In the last few years, the popularity of the Bengal Cat has increased drastically. It is beautiful, has wild looks, and has an outrageous personality.
Traditionally, it was developed by crossing a domestic cat with a wild cat. All Bengal cats are four generations away from their wild ancestor, Asian Leopard Cat. This ancestry has led to the publication of inaccurate information about them.
Many people want to adopt the Bengal cat but hesitate because of the information on the internet.
Many sources claim that they have litter box issues, and they bite all the time. Some other resources claim that these cats are loving and sweet with no behavior issues. What is the truth? Let us try to find it out.
Do Bengal cats have behavioral issues?
No, Bengal cats are not prone to behavioral issues. They are not more aggressive than other cat breeds. They have lesser litter issues in comparison to other breeds. The factors that may trigger other purebred and non-breed cats to anger can also trigger a Bengal cat to have challenges. These cats do not have more anxiety issues than others, and also not all cats are the same.
These breeds have specific traits that may or may not fit your lifestyle. Bengal cats are not different.
Never base your decision to adopt a cat solely because of its looks. Exercise some research before bringing them home. Bengal cats are very active and intelligent. They enjoy playing in the water and hanging out at high places.
They are not lapping cats and do not like to get pampered all the time. This characteristic is exceptional, and some cats like to be in attendance all the time. They love to play with people.
Bengal cats love to be the center of attraction all the time. If you are one of your cat’s favorite people, then they will cross any limits to interact with you.
They become sad and depressed when left alone for hours every day. If you leave them without a companion for too long, then they do not do well.
Just like any other breed, they need loads of environmental stimulation. The toys for your Bengal cat and the number of tall places in your house will never be enough for them.
Many other traits are unique to these cats. Yes, not all cats are the same and will not exhibit all of the characters of their breed. Execute out your homework and see the traits generally shown by them.
Once you decide that the Bengal cat is the perfect pet for you, coordinate with a rescue network near you. You will find many beautiful Bengal cats of all ages up for adoption. Reach out to a network coordinator and meet the cats.
Play with them, feed them, and know about them from the current caretaker.
Adopt the one you will get attracted to and whose nature will appeal to you. Also, make sure that the cat is playing and interacting well with you. You and your pet must be compatible with each other.
Common Bengal Cat Behaviour problems
Common behavior issues of Bengal Cats are scratching, meowing loudly, urinating, and biting. Many people get attracted by the looks of the Bengal cats. But just like any other breed, they may not be the right fit for you and your family. Sometimes they may pose specific problems due to which you may find them difficult to raise.
You must know what it is to live with them before bringing them home. Many of these traits are shown by almost all cats and not just by Bengals.
Bengals cats are not any less prone to behavior issues when compared to other breeds.
To avoid these challenges, you must meet all their needs on time. If your furry friend does pose some challenges to you, it is better to get prepared. Let us discuss the most common issues you may encounter while raising a Bengal cat.
1. Bengal cats feel lonely with ease
Bengal cats need a lot of attention which makes it tough to raise them. They have an exceptionally social nature and strong bonds with their companions.
Due to this, they are also more prone to loneliness than other cats. They interact with all members of the house equally well. Whether you have kids at home, aged people, or other pets, they share a tight bond with everyone.
Loneliness is not a problem on its own. But if your cat is feeling lonely or under-stimulated, they may act out and do weird stuff to entertain themselves and seek your or someone else’s attention.
What acts can they do to draw attention? They may tip things off the counters and tables, claw at furniture, create noises, or be demanding when you reach home.
These things may be mild at the start, but do not ignore them. These acts will keep escalating if you do not address the issues.
If everyone in your house is working, tackling loneliness can be challenging.
To fill the time that you are away, get them toys. You can also adopt one more cat to be friends with your Bengal cat. Two high-energy cats may become friends easier than you expect.
2. Bengal cats can cause destruction when bored
When Bengal cats get bored, they may become destructive. They are high-energy cats that need entertainment all the time. Any number of toys can be ever enough for them.
These traits make them feel bored with ease.
They may scratch furniture, carpets, and knockdown decorations to entertain themselves. To avoid this, keep their toys accessible and offer them enough stimulation.
3. Bengal cats show avoidance of litter boxes
Litter box avoidance is a common behavioral problem among Bengal cats.
They may attempt to make litter boxes their territory and so use it less.
When your cat is new to your house, then this is common.
It may also be a sign that there are fewer litter boxes in their new home, or they may want cleaner litter boxes.
When new in the house, cats try to spread their scent. So, any accidents must get cleaned up fully so that the scent does not linger.
If you bring a new cat home, your Bengal cat may develop this behavior.
You may occasionally observe this issue even if you have not seen any signs before.
The cause of persistent litter box behavior is anxiety and discomfort in their home.
Consider talking to your vet for possible solutions if you observe other stress symptoms in your cat or if he does not learn good litter box behavior quickly.
4. Bengal cats have a talkative nature
When a cat is talkative, they can express their demands, needs, and distresses. Being vocal is thus considered to be a good thing in a cat. But will you tolerate if your furry friend is consciously meowing all day long?
When your cat wakes you up in the middle of the night or disturbs you while watching TV, this can be a problem.
Unfortunately, there are not many good ways to address this behavior. Some cats will obey your instructions when you ask them to keep quiet, while some may not.
Most Bengal cats will complain when you yell at them or ask them to keep mum.
It thus becomes more important to change this behavior.
You can give your cat some treats or toys when you want them to be quiet. Or keep them away from the space where their talking might create some nuisance.
5. Bengal Cats have biting habits
Teeth are also a way of expression for many cats and Bengals. Chewing on the fingers and toes of their loved ones is a sign of affection for them.
A sharp bite is to communicate irritation or anger on something.
It can be problematic as your skin may get torn or ripped off by its bite. Also, if you have kids in the house, they might not tolerate their bite.
You can train your cats to get them out of their biting behavior.
Bengal cats may also become aggressive and bite other cats. You can appoint a trainer for your cats, or you can also do it on your own. Biting training is quite basic, and you can learn tricks and tips from your vet to train your cats.
Aggression and misbehaving towards other pets will calm down as your Bengal cat gets to know them. You must supervise the first few meetings of your Bengal with other cats to ensure no injury.
6. Bengal cats get depressed
A lonely and bored Bengal cat gets into depression. A depressed cat may act out and hide from you and other house members.
They will hide in areas where they think they remain invisible, like high places and corners.
Depression is a host of many other behavior issues. Scratching, biting, littering, and other issues can increase due to depression.
Be aware of the litter box problems.
Your house can become a mess once your cat stops using the litter box to dispose of waste. Give your cat toys, treats, and other calming items.
Put these items near the litter box to attract them to the place. Put deterrents at the places where your cat is disposing of waste at unwanted locations.
End Thought
Some of the common behavior disorders shown by a Bengal cat are loneliness, depression, getting bored, scratching, biting, meowing, and avoiding litter boxes.
Bengal cats have anxiety issues just like any other breed of cats. Also, all cats are different and will behave differently.
All cats have some of the other particular traits and behavior. Pets are not just for looking attractive or to play.
They have more needs and demands. Before adopting a cat, familiarize yourself with all the traits they might exhibit.
Bring the cat home only when you and your family are ready to cope with all the challenges.
Few videos that might help you:
Hi There, AJ Oren here. I am the founder of this amazing pet blog & a passionate writer who loves helping pet owners to learn more about their pets through my articles. I am also the content manager of this blog. I have experience in pet training and behavior, sheltering, and currently working for a veterinary clinic.