21 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Bengal Cat

Bengal cats are some of the most popular pets in the world. With so much hype and misinformation floating around about these majestic creatures, we decided to set the record straight.

Are you ready to add a new member to your family? Maybe you’ve already taken that leap, or maybe you’re looking into it. Either way, it’s important to understand everything about Bengal cats before you take the plunge.

This guide covers everything from why they make great pets to how to care for them to what breeds are available.

The Bengal Cat: A Pricey Cat

The Bengal cat is still considered a relatively recent breed of domestic cat. Many have heard of the breed and are inquisitive regarding its traits and breeding, especially considering Bengal cats are not inexpensive pets to acquire.

Indeed, you may spend hundreds of pounds for a Bengal and before you part with your money, you are well advised to know what it is you are paying for.

Fun Bengal Facts!

Wild Ancestry

Because they are descended from a mix between domestic cats and the Asian leopard, Bengals show some resemblance to true wild cats. When trying to adopt one of these cats, you won’t be surprised if you see any crazy behavior from them.

Bengals can Befriend Dogs

Cats and dogs are commonly used to denote a fierce battle or a torrential downpour, but not this time. Somehow, the Bengal cat has mastered the skill of seducing dogs.

To put it another way: Dogs and cats can be each other’s best friends, just as they can be for people. For the best results, owners should begin introducing a dog to their Bengal as early as possible, or vice versa.

As a result, they develop a sense of camaraderie, learn to look out for one another, and become valuable assets to your show. Bengals resemble canines more than cats in certain ways. If you have one, you’ve probably noticed this.

Bengals Love Water

This is another another trait they share with tigers, but they are a long way apart in evolutionary time. You could likewise be perplexed as to why a cat would desire to swim, yet the fact remains.

Every chance they have, they engage in water play. Sometimes, they prefer licking water off their feet rather than lapping it up from the bowl.

If you have an aquarium, be wary of them because of their fondness for the water and their skill at fishing. If you turn on the faucet, you can bet your Bengal will be there to see what’s up.

Bengals Know Just How to Steal

Bengals enjoy “borrowing” anything that attract their attention, whether you choose to call it kleptomania or something else.

They don’t return the stuff they steal from me, so when I use the word “borrow,” I’m trying to be courteous. So keep an eye out for that lovely tablecloth. If you don’t mind, its unknown admirer could find some use for it.

Bengals are Great Hunters

It is well-known that cats can catch tiny snakes, rodents, and other smaller reptiles like lizards with ease. It’s well-known that cats have a fierce rivalry with birds, but the Bengal cat appears to have taken it to a whole new level.

Any opportunity to interact with birds is seized upon by them as soon as they spot one. A majority of the time, or possibly all of the time, this game is not in the birds’ advantage.

In the event that you have an avian pet, you need take extra precautions to ensure their safety.

Bengals are Excellent Climbers

For those who appreciate cat acrobatics, the Bengal cat is an excellent choice for your home. They have the boundless vigor and agility of apes.

You may rely on them to achieve heights you never imagined they could, as well as to leap over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Do Not Take Information From Questionable Breeders

On the Internet, there is a lot of information on Bengal cats. While some of it is truthful, the most of it is made up nonsense that accomplishes little more than the following:

Questionable breeders’ increased sales of the breed are to be blamed for this trend.
Beliefs about breed features and traits are muddled by this.

It annoys me when Bengals are promoted in the media for the wrong reasons. As lovely as the Bengal is, the continued marketing of the breed as a whole does neither it nor any individual Bengals any favors.

The data presented here is based on reality and is not speculative in any way. Don’t fall for the nonsense!

I’ve included some of the top books at the bottom of this page, so you may get a solid education in the subject matter. Make sure you’re well-informed, not just misinformed.

How Much Does a Bengal Cat Cost?

The price of a Bengal cat can go as high as *£300 for a ‘pet standard’ Bengal. Expect to pay more than £600 for a show-quality product.

Almost all Bengal breeders I’ve come across in my 12 years of owning Bengals also sell breed quality, but the cost will skyrocket if you’re looking for that.

Bengal cats, on the whole, are quite contented felines. They are known for their lively nature and like nothing more than entertaining themselves.

Water, for example, is a favorite pastime for most of them. Indeed, one of my friends had a lot of fun swimming in a pond at a neighbor. And he almost never came home empty-handed.

What You Should Know Before Purchasing a Bengal Cat

Bengals are demanding pets

Bengal cats, more than the average household cat, require a lot of attention. However, despite the fact that their coat is low-maintenance, they still have several requirements. It will take a lot of time to meet these requirements.

Adopting a Bengal entails the following:

Spend at least 30 minutes a day with it and rotate the toys you give it.
The claws should be trimmed (see our video) and the nails should be capped (see our tutorial)
Brush it’s teeth using a toothbrush.
The litter box should be kept clean at all times.
Visit your veterinarian on a regular basis to ensure that it is up to date on its vaccinations.

Additionally, if your Bengal has health problems in the future, you may have to provide extra attention to it.

Being a Bengal owner means making a long-term commitment in terms of both time and money. Considering that Bengals may live up to 15 years, the issue is, can you accomplish all of the above for that long?

You don’t want to find yourself having to give up your Bengal a few years down the road because you can’t devote enough attention to its care now. For both you and the animal, this might be a harrowing ordeal.

Bengals need to exercise regularly

Bengals’ health depends on regular physical activity. Because of their inactivity, individuals run the danger of becoming obese and depressed.

To help your Bengal burn off some energy, here are a few ideas:

Use a cat toy to tamper with it.
Add a cat wheel to it
Take it for walks in a harness to ensure its safety (see our 8 essential for walking a cat)

Bengals can suffer from a variety of health issues

Unfortunately, Bengals are prone to a wide range of health problems, some of which can be lethal. Health problems can arise from both genetic and environmental factors.

There are a number of health concerns that might affect Bengal cats.

Cataracts
Cardiomyopathy characterized by hypertrophy (HCM)
Injuries to the patella
Atrophy of the retina over time (PRA)
Deficiency in Pyruvate Kinase (PK-Def)

Please do your research and get your Bengal from a trusted breeder who will screen for genetic disorders and provide you with a health guarantee for the life of your pet.

It’s a red flag if a breeder claims that the breed has never had any health difficulties.

Bengals need high-quality food

You must provide your Bengal with high-quality, protein-rich food in order to keep it in good health. Too much carbs can be found in low-quality cuisine.

Paying extra for high-quality food is preferable to buying a lower-quality brand and watching your cat’s health decline over time.

There are certain breeders that advocate feeding Bengals raw meat. Before making a decision, we suggest consulting with your veterinarian and/or breeder.

Bengals don’t like being alone

You’d expect an Asian Leopard Cat to be wild and reclusive, given its ancestry. As it turns out, this isn’t true. Despite their aloof appearance, Bengal cats are actually incredibly social creatures.

They form strong bonds with their owners and will accompany them wherever they go. Among other things, they like spending time with other animals, such as dogs.

Bengals are popular as pets because of this characteristic. In the same way that dogs are adopted into families, so are these cats.

If they’re continually left alone, this might lead to loneliness. When we were at work, our Bengal, for example, became depressed and began tearing off his own hair out of loneliness. However, after we got a second Bengal to play with, the issue went away.

This just goes to illustrate how unique Bengal cats are. If you work long hours and don’t have any other pets at home, your Bengal may become lonely.

Bengals tend to be quite vocal

It’s not uncommon for Bengal cats to have a sarcastic demeanor, and they like employing a range of vocalizations to express themselves. In this video, you can see the intensity of their vocalizations.

These vocalizations are appealing to many people. You’re never alone with a Bengal, that’s for sure.

However, not everyone will like the sound of a Bengal’s 2 a.m. tantrum. No one, not even your neighbors…

Bengals have a strong predatory instinct

However, despite their typically non-aggressive behavior toward humans, Bengal cats have a strong predation instinct. As well-rounded athletes, they pose a threat to lesser creatures.

Because of this, you should never keep a Bengal in the same room with smaller animals like birds, hamsters, or fish. When you’re walking it outside, be sure to keep it leash-tied so it doesn’t catch any wildlife.

Additionally, smaller children might be injured by Bengals while playing. Ambushes like this one, which are meant to be amusing, can harm little children as well.

Nail caps can help keep your cat safer by reducing the chance of an accident (declawing your cat is not a good solution, as this practice is very harmful).

Not all Bengals are lap cats

You shouldn’t be alarmed if your Bengal doesn’t always want to snuggle up to you. While some Bengals like cuddling on a regular basis, others choose to do it just when they feel like it.

In the second category, if you have a Bengal tiger, it’s crucial to keep its boundaries in mind. It doesn’t imply it doesn’t like you since it doesn’t sit on your lap while you work on the computer.

Occasionally it may lie on your stomach or at your side as you sleep.

Bengals Are a Family Pet

Bengal cats, in contrast to several domestic cat breeds, like being a part of family life. Bengals are curious and bright, and they’re always eager to help out with household tasks.

Dishwashing may be made into a social event by including the entire family. Bengals are water babies, and they can’t resist the lure of a running faucet.

As long as the youngsters are safe and secure, Bengals can get along quite well with them. They’ll fit well in with a group of people that are busy and vivacious, especially if there are a lot of toys about.

The idea of a Bengal living in a household with dogs may seem like a bad idea, yet these cats have no problem getting along with most dogs!

Vet Street describes their demeanor as highly clever, curious, and energetic. When it comes to pets, they require a lot of time and attention, therefore they’re not ideal for people who lead a hectic lifestyle.

As a sociable breed, Bengals make good family pets, however this is very dependent on the particular cat. As long as you provide them a way out when they’re done playing, they can get along with dogs and children.

Bengals Need Lots of Time to Play

In the wild, the Bengal is full of surplus energy, and she will become agitated if it isn’t used. That’s why having adequate room for your Bengal cat to go about and stretch her legs is so crucial.

Bengals will become agitated and frustrated if they don’t have a lot of area to run about and play. Providing your Bengal with a variety of stimulating toys is an important component of this time spent participating in physical activity.

Most people have seen the famous cat chases a laser pointer game in action, but Bengals take the concept to a whole new level.

How long can they keep up their pace around the house? In order to keep your Bengal healthy and happy, you need provide him with a regular supply of engaging toys. Personal favorites are teaser toys.

The sight of their beloved flamingo toy awakens my two Bengal cats, Charlie and Winston, from the deepest slumber. Just for the opportunity to get a picture of it, they’ll dance around and leap into the air.

Keep your dog’s mind active by teaching him tricks or games, and supplying him with interactive toys or puzzle toys that reward him with kibble or treats if he learns how to control these toys.

Bengals Need Their Own Space

Bengals, as much as we want to snuggle with them, need to be able to get away from the chaos if they become too stressed.

Your Bengal will feel more safe in her environment if she has a designated area or room where she may go to when she needs to be alone.

According to Daily Paws, the Bengals Regardless of the size of your home, a Bengal needs to be able to climb and play.

And they tend to stay in places where they’ve made progress. It is theirs alone, with no children or other creatures to disturb them.

If you have a Bengal cat, a cat tree is a must-have item for your feline’s well-being. In addition, the lofty vantage point over the room your Bengal is in will make her feel protected.

Bengals, like other wild cats, prefer to snooze high in the trees, as a leopard might. Bengals, while being tamed, have a wild side!

Two Is Better than One

It’s not uncommon for cats, particularly Bengals, to thrive in a household with other animals.

There is nothing wrong with leaving your Bengal at home all day, but she may become bored and lonely. Adopting many cats is a simple solution to this problem.

A number of Bengal owners gave me advise regarding adopting Charlie’s sibling when I originally went to get him.

It is important for cats to have a friend with whom they may play, burn off some of their excess energy, and interact with. In the end, I decided to acquire both cats, and I can confidently state that it was the perfect decision for my family.

Adopting two Bengals, particularly from the same litter, can make your home a happier, albeit a little more feisty, place. It’s important to note that Bengals are sociable animals and love to be part of a group.

It’s understandable that some owners worry that owning two cats may prevent one of them from developing a strong attachment to a particular family member. Because of their unique personality characteristics, cats are adored by their owners.

Despite the fact that your Bengal cat may appear to prefer her purring companion and her favorite person, she is surely affectionate and protective of the rest of the household.

To Snuggle or Not to Snuggle?

In the opinion of many individuals who have owned Bengals, they are not lap cats, meaning that they are unlikely to sit on their owner’s lap. The strong energy of Bengals makes this accurate in certain circumstances, yet no two Bengals are same.

Some Bengals may just express their devotion by purring or bunting their heads, but others may leap at the chance to snuggle in a human’s lap.

Immediately upon their arrival, my two Bengals showed me exactly how much they loved to provide attention and began sleeping in my bed.

The unusual manner your Bengal exhibits affection may explain why she prefers to sleep somewhere else. She may express her affection for you in unexpected ways.

A Bengal may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a cat that will spend all day curled up on your lap. The fact that these magnificent cats are free spirits that like to spend their time exploring does not lessen their affection for you.

They’re Very Smart… and Not So Smart All at the Same Time

Bengal cats are no exception to the rule that each cat is unique. Personally, I’ve had two Bengal cats, and they were worlds apart.

Compared to the current one, the first one I had was quite intellectual, but the current one, well, he’s just so adorable. But he’s intelligent in his own way.

Bengal Cats Love to Poop

I’m sorry, but this is a fact.. It’s not so much that they like pooping as it is that they are VERY PROUD of their actions. Bengal cats appear to take great pride in the fact that they are pooping and are not afraid to let everyone in the home know about it.

They Can Be Hyperactive

You’ve heard of zoomies in cats, but what about zoomies in Bengal cats? You’ll have to see it for yourself to really appreciate it. In full poof mode, of course. Bengal cats, on the other hand, get plenty of shut-eye.

Bengal Cats Have the BEST Personalities

Bengal cats have a distinct personality all their own. They make their presence known in a big way, and from what I’ve seen, they make excellent cuddling partners.

If you’re kind to them, they’ll be kind to you in return. Every cat is unique, and some will be more loving than others, as I previously stated.

Indoor versus Outdoor Cat – Which Is Best for a Bengal?

If you’re considering getting a cat because it’s easy to take it outside to play, you may want to think again.

Even though it may appear to be a no-brainer to allow your cat out of the home, there are a number of concerns that some may not first think about. Cats are vulnerable to a wide range of threats, including sickness, fleas and ticks, road traffic, and even other cats.

While it may seem cruel to ban your Bengal from venturing outside, there are methods to meet in the middle and make your cat both happy and safe in your home.

Getting a cat collar and leash is a great way to strike the right balance between functionality and aesthetics. Taking your Bengal for a walk in the fresh air can provide her with the mental and physical stimulation she craves without endangering her health.

Catios, or outdoor cat gardens, are popular among Bengal owners who want to offer their cats more time in the fresh air. A Bengal can feel safe while yet having a good time in these confined areas.

However, constructing a cat garden may be rather costly, and the same effect can be obtained by walking your Bengal on a leash instead.

Bengals Come with a Price Tag

In all seriousness, I mean it. It is impossible to overestimate the monetary worth of a Bengal cat.

The typical cost of a Bengal kitten ranges from $1,000 to $5,500, however there are many variations. There is a good chance that any cattery advertising Bengal kittens for less than $1, 000 is unregistered and, thus, the cats are not real Bengals.

According to the Bengal Connection, there are three reasons why this breed is so expensive.

Because you’re spending money on a valued family member, Bengal breeders worldwide will tell you that their cats are worth every penny.

The expense of owning a Bengal varies depending on whether or not you want to use it for breeding purposes. Due to the legality of the transaction, Bengal kittens for sale as pets are frequently less expensive than Bengal kittens for sale as breeding stock.

TICA (The International Cat Association) and other relevant regulating organizations penalize Bengal breeders to ensure that breeding operations are free of unethical practices.

The adoption of a Bengal kitty from a Bengal cat rescue is a less expensive choice than acquiring a kitten from an animal shelter. Adoption costs for these pets will be higher than those for other cats. The price of a rescued Bengal can still go up to $150.

Grooming Duties Are Limited

The distinctive pelts of Bengals make it easier to keep your cat clean and well-groomed. This includes brushing, shaving, vacuuming and the entire shebang. Many domestic cats require frequent grooming owing to excessive shedding.

It is doubtful that your Bengal will cause you any problems in the cleaning sector, other from some minor shedding while it is a kitten.

When it comes to caring for a Bengal’s coat, it’s not the only thing that needs attention. It’s not uncommon for cat owners to realize the need of routinely trimming their pet’s claws.

Claws that are difficult to control spell problems for a cat. It’s never fun to get a scratch on the arm or leg from a beloved pet.

The likelihood of your furniture being utilized as a scratching post is reduced if your cat’s claws are neatly clipped. Keeping your Bengal’s nails in check and providing her with a variety of scratching surfaces can keep you and your pet happy.

Dental treatment is one of the more unexpected prices of veterinary services. Cats’ gums can become inflamed and painful as a result of tartar accumulation in their mouths.

While it may be amusing to imagine a Bengal brushing her teeth, the dangers of not doing so are anything but.

To clean her teeth, a cat can eat grass and bones in the wild; in a human household, the only option is to eat dry food, unless her owner frequently washes her teeth. To minimize dental issues in the future, it is crucial to get your Bengal acclimated to dental care now.

How Long Do Bengals Live?

Twelve to sixteen years is the usual life expectancy of Bengal cats. However, there is a lot of room for error here. The lifespan of a cat is influenced by a variety of things.

An indoor-outdoor lifestyle will decrease the life span of a cat, but providing her proper food and delivering frequent medication will help lengthen her life expectancy. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for cats.

You can help your Bengal enjoy a long and happy life by making sure he or she gets neutered or spayed when the time comes.

After all, your Bengal cannot tell you if she is in pain, so treating medical concerns as soon as they arise can improve her quality of life.

All Bengal owners should keep an eye out for any changes in their pet’s demeanor. Cats’ ability to mask their discomfort is a holdover from their days as scavengers in the wild.

Because showing weakness in the jungle might lead to one’s demise, it is critical that we maintain a constant check on our beloved Bengals.

Conclusion

The first thing you need to know before buying a Bengal cat is that it is a lot of responsibility. When you buy a cat, you are also taking responsibility for its care, training, socialization, nutrition, health, and even temperament.

Although all cats are individuals, it is still important to keep in mind that there are a few traits that you should consider when looking for your new pet.

source https://catshint.com/21-things-you-should-know-before-buying-a-bengal-cat/