So who wants to be the mommy or pappy of the Bengal cat? Well if you plan on owning one of these awesome felines, there are certain things you should know off the bat.
If you plan on owning a Bengal cat you better make sure that you get your fitness level up as these cats are very hyperactive. If you plan on having a nice quite Sunday afternoon home you should also know that Bengals are extremely vocal and are not afraid to let their voices be heard. Bengal Cats fancy themselves and loves attention. They tend to express interest in owners activities. Bengals are not the type of cats which fancy a being hugged lapped and excessive cuddling, it is not that they do not require this attention, but it has to be on their own terms. So basically they will cuddly when they want to.
Bengals and Children
They may not be that kid friendly seeing that Bengals don't like being hugged tugged, lifted and cuddled. All those nice things which children love to to with cute pet cats. Their temperament may suite cat lovers who may be single or without child. Bengal Cats should not be left alone for a long period of tie as they easily become bored and will find things to do to quench their boredom. Things which may eventually cost you money, such as busting up that cushion or couch. They are very inquisitive and even though are owned, tend to want to be their own boss.
Keeping an Eye On Your Cat
Bengals make the list of one of the most expensive cat breeds. They will fetch a price of $1000 to $25000 dollars. For this reason many times Bengal cats are kidnapped and sold for profit. As a Bengal cat owner, you should ensure that you keep an eye on your cat once outdoors as once the wrong person spots one unattended or lost, it will be sure to be snatched up for sale.
Grooming
Bengals shed just as much as any other cat and does a lot of self grooming also. You should avoid declawing these cats. Bengal cats have larger canine teeth than typical domestic cats and will do more biting once the Bengal realize that it has lost its claw power! When it comes on to bathroom activities, you have to ensure that Bengals are well trained as they tend to urinate and defecate wherever they have the urge at the time.
Diet
Bengals are prone to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and require a much healthier diet than other cats. It is suggested that their diet be closer to raw as much as possible. Royal Canin 27 is generally what Bengal breeders use to feed their cats since this is highly endorsed with The Int'l Cat Assoc (TICA). There are other recommended brands also available. Just do a little research on the Bengal cat diet. But just a tip for the road. Try to avoid cat foods which contain the following ingredients:
- Corn
- Corn Meal
- Preservative Fillers
"These ingredients will only act as boosters for IBS in the Bengal cat."
You must always consult with the pet store or rescue facility before you take on a Bengal as these precious babies do require a bit of attention. Once you get to understand the Bengal cat, you will eventually fall in love with his unique awareness and behavior.