Cross Breeds

What should I know about Bengal cats (dometicated)?

I received a Bengal kitten as a present. She's beautiful and lovable but unlike any cat I've had before. I meant "domesticated." I received a Bengal kitten as a present. She's beautiful and lovable but unlike any cat I've had before.

Public Comments

1. I've heard they are more active and climb. But I don't have first hand experience.
2. Hi there...Bengals are very vocal and always interested in everything their owners are doing. Many love water and a few will take showers with their owners. They certainly enjoy affection however only on their own terms as they rarely like being held or are lap cats. However, some are an exception to this rule. Bengals should never be declawed as it leads to overcompensation with vicious biting as well inappropriately soiling around the home. Something we have witnessed too frequently with the rescues we take in. Many enjoy the company of another kitty or dog as they don't like to be without attention too long, however again there are few who are exceptions to this rule. Bengals should never be allowed to roam freely outdoors as they are apt to be stolen and later sold sometimes for profit. However, they will take to leash training easily and it is the safest way to give them some of the outdoor enjoyment. Many Bengals require a healthier diet of closer to raw as many suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)--loose stools syndrome. Royal Canin 27 is generally what Bengal breeders use to feed their cats since this is highly endorsed with The Int'l Cat Assoc (TICA). There are premium brands such as Innova EVO or Nature's Variety Prairie that help easy the problem with IBS. Any of the cat foods that contains the ingredient corn, corn meal causes severe bowel distresses so it's best to choose cat food products that steer clear of these ingredients. To learn more about Bengals consider joining the Bengal Chat forum: http://www.chat24.oli.us/hdw/yabb/YaBB.cgi or http://www.bengalcatforums.com/forums/ Both are very wonderful places to go to ask questions to learn more about the Bengal cat's behaviour and typical physical concerns. Also consider reading the Bengal Cat Website to learn more details about the breed: http://www.tibcs.com/main.aspx As a rescuer we always let new Bengal families know if in event there's a time in the future you are unable to keep your bengal perhaps to allergies, medical illness in the family or moving overseas, etc all responsible Bengal breeders WILL take their cats back (no questions asked) as it is their ethical agreement with TICA in the sale of the kittens. There are also Bengal rescuers located all over the world and we are also willing to help with rehoming if necessary. We try to keep Bengals from ending up in the shelters as many euthanize them quickly believing they are a wild cat and not safe as a pet, when in fact they are domesticated since they are four or more generations removed from their wild relative the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC).
3. Seattle has given you a pretty thorough answer, they are adorable cats and you are lucky to have been given such a wonderful gift. Try reading some of the breeders web pages, (try typing in Bramblewood Bengals into Google) and reading their information