Bengal cat behavior – 13 issues you should know
Bengal cat behavior issues are similar to any other cat, but they are more prone to behavior problems if the owner is unprepared for their high activity level.
The Bengal cat’s popularity has risen in recent years due to the breed’s stunning and wild appearance, lineage, and energetic disposition.
The Bengal cat breed was created by breeding a domestic cat with a wild cat.
The bulk of domestic Bengal cats is at least four generations removed from their wild predecessor, the Asian Leopard Cat.
Incorrect information floating around
Regrettably, there is much incorrect information floating around about Bengal cats because of their ancestry.
Bengal cats are not more prone to behavior problems than other cat breeds. They do not have any more or less litter box troubles than other breeds, nor are they more or less aggressive than other cats.
The same factors contributing to behavior difficulties in other purebred and non-breed cats can also contribute to Bengal cat challenges.
While Bengal cats do not have any additional behavior issues than other cats, they are not for everyone.
As with all cat breeds, they have unique qualities that may or may not suit your lifestyle.
Do your research before adopting a Bengal cat. Do not adopt a Bengal merely for its gorgeous appearance.
Managing Bengal cat behavior issues
Never, ever strike your cat! It is entirely useless, as they have no concept of physical punishment.
Instead, they will perceive any physical punishment as aggressive behavior, and you will undermine the trust and security necessary for a healthy relationship. Your cat will recall the incident and may bear a severe grudge.
Clapping loudly or raising your voice with assertiveness is an excellent tactic to use when situations threaten to “get out of hand.”
You should try to figure out the reasons for the behavior issues and work with your cat to solve them.
The following are some frequent Bengal cat behavior issues:
1. They are very energetic
Bengals are renowned for being highly active cats from birth.
They are one of the most lively cat breeds.
Although they calm down somewhat as they develop, they remain excitable.
2. They get into cabinets and drawers
Bengals enjoy searching through cabinets and drawers. They have highly sharp noses.
While regular cats will sniff something but do nothing about it, Bengals will make every effort to locate the source of the delicious scents.
3. They climb on sinks and countertops
Bengals are incredibly curious, which is why delicious aromas from the kitchen constantly entice them. As a result, you’ll notice them scaling the countertop.
Bengals adore the sink as well, as they enjoy the sound of flowing water.
They may even leap to the top of the refrigerator, as they enjoy being in high areas.
4. They can be destructive
Bengals enjoy exploring and observing how objects react when struck and bit.
They are quickly bored; if left alone at home for most of the day without distractions or toys to play with, they will exhibit more destructive behavior.
They will scratch couches and sofas and chew on stuff like shoes and bags if they are bored at home.
5. If they dislike the litter, they will avoid it
Bengals tend to pee in unusual places.
They will ignore the litter box if they dislike the texture of the litter or if it is not the proper depth.
They will pee everywhere if they do not get what they want.
Bengal cats avoid the litter box when they are bored or sick. It’s commonly seen when you first bring your Bengal cat home. It could mean there aren’t enough litter boxes in their new home or that they’d like a cleaner litter box.
Even if they have never previously shown litter box troubles, Bengals can develop this behavior when introducing a new family member.
If your Bengal cat is anxious or unhappy in your home, it can also lead to frequent litter box issues.
If your cat avoids the litter box for no reason, you should consult your vet to rule out medical issues.
Additionally, you should provide multiple litter boxes for your Bengal cat.
6. Occasionally, Bengal cats can be excessively vocal
Bengal cats are active cats who seek to please their owners and have several requirements.
Bengal cats are constantly loud when hungry, when they need to go outside, or when they need to use their litter boxes.
They are also rather vocal when left alone for an extended period.
Bengals are more vocal when they need something, so take care of their essential needs on time. Ensure to feed them on time and do not leave them alone.
7. Bengal cats are predisposed to depression
Bengal cats are well-known for their high energy levels, activity, and spirit. They thrive on constant stimulation.
Most Bengal cats develop depression due to separation anxiety, loneliness, or a constant shift in routine.
If depression in Bengals is not controlled or resolved, it will manifest itself as unnecessary aggression toward other family members.
A depressed Bengal cat may flee at the slightest provocation and become a feral cat or resort to biting and nipping.
8. Bengal cats are especially susceptible to separation anxiety
Bengal cats are more prone to loneliness than other breeds as they are social animals that enjoy being the center of attention. They also form strong bonds with the people around them.
Unfortunately, regardless of how mild the Bengal cat’s habits initially appear, if you do nothing to address the issue, your Bengal’s behavior will almost certainly deteriorate.
Separation anxiety can be a challenging condition for Bengal cats to overcome, even more so if everyone in the household works long hours.
You may choose to provide them with different toys to keep them occupied while you are gone.
Adding a second Bengal cat or dog to the household is the most effective way to relieve a Bengal cat’s separation anxiety.
They may not get along immediately, but with the addition of another high-energy cat, they are likely to become friends sooner than you expect.
9. Bengal cats are known for play aggression
Play-related aggression in Bengal Cats is often the result of under-stimulation, an excess of unused energy, and a lack of appropriate play opportunities.
Play aggression often manifests as excessively unruly or aggressive play, and owners can get injured.
In some cases, the play may include elements of the cat’s predatory nature, such as stalking, pounces, and bites, which can be highly intense.
Although play aggression is more common in kittens, it can last into adulthood, especially in cats under two who do not have other cats to play with.
Use moving objects that can be stalked, chased, swatted, or pounced on to stimulate cat play.
Providing plenty of opportunities for self-play, interactive play with owners, and social play with other cats can help significantly reduce or eliminate inappropriate play with owners.
10. Bengal cats can get trapped often
Bengal cats are notorious for becoming caught in garbage cans, cages, cat carriers, as well as closets, cupboards, and cabinets.
Bengal cats are among the most curious domestic cats; they are constantly interested in their surroundings.
This intense curiosity frequently causes them to become stuck or stranded in their exploration region.
For the record, Bengal cats are excellent climbers and will always find their way into areas where they are likely to get stuck.
Ensure that all shelves are closed or maintained open at all times to prevent the Bengal cat from getting trapped.
Additionally, you can cat-proof your home, particularly any areas where they could become trapped.
11. Most Bengal cats dislike people picking them up
It is a problem since your children or visitors may want to pet your Bengal cat, resulting in the cat biting them.
Bengal cats are not violent, but they are not exactly the kinds that sit on your lap and enjoy cuddling unless adequately trained and socialized.
They can bite or scratch if you attempt to pick them up without warning.
Picking up a cat or the cat allowing you to pick her up depends entirely on your bond with your cat since it was a kitten.
When your cat is a kitten, begin training them by allowing people to pick them up and always reward them.
Confirm that your cat is okay for you to pick her up
- The majority of cats, particularly Bengals, are capable of giving you an obvious indication that they do not wish to be picked up at all.
- Even if you can calm them down by gently patting their heads, you should avoid picking them up if they appear annoyed or aren’t in the mood to be handled.
- If they flee or swat at you, this is a clear indication that you should avoid picking them up.
Picking up your Bengal
- If you want to pick up your Bengal, make sure to let them know you’re coming. This means you should speak softly to them and let them see you.
- If you try to pick up your Bengal from behind without first letting them know you’re coming, you’ll most likely scare them, and they may panic or feel unsafe.
- According to some cat experts, it is often best to approach any cat from the left or right side because coming at your Bengal straight on may appear a threat.
- Never attempt to pick up a cat you don’t know.
- You can begin by rubbing your palms against the back of your adult Bengal and picking it up using treats. Follow this method multiple times to get your cat accustomed to being picked up.
12. Bengal cats tend to be attracted to the bathroom
The Bengal cat has an unquenchable desire for water, which is nearly impossible to control.
Bengal cats adore following you into the shower, and they continue to speak and create excessive noise even when you attempt to lock them out.
13. Bengal cats can be territorial
Bengals are uneasy when an unfamiliar animal enters their domain.
Additionally, they enjoy keeping and marking their territory.
They are strong, possess excellent hunting abilities, and can effortlessly eliminate other cats entering or attempting to cross their area.
Proper and early socialization is the best method for resolving territorial violence in Bengal cats.
Introduce your Bengal cat to other cats while they are still kittens; this will teach them that other cats and animals do not pose a threat to them.
How to stop unwanted behaviors in Bengal cats
Here are some fascinating ways to assist you in resolving some undesirable behaviors in your Bengal cat;
- Recognize and meet your Bengal cat’s emotional and physical needs.
- Ensure to socialize Bengals from the time they are kittens.
- Consider adding a second pet to your home, either a cat or a dog.
- Avoid yelling at your cat unless necessary. Patience is required as your Bengal cat adjusts to the environment.
- Examinations by a physician are required.
- Purchase a large number of toys.
- Provide daily exercise for your cat.