Are you interested in quirky-looking cats? Do you like the idea of owning a cousin of an Asian leopard? Then, a Bengal cat breed is everything you’re looking for but you first need to find out more about her personality.
Some time ago, someone wanted to create a breed that looked wild but had a gentle and loving personality. That’s exactly how Bengal cats came into the world.
Your unique Bengal feline came from crossing an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. And just like that, these cats became one of the most popular pedigree felines.
Their popularity has only been growing and more and more people want to share a home with this particular beauty. Maybe it’s because of their origin or because of their appearance, but Bengal cats have definitely become more popular over the years.
If you’re looking to get your hands on this kitty for any of the reasons, you’re probably getting scared about it. You keep on reading how the Bengals are a handful or how they’re not a good choice for first-time owners.
So, would you be able to get along with this leopard-like kitty? Would the two of you live in harmony or should you expect your home to turn into a warzone?
The personality of a wild-looking Bengal cat breed
You’re already in love with the appearance of a Bengal cat. Everything about her long muscular body and spotted fur makes you want to go “Awww”. But, what about the personality of a Bengal cat? Can you expect your feline friend to adjust to your lifestyle? Or would things go the other way around?
Before you make a call to a reputable breeder or go to a shelter to look for a Bengal cat, you first need to learn more about her temperament. Here’s everything you need to know about the personality of this unique kitty.
1. Sweet and loving but demanding
Bengal cats look wild, so many people expect them to act that way. This is the stereotype they often face and the reason why some think that they could never share a home with a cross of an Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat.
In reality, Bengal cats are surprisingly sweet and loving. They’re the kind of cats who will wait for you by the door once you leave the house and greet you with a lot of “I’ve missed you” meows. They often form a strong bond with one of the people from the household and shower them with all the love and affection.
However, this doesn’t come without consequences. Your Bengal cat will love you but at the same time, she’ll demand your attention. She doesn’t care if you just came home from work and if you’re tired. The moment you walk in, she’ll want you to commit to her and do as she wants.
If she’s into playing with you, she’ll let you know that very well. These cats can get vocal, especially when they’re looking for their needs to be met.
So, if you’re not ready to live with a loud feline or if you’re looking for an apartment-friendly cat, maybe you should consider some other breeds.
2. Intelligent and in need of constant stimulation
Thanks to their Asian leopard gene, Bengal cats are extremely intelligent. This means that they won’t lie around your home, doing nothing all day long. Instead, they will need constant stimulation, something to keep their brain in good shape.
If you decide to become a proud owner of a Bengal cat, be aware that she’ll need different games and toys she can play with. She’ll also need you to play with her and provide her with different mental exercises.
Don’t expect that your Bengal cat will lay in your lap and cuddle with you. Even if she does so, it won’t last long because there’s nothing stimulating to her about being lazy.
3. Obsessed with vertical spaces and water
This kitty is one active breed, in every possible way. Besides the fact that she’ll need you to provide her with all these different toys that will keep her mentally active, she’ll also demand enough space to keep her body in great shape.
I mean, just look at her! This muscular build didn’t come from sitting around and eating treats all day long. Your Bengal kitty is one active feline and you’ll realize that from the moment you get her.
Like many other cats, she loves vertical spaces and climbing up and down different objects. That’s why it’ll be best to get her a cat tree or even install some cat shelves around your house that she can climb onto. If you don’t do that, then she’ll create her own playground.
The next time you catch her climbing onto your wardrobe or trying to reach the top of the window, don’t say that I didn’t warn you. She’ll come up with ways to stay fit even if you don’t provide her with much-needed equipment.
You should also know that Bengal cats love water. Even though most cats are afraid of it and tend to run away every time you have to give them a bath, your Bengal kitty will actually love that. In fact, don’t be surprised if you catch her playing with the faucet or even join you as you take a shower.
These felines love everything about water and it’ll become obvious from the moment you catch them playing with it.
4. Hate being alone
Another thing about the Bengal cat breed personality that you have to be aware of is that these cats are prone to developing separation anxiety, probably more than any other breed in the feline world. These kitties have to be surrounded by people or other cats if you don’t want them to get depressed.
That being said, if you know that you’ll be away from home often and for many hours a day, then you should consider getting yourself another breed. Or, there’s always an option of adopting one more cat so your Bengal doesn’t feel lonely when you’re not around.
These cats are social creatures and they enjoy spending time with their humans. So, when you’re absent for a long time, they become sad, depressed and eventually, they start showing other symptoms of separation anxiety.
I’m sure you don’t want to see your cat suffering so if you know that you can’t provide her with all the attention she needs, then maybe it’s better to go with a different breed, the one that won’t mind the fact that you spend a lot of time away from home.
5. True explorer-personality
As you can already tell, Bengals are curious and intelligent creatures. This means that they’re prone to boredom as they require constant physical and mental stimulation.
But don’t worry, your wild-looking kitty has a way to keep herself entertained. Unfortunately for you, it does include pulling things apart and opening each and every drawer you own.
Bengals are true explorers who love to figure out how things work and what’s hiding inside of them. Don’t be surprised to find your feline taking apart your table watch or your kid’s favorite toy. These cats want to know what’s hiding on the inside and they’ll make sure to find that out.
If you decide to get yourself a Bengal cat then you should make sure to keep your valuable items outside of your kitty’s reach. Think of a place she can’t climb to since putting things on top of your wardrobe won’t do the trick.
Is Bengal cat the right cat for you?
Even though she looks like a million dollars, her appearance isn’t the only thing you should care about when deciding to get a cat. You should keep in mind that once you make a decision, you’re going to share a life with this kitty. And there’s no going back.
You don’t want to adopt a feline only to realize in a week’s time that she’s not the right fit for your household and your lifestyle. So, don’t rush to the conclusion and consider every aspect of this cat’s personality.
First of all, are you ready to commit to a cat who craves human attention? Will you be able to give her everything she needs? Once you come home from work, will you have enough time to play with her?
Another important issue is her separation anxiety. Are you absent for the majority of the day and does it mean that your cat is going to be alone? If you have a family member who doesn’t leave the house then everything should be fine but if you live alone, it can be an issue.
In that case, you should be open to the idea of adopting another kitty so your Bengal doesn’t feel lonely. Are you willing to do that?
These are all important questions that you should have an answer to. If you realize that getting a Bengal cat would be too big of a bite, then don’t do it. I know that she’s a pretty breed and that you can’t stop thinking about her but at the same time, you don’t want to make her life miserable.
Cats rely upon us and when we can’t give them the life they deserve, then it’s best not to get them at all. At least not until we feel ready to commit to them completely.