Bengal cats are not your ordinary kind of cats. They have an exotic look and unique fur pattern that many people find appealing. They also have gregarious personalities. If you are planning to own a Bengal cat, read on and get to know the pros and cons of having one.
Pros
1.They are very affectionate.
Bengal cats are famous for being affectionate. They tend to bond well with their owners and may also bond closely with other cats and pets in your home. Although they are not big fans of cuddling and snuggling, they have unique ways of showing their affection to you.
2. They make great family pets.
This breed gets along well with kids and other family members. They are patient with children and ideal for large families, but you have to monitor their first few interactions with small children.
3. They have an easygoing personality.
Bengals are calm, which means they have great patience when it comes to their humans and in handling situations. These even-tempered felines tend to be very tolerant before they become aggressive. They are also less likely to display anger unless they have underlying health problems.
4. They are entertaining.
Bengal cats want to be the center of attention, and for good reason. They are highly entertaining and they have quirky antics that are meant to catch the attention of their humans. They are sociable and interactive and always love to have an audience.
5. They make friends with other pets easily.
This breed gets along well with other pets at home. If you have a new cat or dog, the Bengal cat makes the transition easier by trying to make friends.
6. These cats are smart and inquisitive.
Bengals are curious and very smart. They are very easy to train and can learn tricks easily, which they are always willing to perform for their humans. Stock up on puzzle toys and other interactive playthings to keep them mentally stimulated. Teach them not to do certain things, like sneaking food out of cupboards, and always have treats handy.
7. They like to go on walks.
Bengals have dog-like qualities, which explain why they like to go on walks and outside adventures. To make this possible, you have to train them to wear a leash while they are still young. It may take time and patience, but Bengals will eventually get used to having a leash and harness on them.
Cons
1. They easily get bored and lonely.
Bengals are very interactive cats. This is why they easily get lonely if they are left alone for long periods. They do not like being left alone at home. They tend to throw tantrums and become destructive if they get bored and lonely.
If you are always traveling, this breed may not be a good fit for you. Some cat owners resolve this issue by hiring a cat sitter to be with their cat while they are gone. Provide plenty of toys for your cat so she stays occupied.
2. They have a mischievous nature.
Being smart has its downside, which is very true for Bengals. They tend to get into mischief and trouble because of their knack for exploring areas and objects around the home. They also like to scratch at anything, including your precious furniture and carpets, as part of their countless adventures. Provide your cat with scratching posts and plenty of stimulating toys to burn off pent-up energy.
3. They are more prone to have litter box trouble.
A common grievance among Bengal cat owners is their tendency to eliminate anywhere except their litter box.
The common culprits for this behavior could be one or more of the following:
- They are trying to mark and establish their territory.
- The litterbox is dirty.
- They are stressed or anxious.
- They are depressed or lonely.
- They are bored.
- They have an underlying health issue like a urinary tract infection (UTI).
4. This breed is expensive.
If you are considering owning a Bengal cat, make sure you are financially ready. This breed usually costs between $1500 and $2000, but can cost as much as $5000.
These are the factors that affect the price range of Bengals:
- The cat’s traits, including age, quality, generation, temperament, and demand associated with color
- Inclusions upon purchase of the cat, such as immunizations and spaying/neutering
- Level of breeder care
5. They are not lap cats.
Bengals are very independent and rarely will come up to sit on your lap or snuggle with you on your bed at night. They are affectionate in their special way and will express love on their terms.
6. They demand playtime.
Bengals are extremely energetic and active. They need a lot of playtime to burn off all that energy and to prevent them from becoming destructive. Be prepared to play with your cat a lot. If you are not the type of person who has ample time to do this, then this breed might not be for you.
Fun facts about Bengal cats
These are some interesting facts about Bengals:
- They adore the water.
- They tend to be very vocal.
- They hardly shed because they only have one layer of fur.
- Their fur shimmers because of the “glitter gene.”
- They are also called safari cats.
- Their average lifespan is 12 to 16 years.
Conclusion
Bengal cats are fascinating to own and care for because of their leopard-like look and affectionate nature. They are a joy to have because they are intelligent, have an easygoing personality, and get along well with kids and other pets. However, they tend to be destructive, mischievous, and easily get lonely and bored if left alone for long periods.
Image: istockphoto.com / andreaskrappweis