Bengal cats are beautiful pets with temperaments unlike most domestic cats. So what can you expect for the first time from your Bengal Kitten?

Bengal cats, hybrids of an Asian Leopard and domestic feline, have stunning markings and lanky bodies that are gaining them popularity as unique pets. But their personalities and breed characteristics can sometimes be unexpected.

Exploring Their Territory

Bengals are particularly curious as a breed. They will need to explore every corner of their environment several times and aren’t particularly delicate in doing so. Expect them to knock things over, jump and climb as high up as they can and poke into every small space. Once they are more comfortable with you and their new environment they will run and jump over furniture with little regard, especially when playing.

They enjoy high places and window sills. Like all new pets in the home, confining them to a single room for an introductory period will make this transition easier.

Bengals are Attracted to Water

Spray bottles are often used on cats as negative reinforcement for bad behavior. However you might find that your Bengal will think this is a fun new game rather than a punishment. All Bengals seem to enjoy water, whether splashing in their water bowls, wading in the bathtub or drinking from a running tap. They aren’t shy to join you in the bath or shower and you might wish to keep toilet lids down lest they become kitten swimming pools.

Dog-Like Qualities

Bengals are often perceived to have more dog-like behavior in that they are very food oriented and thus quite trainable. As cats, they can be quite picky about what they like to eat but once you find a favored brand or treat they can be easily taught tricks like ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘speak’ and even ‘shake hands’ with food as positive reinforcement. They may also play fetch, with a thrown toy its own reward and similarly taught to walk on a leash. Again the walk itself will be its own reward and with repetition they will quickly learn how to walk consistently in a direction that you wish them too. However, cat-like, they still may wish to go their own way or simply lie down if you disagree.

Additionally like dogs, Bengals can be quite vocal. They seem to make a wider variety of noises than your average cat from chattering at birds in the window, chirping with affection, meowing for attention or yowling complaints when confronted with a closed door or too-high shelf.

Each Bengal is going to have its own personality but in general the breed characteristics of these cats make them unlike any other.

Conclusion

Bengal cats are hybrids of an Asian Leopard and domestic feline. Their personalities and breed characteristics can sometimes be unexpected. Like all new pets in the home, confining them to a single room for an introductory period will help ease their introduction to the human world. Bengals are perceived to have more dog-like behaviour in that they are very food oriented and thus quite trainable. They can be taught tricks like ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘speak’ and even ‘shake hands’ with food as positive reinforcement. All Bengals seem to enjoy water, whether splashing in their water bowls or drinking from a running tap.