Cross Breeds

What kind of pets do bengal cats make?

Any current Bengal owners out there that can give some input as to temperament of this breed?

Public Comments

1. their just like any other cat? Cats have their own individual personality.
2. Grouchy ones.
3. They are energetic and athletic, if there is a high place they explore it (including places my tabby cats never would attempt, like on top of doors and walking on the shower curtain rod, opening cabinets to explore them) They are somewhat obsessed with water, mine rushes into a room when he hears water running and will tip cups over if left sitting out where he can get them. They are loud, a very vocal breed, mine sings a lot I believe its what caused his last owner to give him up. However hes a sweet cat, very friendly and loves attention, and hates being alone. (he breaks stuff sometimes too while climbing around, lol)
4. I wouldn't recommend them. They still are partially wild. I have not had any personal experience with them but I have been to the Wild Cat Sanctuary that is in Minnesota and they have many Bengals that have been surrendered because of their behavioral problems.
5. From my experience, they are more independent than the regular domestic house cat. I have owned three, including a Snow Bengal, and they have all been less 'lovey dovey' than other cats I've owned. They do need a lot of exercise and I had one that could NOT be kept as an indoor cat. They are quite energetic. They make wonderful pets, but from my experience, they wouldn't make good pets for someone with a young child. They are kind cats, but it seems like they have a lower tolerance for things. And, as mentioned, they'll find ways to entertain themselves even if that includes knocking over breakable objects! =)
6. We have two unrelated male Bengals, 2 and 3 years old. They are as different from each other as human siblings! They nap when we're gone all day, but if we're home they only nap a few hours in the afternoon. They wake me most mornings. One is clean in the litter box, one flings litter out. One plays with toys on long strings, one like small balls best. One has learned table manners and understands "no", the other is almost brain-dead--no offense--good thing he's a gorgeous marble. One has a sweet meow, the other sounds like an obnoxious frog. One is 10 lbs: tall, long and lean. The other is 15 lbs: muscular, and a bit chubby. One sleeps with my son every night, the other prefers the top of the water heater for warmth. They aren't on our laps much, but like to be near. They are easy to comb, and don't shed much.
7. A Bengal is pretty much a dog that looks like a cat and like to groom itself and bury its poop. Don't get one unless you have time to be around it all day. We trained ours to walk on a leash and often take her camping.
8. Beware of the backyard breeders of Bengals (there are a lot out there now). Reputable breeders will be sure the temperaments are good. Do not get a Bengal less then an F5. If the breeder doesn't know what this means, run fast! Bengals are very very active cats and need a lot of interactive play. Then don't do well as an only cat and need another active cat or dog to play with to be happy. If not, they can get destructive. Reputable breeders kittens will start at $800 and go up. If you find a "cheap" Bengal it means they probably have temperament or behavior problems. And do NOT let them outside unsupervised at any time!
9. They can be pretty wild sometimes, when I let my bengal cat outside sometimes it will run to the nearest tree and jump and cling against it like a squirrel. I can take my Bengal cat on a walk with me, she will follow within 20 feet of my around the sidewalk. Bengals are very active and need attention. If you live alone be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes a day exclusively playing with your cat, and make sure it has a place to play. My cat loves a carpet covered round playhouse it can cling to and roll around on. Really loves being up high and looking down on the room. Loves meeting new people and is friendly to new people. My bengal took 5 years before it ever jumped in my lap to lay down and it does not like being held.
10. Bengals make WONDERFUL pets! I have two males - a spotted and a snow - and I am constantly amused by their mischievious antics. They are highly social, active and very vocal. They like water, love to play fetch, climb and jump. Although they're not considered a lap cat, they are very affectionate. My Bengals are my bed companions and I often awake in the mornings with one sharing my pillow atop my head while another is nestled against me. They are very loyal and bond well with owners. They are where I am, and tend to follow me from room to room. Because of their unique physique (longer hind quarters), Bengals are notorious leapers. It is not unusual for them to leap upon cabinets, refrigerators, mantles and doors. They do tend to break things laying around, so Bengal-proofing your home would be recommended. After a few broken vases and picture frames, I learned this the hard way. They are exceptionally inquisitive as well. A Bengal is one of the smartest domestic breeds and they are very clever and learn quickly. Always curious and looking for fun, they're great at opening cabinet doors, among other things. I have awoken many mornings only to discover Cheerios, nuts, candy, etc. all over my kitchen floor where the Bengals have broken into the pantry cabinets for a late-night snack. Needless to say, I now have child-proof locks on all cabinet doors. They do love water and enjoy biting my toes and playing with bubbles in a bathtub. Running faucets are a magnet for the Bengal. They enjoy drinking directly from the faucet, as drinking from streams is indicative of their wild nature. I did mention they are very vocal, right? On that note, let me reinterate that. Bengals often make distinctive gutteral growling sounds. It is not unusual for my Bengals to begin this growling and catterwalling at 10:00 p.m. and ending sometime in the middle of the night. They do "talk" a lot throughout the day as well. I have to come to realize this is a cry for attention. If I hold them or play with them, the talking stops. Let me reiterate that, while Bengals are great about using the litterbox and do not require raw meat, unlike other exotic wild cats, they are not a typical house cat by any means. They do have a "wild side", which is just part of their nature. They look like a leopard, they have the personality of a dog and the hyperactivity of a monkey. Put all that together and it's sometimes like a kitten on crack-cocaine. Or, as some describe it, a two-year-old toddler that never grows up. Dainty little cat toys don't amuse them. Instead, squeaky dog toys are what I buy. Like dogs, they like to chew. To illustrate this point, within three day of owning my new leather furniture, I had teeth marks on my chairs and sofa. They play hard and bite hard. If you're considering adopting Bengals, please do some research on caring requirements. They are relatively easy to maintain as far as grooming and feeding, but they do require a lot of interactive playtime and stimuli. I would recommend adopting two so they have each other for playmates. If you are on the go a lot and playtime will be minimal, I would recommend a less demanding cat. As mentioned above, Bengals are highly energetic and social and need attention. If you fail to give them this, they will no doubt amuse themselves to expend their energy, and that may come at the price of destroying some of your valuables! I hope this information has been helpful. Good luck! K