a mad or frustrated kitty in their home and especially not a Bengal.
Bengals are super intelligent and almost expect us to understand what they are asking for.  Below is a list of many Bengal verbal and non verbal requests or comments.

This is Bengal to human communication, They speak a completely different language between themselves.

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• A short grunt or meow - Many times Bengals greet people and announce that they have arrived with a short sound.​
• A medium meow - is also uusually a demand for something, Attention, food, play, etc.
• Purring- Your cat is very happy about what you are doing or to see you.  Time for someplay or petting to bond.
• A loud low grunt or meow - Sometimes a request or demand to be fed.
• Lots of meowing - This is a greeting if you have been away for a while, it generally means that your cat is very happy to see you.
• A long meow - This is usually a demand for attention, play or something else that in your cats opinion you really should know.
• A growl or meow - This is a complaint and or a warning that your cat is definitely not happy about the situation.  Time to de-escalate the situation.
• Chirping - I see a fly or bird that I really want. Let's be friends, Wink...

Watch your cats tail to as in conjunction with your cats vocalizations it is telling you a lot!

• Tail up but not completely straight - Friendly greeting,
• Tail straight up and shaking a little - I am very, very happy to see you, I love you!
• Tail held straight up - I am very happy to see you!
• ​Tail almost straight back behind cat - I see something interesting.
• Tail down and covering rear - I am worried about this situation.
• End of tails swishing back and forth - I'm irritated or upset. Stop what you are doing.
• Tail to the side and rear up, I am in heat... Time to Spay  me...
• Tail down, back and puffed up - I am very scared.
• Tail up and puffed - I am very scared and mad, Time to get out of the way.

Andy & Lyubov
Registered Bengals / Bengaltime Cattery
Kalama, Washington