The Bengal cat is one of the most charming and stunning cat breeds. To many people, they are thought of as "wild cats" but they are completely domestic. I have fostered many cats but the Bengal cat has different personality traits than your average house cat. They are extremely intelligent and can be very demanding if they don't get what they want. They are also very vocal and can impersonate what you do. They are very loving and playful. Bengals are not meant for every cat owner, so research thoroughly before attempting to adopt one.
What is a Bengal? Bengal cats are descended from Japan. The wild Asian Leopard cat was bred with a domestic cat to make the Bengal. This happened sometime in the 1940's. It wasn't until the 1970's that the Bengal cat appeared in North America. Most Bengals have a very athletic, muscular form. They have the look of a wild cat, with different markings then you've probably seen on other cats. Their coats are either leopard printed or marbled. Most have the "mascara look" around the eyes. The Bengals I fostered all looked like leopards. Some cat associations refuse to accept Bengals as a breed. The cat fanciers Association does not accept "hybrid breeds" such as the Bengal.
They are absolutely gorgeous animals but they should only be in homes where they can receive a lot of attention. This is important and something that many people overlook. There are many Bengals in shelters because they were adopted by people and then they changed their minds. So please, think very carefully before considering adoption. I may sound like a broken record but it's something I feel strongly about.
A Bengal cats temperament will vary on it's development. Bengal cats are classified on the level of their filial (or offspring) generation. A F1 Bengal would be the first offspring from cross breeding and would therefore not be as tame as an F4 (fourth generation). It's important to research your Bengal cat's development. Many people don't take this into consideration when adopting a Bengal and are unprepared.
Right. Back to the Bengals and their unique personality. As stated before before, Bengals are vocal. I should clarify. A Siamese is vocal, A Bengal can raise the roof if it wants to. They love conversation and will speak with you quite easily. They also love water. Most cats avoid water at all costs, but Bengals enjoy playing in it. They love to play hide and seek and are very kittenish in their games. Obviously, they are not your typical cat. They only look wild, however. They should not be adopted just because you want a "wild cat". They are energetic, social, extroverted cats that love human companionship.
If you are considering a Bengal, please look into adoption. There are so many Bengals that need a loving, forever home. Here are some links for those interesting in Bengal cats:
Bengal Cat Rescue
Great Lakes Bengal Rescue
California Bengal Cat Rescue
I hope you've learned a little about the Bengal cat and it's personality traits. They are lovely pets and there are so many in need of a good home. If you're serious and patient, consider adopting one of these beautiful animals.
Thank you for sharing insights. I have a cat that comes to my home frequently, as I think the owners go away and do not feed it. She comes to my home for feeding and affection, although after a little body massage she sometimes "strikes" back. I'm trying to learn more about this breed.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with siamese and have pretty much always had cats, but do not so currently. Researching as I am considering adopting from a bengal rescue.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I had Siamese for over 30 years and decided to go for a different breed which ended up being Bengals. Siamese are highly vocal and intelligent but a mute dummies next to Bengals. I have a female with extra toes that does use as opposing thumbs and opens packages, doors, drawers, faucets etc. I have a male who lost bottom back leg joint at birth... He had surgery at 3 weeks old and vet said he woke up wanting to play. He's a pest with "nerd" bullets and wants to play fetch 24/7. I've ended up with 5...long story... They each have their own favorite toys,sleeping space and best playmate although they all baby the one with 3 legs. I still had a 16 year old Siamese when I got my first Bengal ( Bigfoot) and she breathed new life into him for the time he had left. I loved my Siamese but Bengals are a new favorite.
DeleteBengals are great cats, different from other domestic cats and even Siamese. I fostered a pair of Bengals years ago and they definitely entertained me with their antics.
DeleteI adopted a 9 year old male Bengal from a local Vet's cat shelter. He was given up by his parents, and I found him three days later. He's very beautiful, and unusual for a Bengal. He's vocal, but tends to stay mostly by himself until he's ready for attention. He loves to be petted, and talked to. He does talk back! He's also big! 11+ lbs but looks much bigger than that, very muscular. He does have a gut issue, which I find is common in Bengals. But, other than that, he's quite healthy and spry! I'm very lucky to have adopted Sonny!
ReplyDeletethey love to bite and strike at you as a game all the time.......funny cats. will follow you around like a dog
ReplyDeleteI have ownd many cat´s but i never saw anything similar to a Bengal. I adapted two Kittens and although they are very young they managed to dominate my 3 quite big European cats in 2 weeks time. I adore to see them play. They are really very energetic and demanding, so I would always recomend to get yourself two animals, for they might tire you and it´s beatiful to see them play. I confess, i`m in love! Ariane
ReplyDeleteWow. I really love Bengals. My friend have one but haven't got much time, but she have many cats and one of them is the Bengal's best friend. From what I heared, they love to chase each other. The other cat who isn't a breed, screams when she's chased by the Bengal. I really felt nice hearing about them. :D
ReplyDeleteI was given a cat a year ago, it was less than 6 months old then. It was hit by a car and recovered, fixed, had it's ear clipped, then it found me. I held it for 15 minutes when I first met her, put her down and she was lost in my shop for a month. I thought she got out somehow. Never ate or drank. After a month, one day I heard it in the walls. She came out fat, and I admit no mice were in the traps that month. She and I have bonded like no other cat I have had. We talk, and if called she always comes! Loves to play in the sink with water, which I thought was odd. Absolutely loves kids and attention. She cuddles with me at night time and regularly talks just out of the blue. She likes to sit on a ledge above the shop and watch. Believe this or not, is not scared of power tools like table saws. Her favorite is raw egg. Her spots are on her tummy, but has a circular pattern on her side. She is my best friend. If she wants attention, she will come up to me a gently touch me with her paw. Wonderful wonderful cat.
ReplyDeleteOh, she follows me everywhere I go. If I sit she lays close by. If I work, she follows and watches. If I sit, she comes and talks then jumps up. Incredible. Potty trained and will go for a couple days and return. When she does, it is like she has to tell me what it was like. Crack up.
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ReplyDeleteHi! Thank you for sharing this information. I actually had some questions. We recently adopted a 1 year and 4 month old Snow Bengal bengal male, ever since he was born he never came out of a cage, he was never padded let along knew how to be a cat, he does not even play or know how to cover his pee, he was neglected his whole little life until we brought him home. It's been a week now and all he does is hide, it's very difficult to pad him because he tries to walk away and get into the most difficult places at the house, we have a lovely little sweet persian cat that is about his age and all she does is look for him to play but he would growl at her, She got used to his scent but he is so scared of us we are afraid he will never adapt or afraid we will never be able to pet him. We baby talk to him and try to pad him whenever he allowes us and we try not to scare him. Do you think we should do more? I've tried to play with him but he just does not know how, we are also afraid our little persian cat will be mistreated once again. I appreciate your help :)
ReplyDeleteIt takes time for cats to adjust to their new surroundings, especially if they came from a shelter. It has only been a week. I would give him space, maybe a separate room in your house where he could feel safe. Give him attention but don't overwhelm him. In time I believe he will adjust to your home and the Persian cat.
DeleteI would beg to differ as to the origin of the Bengal cat. It's a little further west than Japan, i.e. South Asia (Bengal is a region in what's now Bangladesh/India), but you can find this mixed breed between wild cats and house cats as far west as Pakistan. I adopted a kitten in Islamabad that is a very typical example in markings and behavior. And yes, she has a great personality and is very vocal in communicating her desires and telling me about her day and likes and dislikes! I'm just sorry to see about the relatively short life expectancy and hope that, since she isn't a "breed" cat, she may last longer!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information and for taking the time to read and comment. Bengals are great cats to have.
DeleteMy daughter just brought a Bengal kitten home today. She is VERY aggressive with the other cats. She is angry and not playing with them. She seems to be out for blood. Any advice on how to calm her down?
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just brought a Bengal kitten home today. She is VERY aggressive with the other cats. She is angry and not playing with them. She seems to be out for blood. Any advice on how to calm her down?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the wonderful advice regarding bengal kittens and how to discover their personality. My wife and I found a bengal kitten on the side of the street the other day and we decided to take her in. We do not know, however, what kind of personality she has. Thanks for the advice -- we will definitely take note of what she does when we are not around! https://babybengals.net/
ReplyDeleteI have a bengal/ragdoll mix kitten who is now just six months old..He is now sitting at 8 1/2 lbs..I have read about Bengal cats and he deffinetly has a Bengle personality. And I love him.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbor has a bengal cat that is terrorizing other cats on the street. It wanders far from home and goes into other cat's territory and tried to pick fights. All other cats in this area stick close to home. A friend's cat has had 2 trips to vet because of the bengal. My female cat hardly goes outside and my male cat is stressed to the max. I don't believe these cats should be allowed to run wild. I've spoken to the owner, but she seems ignorant of the impact and unwilling to do anything. Because of their love of water, water guns have done nothing to deter it. I'm fed up and so are my cats.
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