Cross Breeds

My bengal cats are used to a lot of room to run around but I need to move to an apartment. How will they cope?

I have 2 bengal cats who are used to running around a big house and going into the bush/forest. Should I leave them at my parents house or will they eventually cope being in an apartment? I am tending to lean towards leaving them at my parent's house.

Public Comments

1. they will do fine, it will take them a while to get use to it but it wont take them long to get use to it, maybe like 2 weeks
2. I'd give it a try. You can always send them back to the 'rents if it doesn't work out. Get cat climbers and "trees". Maybe put up shelves just for the cats. They can make use of over head space and most love to climb and perch up there.
3. They will adapt. I know a number of people who have done this. They will not like it at first, but you can make it easier on them by getting a higher floor apartment with a porch they can go out on (keep lots of flowers/plants out there to fake them out!). You can also buy a couple of the tall rug cat houses for them to run around and climb. You can also try to leash train them, but they may not accept that at their age.
4. They were not raised as indoor cats, rather let them keep their freedom at your parents' house. It's about what you see as more important, your wants or theirs. If you respect them, leave them to enjoy outdoors. Most people sadly only think about themselves, and to heck with the cat and what they enjoy. Reverse the situation, what would you want?
5. Bengals are known for being very attached to their people... that could be you or it could be your parents :) - only you know! If they are attached to you, I think it would be kinder to bring them along to your apartment. As other answers have suggested, maybe make/buy a few extra playthings for them to climb/go through//play on so they don't turn to destruction of your stuff in their efforts to be amused in the smaller space. With the two of them they should be able to keep eachother occupied and happy when you aren't home and will be sure to demand your attention when you are :)! If they are really miserable after several months (you need to give them time to adjust), you could take them back to your parents' place and just make the effort to visit them as much as you can. Good luck with the tough decision! With a smile, DreamQuestin
6. Your cats are your responsibility, not your parents. You need to give them to a good home with enough room to move around if you do not think you can keep them in an apartment.