Bengal Cat Care & FAQ

Bengal Cat Care

Caring for your Bengal Cat

Bengals have a beautiful, short, pelted coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a soft brush will stimulate circulation and keep the coat shiny and healthy. A quick wipe with a damp cloth or an occasional bath will help remove any dead hair that would otherwise end up on your clothes or furniture. Nails on the front and back paws should be clipped once every week or two.

By the time our kittens are ready to go to new homes, they are being fed a diet of Royal Canin Baby Cat/Kitten with a daily treat of 9 lives Canned food. It is best to try to keep your new kitten/cat on the same diet, at least for the first few weeks. If you decide to change the diet, a small amount of new food should be mixed with the regular food, gradually increasing the amount of new food over several days until the changeover is complete. Fresh water must be kept available at all times. Stainless steel or glass food and water dishes are most practical, as plastic dishes are more difficult to clean, can be chewed, and tip easily.

There are a few things to take into consideration when picking out a litter box. Bengals will often spend a fair amount of time preparing their "spot" in the litter box before doing their business. It is best to use the same type of litter and litterbox the kitten/cat is accustomed to for the first few weeks. I use Feline Pine Pellet cat litter. I do not reccommend the use of clumping litter of any kind.

There is no limit to the variety of cat toys available. They are particularly fond of interactive games with their humans, and will be as happy to play with a crunched up ball of paper as they would with an expensive cat toy. Savannahs and Bengals love toys with sound and movement and will instinctively stalk their 'prey' and pounce with astonishing speed and accuracy. The grace and prowess displayed by these felines is captivating.

Bengals adore high places and they will appreciate a high perch where they can overlook their domain. They will often find their own perch if one is not provided and it may not be what you had in mind. Kittens find a way of getting themselves in dangerous situations due to their love of heights so they will need supervision until they are more accomplished in the art of climbing. Like any other cat, Bengals and Savannahs need to scratch and should have access to a scratching post of some kind. It is in your best interest to provide good climbing tree and scratching posts.Being the curious creatures that they are, Bengals and Savannahs will attempt to climb into anything they can reach, and will play with hanging cords. It is important to cat-proof your home if you intend to bring any kitten into it.Another potential hazard is the mixture of water and clumping cat litter.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bengal Cats

How big do Bengal cats get?

Bengal cats will vary in size depending on the pedigree background. Males will average between 12-15 pounds, females 8-12 pounds. Length can be up to 22" or greater.

Do Bengal Cats get along well with children?

Yes, Bengal cats are excellent family pets, and they love to play and sleep with the children of the family. However, please remember that children must be taught to treat animals with respect - this applies to all animals.

Is a Bengal Wild?

Not at all! Although it has a wild looking appearance, the Bengal has a pleasant and affectionate nature. The only area in which the Bengal Cat has retained a "wild" behavior is in the way it moves and its love of water. Bengal cats are domestic cats. They are accepted in several cat registries as domestic cats.

Do you need a special permit to have a Bengal or an ALC?

Not to have a domestic Bengal cat, but you may need one to house an ALC. This is dependent on the area where you live. Some areas consider certain early generations of Bengals to be hybrids and regulate their housing. It is important to remember, even without needing a permit, these animals have special needs and must be cared for appropriately. It is not recommended that anyone consider these cats without consulting reputable breeders prior to committing yourself.

Can you really train a Bengal?

Of Course! Not only CAN you, but you absolutely MUST! For the sake of your cat and your sanity, you must be consistent with rules, appropriate with discipline, and creative with activities. Bengals are extremely intelligent, and need constant stimulus to keep them happy. Training them allows for interaction with you, teaches them rules and boundaries, and can be very exciting.