Tell me about Bengal cats

[MsMiaWallace]

I really want one.
I'm currently researching the breed but would love to hear from owners!

Good points & bad!

Our NDN had one. I am a crazy cat lady, I've had multiple cats all my life. I really did try to make friends with this cat. He was intent on causing me ABH. It got to the point where he would come into the garden and randomly attack us. They rehomed him in the end, not because of us, I assume he was being a menace at home too. I'm sure there are some lovely Bengals out there, but even as an experienced cat lover I would never get one.

Great cats, have had them for over 30 yrs now. Never had a horrible one, all have been loving very sweet cats. All have lived to be over 20 yrs old, with the oldest being 23. I Always have at least two of them, currently have a male brown spot 21 yrs , a snow leopard 8 yrs and a sphynx 4 yrs. sphynx is wonderfully loving and doesnt get involved with the bengals bickering between themselves.

I'd like to see cats phased out as pets altogether, they are terrible for local wildlife and Bengals are the worst of the lot - but people are totally selfish and just think about themselves and what they want so what can you do.

None of my cats do anything to wildlife as they have an outdoor run and only come onto my own fully enclosed garden when i am there supervising. So keep your ignorant opinions to yourself. Not all cats murder wildlife!

I’d like to see some humans phased out altogether.

Cats aren’t all terrible for local wildlife, and some wildlife such as rats and mice are best kept under control.

Cats have been pets for 1000s years, and have presumably hunted for the same period, so you’re likely out of luck.

I’m not keen on them. If you want a cat full of character, have you considered a siamese?

I first posted about Thug Cat in April 2019.
He's still outside every day over three years later 🙀.
He is a persistant little sod. And he's only reputedly half Bengal.
Photo on our patio 5 minutes ago.

Thug cat looks just like my chausie, except she is scared of her own shadow.

I have 8 cats, one of them is a bengal cross Persian and absolutely lovely, so cuddly and timid, although very vocal, I also have a full pedigree Bengal who’s the hardest kitty we’ve ever had, he’s 2 now and still hard although has calmed a bit, he’s stunning and knows it. He catches loads of prey, and brings it home, including a baby duck recently. He’s very vocal and only cuddles when it suits him. On the plus side apart from being stunning he’s very loyal and has so much personality

They seem to vary massively, which is understandable given their wild heritage.

I know there are lots of stories on here of loving, quiet, affectionate bengals, but I do think they're a breed you need to go into with your eyes wide open - could you cope if you got one that was aggressive, vocal and needed tons of space to run, hunt and kill wildlife every single day?

@Grumpyoldpersonwithcats the fangs on it they're huge!! 😧

My half bengal kitty is very timid and shy and affectionate… not 😂

she’s a bossy little madam who was scared of going outside when we first got her but now loves it and lays down the law to the other cats nearby. She loves a fuss, loves her food and is very vocal.
always on her terms though. She’s my keeki deeki and I love her but she is more demanding than previous cats i’ve been a servant to.

And she looks like butter wouldn't melt. Beautiful girl she is.

I had one years ago and well... it escaped one day, ironically the day it was due to be spayed. He would scream blue bloody murder to go out and eventually managed it, through a gap in the door as the postman arrived

He turned up again 6 months later and I managed to get him inside but he screamed and screamed, hissing horribly at me until I opened the door again. Never saw him again after that

Can I suggest a Ragdoll?!

My work colleague has two purebreds and they’re always sitting on her lap during video calls or have their arms around her etc. We were researching bengals but ended up with a Maine coon as we think they suit our personality better. If you are looking at purebreds make sure you go to a reputable (not backyard) breeder who will make sure the cats are properly socialised and good temperament. You can get an idea by meeting the parents if you’re looking at a kitten as it’s hard to predict what they’re like but adult cats you’ll have a better idea.

Personally I wouldn't bother with them yes they are lovely to look at but that's where it ends.
My mum has a snow bengal and whilst he is indeed beautiful to look at he's a horrid cat.
He constantly will attack for no reason and it's very painful draws blood every time it's that deep.
This can be because he wants you to stroke him which when you do he then will sink his teeth into you or scram you.
I've been sat still and he's leapt at me and cut my arm.
I'm forever hearing from mum and dad about him going for them.
They have had him from kitten he's now 8 years old maybe 9 now and still no sign of calming down.
He attacked my DD when she was a baby in her bouncer luckily missing her eye otherwise mum would have had a stuffed pet cat on display.
I watch him like a hawk when it comes to my two I think he must know that I wouldn't hesitate to hurt him if he hurt my two and yes they are aware and have been taught to leave him be as they are aware he's nothing like our cat but he seems to follow them around and likes to be in they're company but I don't trust him for one second.

Also very noisy and constantly trying to escape he's an indoor cat that does have supervised access to outside just not allowed to roam freely outside as an outdoor cat would.

Honestly I would look at any other breed or even a normal mog our cat is brilliant.

He's not a pedigree but to look at you would assume Russian blue he's a sweetie great with my two sensible enough to always go to his favourite spots if he desires peace and loves lap cuddles.

Pictures of my Mums bengal

if you hate your neighbours go for one.

we have one terrorising everyone in the neighbourhood.
it's a nuissnce and dangerous. and I'm sick of finding half birds.
and it's loud.

Same for me. The neighbours Bengal killed my lovely little tabby, scratched his eyes so badly he was blinded. I absolutely hate it.

I have a Bengal cross..he’s honestly the most amazing cat I’ve ever owned (&I’ve had a few)
Hes loving and great with the children. He plays but also cuddles up with you.
He loves to be out exploring. He barely miows and is a pleasure to own. If his food bowl is empty he just sits and patiently waits!

but he does love to kill more things than any other cat I’ve had does (that’s the Bengal)

We have two bengals, 9year old male and 7 year old female, both indoor cats, never had any issues with them being aggressive towards us,our 3 year old or grabby baby!

The female is very nutty, noisy and clumsy, likes to sit on top of the door frames, would never sit on your lap but likes a rub now and again, will hide of anyone new comes in the house. Good Spider catcher!

The male is loud, can hear him down the garden! He is alot more affectionate and will sit on your lap, however he suffers with a sensitive stomach and trying to find the right food for him was a challenge, he also wees outside the litter tray on occasion which can be frustrating

They are both very intelligent cats, but I do wish I could let them out, I think the male in particular would love it

A friend has them - loves them to bits but they are not for novice cat owners!

Loud, bored easily, and prone to health problems with sensitive stomachs. Will vomit a lot if food not perfect or health not right.

My Mau is a lot easier. Native breed so no health issues, similarly loud, very bonded, intelligent and has made friends with most of the neighbours by his very nosy personality.

Just don't.

@Unforgettablefire thank you. She’s adorable and she knows it 😂

Got a rescue Bengal. I will never own one again. She attacks for no reason, including hiding under beds to bite the poor sucker who dares to walk past.
Brings in 'presents' dead and alive.
Used to bite our toes in the morning until you get up and feed her. NOW!
Our children love her. They are the only reason I haven't rehomed her.