Bengals are a bit like miniature leopards, thanks to the exotic looks they inherited from their wild-cat ancestors. Their coats have impressive, leopard-like tabby markings; their eyes are like bright green emeralds. Truly, anyone who lays eyes on a Bengal is bewitched by its beauty!
When it comes to personality traits, though, it is easy to assume that Bengals might be less affectionate due to their wild genes. With their high-energy vibe combined with their wild looks, you would be forgiven for thinking that Bengals are unfriendly and difficult to tame.
But these theories could not be further from the truth – Bengals are surprisingly friendly, affectionate, and loyal to their humans.
But do Bengal cats like to cuddle? Read on to find out!
Understanding a Bengal’s subtle affection
Energetic, inquisitive, and a little mischievous – Bengals can make a purr-fect companion to a dog-devoted family. In fact, these kitties offer a happy medium between a feline and a dog, thanks to their puppy-like demeanor. But are Bengals as affectionate and cuddly as their more domesticated feline peers?
If you are bringing home a Bengal kitty, it is worth knowing what their unique traits are so that the whole family can happily co-exist with them.
Bengals, as you might know, are a beautiful crossbreed between a wild Asian Leopard and a domesticated house cat, and their wild genes are evident in the leopard-like spots on their coats. Bengals also have a strong, athletic physique that enables them to climb and jump really well, just like their wild ancestors.
Due to their energetic and playful nature, Bengal cats may not be everybody’s cup of tea, and might not make the best lap cats. These kitties have lots of energy for exploring every corner of the home, playing games like fetch, and learning tricks, just like their canine counterparts. They also love to be involved in everything – even in the bathroom, these curious felines will not give you any privacy!
Owning a Bengal requires commitment, as these cats can easily get up to mischief. They get bored easily without enrichment in their environment. Bengals also crave attention from their favorite humans, and if you fail to respond, these naughty kitties will find ways to cause trouble in your home.
As such, they are not the ideal pets for owners with busy schedules. But, if you are a devoted cat lover with lots of time to engage with your pet, then having a confident Bengal companion will definitely make your life less boring.
So, how do Bengals show their love and affection for their human best friends? As you might know, Bengals are not the same as typical house cats. This breed is full of energy and prefers to stay active most of the time. Hence, you cannot expect a Bengal to sit on your lap lazily all day. However, this does not mean they cannot be affectionate. Bengals are one of the most loyal and friendly cat breeds, but their way of showing affection might be different from that of their couch-potato feline peers.
For example, an affectionate Bengal might bring you unpleasant gifts, such as dead rodents, as their way of saying “I love you.” It might sound a little gross, but instead of telling them off for it, just be thankful and carefully get rid of the deceased creature.
Other ways a Bengal might show love and devotion is by rubbing their scent on your legs, kneading on you as if they are making cookies, or grooming you because, in their little minds, you are just a very large cat. They might also roll over to show off their fluffy bellies. And, similar to other cats, Bengals will purr, blink at you, and maybe give you a gentle nibble to express their love.
So, a s you can see, Bengals can be as sweet as any more docile cat toward their human family. But, due to their wild appearance and active personalities, it is easy to misunderstand them as less affectionate. Remember that every cat is unique, and they might not show their love the way humans would expect them to. Thus, before you purchase or adopt a Bengal, make sure that you have thoroughly researched and understood their specific personality traits.
Do Bengal cats like to cuddle?
Bengals can enjoy cuddling with their most trusted humans. But, unlike devoted lap cats, they prefer their cuddle sessions to be short and sweet, giving them more time for playing, running, and exploring the world around them.
You might enjoy a bonding moment with your Bengal when they are done playing for the day. Whenever they crave attention, you can take the opportunity to unwind and develop a deeper connection with your furry friend lying beside you. But never force a Bengal to cuddle when they are not in the mood. Let the cat approach you on their own terms, and you will enjoy a better relationship without the scratches.
Do Bengal cats follow their owners?
One of the most amazing things about owning a Bengal is that they tend to show strong loyalty to their owners. This hybrid cat can quickly become attached to its favorite humans, following them everywhere they go. So, if you have a Bengal at home, you can say goodbye to your privacy, as your kitty will likely invade your personal space just to be with you.
Whatever you are up to, a Bengal cat will want to tag along! Their dog-like personality is one of the many reasons that Bengals are such fun companions. So, make sure to let this spotted pet participate in whatever you do, be it watching television or going for a leisure walk outside.
Do not worry, though – Bengals do also need a little “me time” sometimes, so they will not always be annoyingly clingy. Once they have restored their energy, they will be back for more action and playtime with you.
Do Bengal cats like to be held?
Most Bengals do not like to be held unless they have been trained to tolerate it from a young age. The reason for this is that cats, in general, feel threatened when they are restrained. In their little minds, being held is like being captured by a larger predator. This does not mean your cat lacks trust in you – in the cat world, it is simply a survival tactic.
Because Bengals have more wild traits than most ordinary cats, it is normal for them to be more inclined toward this natural feline instinct. If you want your Bengal to feel more comfortable being held, then you should start training them as a kitten.
Depending on the cat’s personality, it might still be possible to teach an adult cat to enjoy being picked up. But this will require proper training, such as the use of positive reinforcement, and lots of patience. With enough time, they should start feeling a bit more comfortable when you try to pick them up.
Will Bengal cats sleep with you?
Like most cats, Bengals do love to sleep with their human owners. As mentioned, these cats show their love and devotion by following their humans everywhere they go, and this includes the bedroom. For cats, being able to sleep beside their owners and feel their warmth provides a sense of security. If given the opportunity, your Bengal will surely not hesitate to share your bed with you.
But, should you decide to sleep together with your Bengal, just be prepared to wake up a little earlier. These cats can be very vocal and demanding, even if you are not yet ready to get started with your day!
Are Bengal cats affectionate toward everyone?
Bengals can be friendly to everyone if the owner has socialized them at a young age. This is not only true for Bengals, but for any cat breed.
Just like their peers, Bengals are naturally territorial. This means they can be extremely protective of their humans and anything else they consider theirs. Without proper socialization, a Bengal cat might hiss, run away, or even hurt an unsuspecting house guest, especially if approached or petted.
If you do not want your Bengal to grow up being unfriendly toward unfamiliar visitors, you will have to train them to get used to the presence of other people and pets. There are many ways to do this, such as taking them for walks and slowly introducing them to your friends. With time and effort, your cat should overcome their fear of strangers and become a gracious host to all your house guests!
Conclusion
Bengals can be as friendly and affectionate as other cat breeds. However, these cats might not express their affection in the way humans might expect them to. While they might appreciate an occasional cuddle, Bengals do not generally tolerate sitting on their owner’s lap all day. They are active cats and, as such, generally prefer to play and engage in fun activities as a way of bonding with their humans.
Image: istockphoto.com / Vagengeym_Elena