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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Please talk to me about Bengal cats

78 replies

Qcng · 02/10/2019 20:48

Basically this.

I have posted this here and also on "pets"
We're thinking about buying two Bengal cats, because I have researched as much as I can and think they are simply gorgeous, brave, lovable, full of personality, etc.
The fact is though, we have no experience of keeping one, have never even known one.

So I'm throwing it out there. Please anyone with any knowledge of Bengal cats let us know the downsides/upsides! I don't mind if you've had one, your neighbor or cousin had one, you heard of someone who had one, just any experiences.
We're trying to research as much as possible and I trust mumsnetters.

Thank you

OP posts:

Thread gallery

newgame989 · 03/10/2019 18:30

Bob is gorgeous!

FurnitureAndBackgammon · 03/10/2019 18:40

Bob 😻

Original poster

Qcng · 03/10/2019 18:46

Bob!
❤️

OP posts:

catgotyourbrain · 03/10/2019 18:53

Get an Abyssinian.
just as beautiful. more character, less MIAAAWW! Less weeing too.

Seriously.

I have two Bengals - the scorn me and only want more food. I lament my beautiful Abyssinian every day.

ChocolateBubbleBarsmakemefat · 03/10/2019 18:53

We have a Bengal, yes she's loud and tries to eat our other cats food, but she is clever, affectionate and very playful. She doesn't like being in the front too long but will happily play in the back garden for as long as she wants. She is a hunter but that has toned down a bit now. She comes to me for cuddles and will stay curled up on me for the night if I let her. She needs a lot of attention. Beautiful cats just be prepared for how different they are to the usual domestic cats

catgotyourbrain · 03/10/2019 18:54

here

bengalcat · 03/10/2019 18:55

I’d love an Abyssinian and maybe one day will get a ginger cat just like the one we had as kids .

Onekidnoclue · 03/10/2019 19:02

We have a Bengal. She’s a beauty but not the brightest. Very vocal and wonderful with our child. Having said that I wouldn’t have another. She is awful for our allergic friends and there are so many rescues in need of a home. Also she hates water!

zonkin · 03/10/2019 19:04

I have two female bengals. They is a 6 month age difference between them. One of them is very grumpy and the other a bit neurotic. Both are hugely entertaining and playful. We love them to pieces.

They are fine with the kids (who also adore them) and both go outside. One does roam but one barely leaves the back garden. They are like little dogs and follow me around the house. They love company so maybe not a cat to have if you aren't at home much.

I've had lots of cats over the years and they are my favourites.

zonkin · 03/10/2019 19:23

Forgot to add that I agree that they are vocal

Shazzle1234 · 03/10/2019 19:23

I've had 3 and they have all been so different. I loved every single one of them. All three were clever and more like a dogs than a cats.

Our first was Dexter, the most stunning cat I had ever seen, he was mean moody and liked to be stroked only when it suited him. He could run like the wind and was a little vocal at times. He was a real athlete and handsome, we easioly overlooked his occasionally moodiness. Sadly he got run over and died.

Then we tried again and got Hobbes, oh my ! What a dude he was. He chattered to us all the time and had different voices for different requests. He was a joy and loved his cuddles. He made us laugh every day. He was less athletic than Dexter but had bags of confidence and was lots of fun. We tried our best to keep him as an indoor cat given Dexter's untimely demise but he was determined and would dash out of any open door faster than we could stop him. Sadly he too died.... an accident in a neighbour's garden.

Finally we got Indie, it was love at first sight and we vowed that there was no way she was going out. The sweetest little thing, chatty with a cute meow and a massive purr. Her favourite game was fetch, she would fetch items we would throw for her and bring them back to us. She liked cuddling up on the settee and strokes were her thing. Despite our determination to keep her in, she like the others was determined to get out. We thought we had cracked it with Indie as she enjoyed been outside but favoured our garden so she had the freedom of outside but the safety of our garden. She grew bolder and then one day back in January she just didn't come home ....I scoured the streets, put up posters and called her name for weeks but no sign of her. She is chipped and I hope with all my heart that she returns one day.

I loved all 3 but for me no more, my heart is broken. But I will maintain Bengals are the bomb ! Bonkers beautiful and the best .... but potential owner be aware they can be a bit of a handful....

I do need to add that prior to owning Bengals we had a couple of moggies Vienna and Filly both died of old age so I think there is a wild element to the Bengal that exposes them to dangers that maybe a more sedentary traditional moggie doesn't have.

Good luck x

FluffMagnet · 03/10/2019 19:43

We've been unfortunate enough to have several Bengals in our local area. My understanding is to never ever get ones close to the pure wild breed, because they are just wild animals, not a domestic pet. Our neighbour's first Bengal loved my cat and would invite herself into our house. Until she choose to leave, that room was a no-go area. When my neighbours were on holiday and I would feed her, it was 50/50 whether she wanted a loving fuss or was going to hunt me (she would stalk me from the top of the kitchen wall cabinets and try and jump on me - it was meant with intent to hurt). Their later two were much further away from pure, and were far nicer cats, just very loud. And then there was the idiot across the road who had several - one would come across and attack everything and everyone. My neighbours and I both had to take our cats to the vets after various run ins with this cat and we both ended up building cat runs in our gardens to protect our cats after my beloved Burmilla disappeared for good, suspected killed by the Bengal. It also meant we could block up our cat flaps, as it would get into our houses and attack us (my neighbour ended up with her calf sliced open top to bottom). It also attacked my other neighbour's labradors.

Duskypinkrose · 03/10/2019 19:44

I have a 4 year old Bengal boy, he's indoors but hubby and I take him walks in fields and secluded spots on a lead which he loves, and very much needs. Bengals are high energy cats due to their intelligence, and demand playtime when we're home. You can't ignore the persistent and demanding meows when Bengals want attention, and so you need to always be prepared to give them this time and have patience. He is affectionate in his own way, not a conventional moggy way. He is part of our pack, and acts very much dog like with some traits.
He never really became a lover of water, but was quite interested in playing with it when younger, but not sitting in it.
He can have challenging behaviour, but we know him well enough to understand him and why he's being like that. So he can switch from play time over to wild cat mode and attack with some real meaning behind it if he has too much pent up energy, or he's been on a walk and seen another cat which he wants to chase (hunt!).
Am about to become a mum for the first time, and so am concerned about how he will find having a human sister, but sure we will manage everything, I'll never give him up because we love him too much, and will make sure he gets enough attention too, but it might be a challenge.
I would love to say Bengals are amazing cats and everyone should have one, but it's just not a cat that many people would be able to look after.
Hubby loves him so but also says we're never getting another Bengal (watch this space lol). He's our little handsome prince!
If you have a bottomless pit of love for animals and can read animal behaviour, and know that your whole family will be the same, with patience and lots of interaction, with the ability to take on what can essentially be an exotic pet in some cases then go for it. They are super rewarding pets to have, and I've only mentioned the concerning aspects you'd need to be aware of.
I've always wondered what two would be like, either double the trouble or playmates to entertain each other!
Love to hear what you decide to go for, ANY cat would be a lovely addition to the family!

Thorandrogue · 03/10/2019 22:46

We've got two males, 3yrs old now, though they aren't litter mates. They are brilliant, fabulous with our kids, cuddly - though not all the time. Playful, not particularly noisy, though they do have their moments. Only issue is some weeing incidents on clothes on the floor, but we just make sure clothes are off the floor. I am at home though and work as a childminder - they are great with all my mindees too, they also have access to outside. I don't think they would behave the same if they were left during the day or were indoor cats. We've just added a Ragdoll kitten to the mix too, and they have accepted him after a week and a half.
Hope that helps

InTropicalTrumpsLand · 03/10/2019 23:00

Just chiming in to say you don't necessarily need a Bengal to have a cat full of personality, etc. The kitten I took out of the streets walks on a lead, fetches (she taught me how to, in fact, spitting things for me to throw in my lap) and will generally talk until my ears bleed. Ridiculous prey drive (will mewl until she catches her prey, often requiring me to lift her to higher places) and so, so bossy. Will bite or scratch if not content, wake me up if she's bored, generally make herself an annoying bugger.
Mind you, I don't think I will ever want a lazy cat. She's a daily challenge but I love how I must always be on my toes. It's not for everyone, though, and every time she mauls my hand I thank my lucky stars I was the one who picked her up and not a family with children or anyone who would not easily understand her moods.

If you're willing to consider a rescue, maybe look for a spotted tabby if you like the "wild" look of a Bengal?

SlothRunner · 03/10/2019 23:20

My friends occasionally feed a bengal when their neighbours go away, and they are terrified of him! He is the meanest cat ever, and will stalk you through the house

Namechangeforthiscancershit · 03/10/2019 23:35

The noise alone would really put me off.

But I agree they are SO beautiful

Slickkitty · 04/10/2019 06:36

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster

Qcng · 04/10/2019 10:02

Thanks for all your replies lots of food for thought!
We're not buying anything untill latest next spring. Useful feedback thanks.

OP posts:

curatalo · 04/10/2019 13:51

I have a Bengal. He's 3 months old and is the size of a 6 month old. I have owned pedigrees all my life but this is different. He already bosses my 1 year old rag doll. That cat cries every time the little one comes near him. The boss of the house has been hissing at him since 2 weeks in. This cat has no fear lol I enjoy him but if you are a novice this breed is not for you. It will turn your life upside down. Please do yourself a favor and get a Persian or ragdoll. Much easier to care for.

Fluffycloudland77 · 04/10/2019 14:10

He’ll be better once he’s had his accoutrements removed @curatalo.

Miraculous change in ours, I wanted to get dh done but he wasn’t up for it.

carsleyladiessociety · 04/10/2019 15:25

You really dont want a cat in the bath.
They have claws, and yes, they use them to get a grip. And a cat that likes the bath is likely to go for just about any water they can find in the house

Even though she's just a moggy one of my cats is an aqua cat. Closing AND wedging the door shut when you're in the bath. Check. Closing and wedging the kitchen door shut when you're running the kitchen tap. Check. Being woken up at 3am because you've discovered the cat can lift the lid of the toilet enough to get in the toilet and promptly get stuck in it when the toilet lid slams shut on her. Check. We now keep a brick on the closed toilet lid.

Sodding moggy

curatalo · 04/10/2019 15:37

He had his neutering yesterday

nearlynermal · 04/10/2019 16:11

@Fluffycloudland77 laughing robustly right now

bengalcat · 04/10/2019 16:32

Am smiling at the poor pussy stuck in the lavatory

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