Can Bengal Cats Go Outside [Pros & Cons]
Are you a proud Bengal cat owner wondering if it’s safe to let your furry friend roam the great outdoors?
Or perhaps you’re considering adopting a Bengal and want to know if they require outdoor time for optimal health and happiness?
Whatever the case may be, the question “Can Bengal cats go outside?” is a common one, and it’s one we’re here to answer.
In this brief article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of letting your Bengal explore the great outdoors, as well as provide some tips to keep them safe and happy during outdoor adventures
Can Bengal cats go outside?
The answer is yes! However, it’s not recommended that your Bengal cat goes outside unattended, as they are still susceptible to outdoor dangers like cars, other animals, parasites, and disease.
If you do allow your Bengal cats to go outdoors, make sure they are on a leash or harness, and make sure you take steps to keep them safe from these hazards.
The Advantages of Taking Your Bengal Cat Outside
Here are some reasons why you should let your Bengal cat go outside under your supervision which are as follows:
It relieves your Bengal cat from boredom
Bengals are among the world’s brightest cats, yet they become bored fast, which can lead to behavioral issues.
Allowing them to play outside will prevent any misbehavior and keep them happy. They hardly get bored when you take them out.
Taking your Bengal outdoors for a walk is a kind of exercise.
Bengal cats are very energetic, spirited, and active in nature and they need lots of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Allowing your Bengal cat to go outside, as we said before, is a great way for him to get some exercise.
When you allow your Bengal cat outside, he or she can interact with other cats or dogs. Bengals grow big and can attack other cats or pets.
Allowing your Bengal cat to go outside allows for more socialization with humans and all sorts of fear factors.
Walking your Bengal cat outside allows it to interact with other animals.
As a result, your Bengal cat will become more socialized, as he will learn to be calm when interacting with other animals.
Allowing your Bengal cat to go outside might help your cat’s confidence
Bengal cats are generally shy and tend to avoid humans and other pets, by letting your Bengal cat out you can boost your Bengal cat’s confidence.
Meeting new companions, whether they be dogs, cats, or humans, will undoubtedly enhance your Bengal cat’s confidence.
The more your cat goes outside, the more confident he will be in meeting other pets.
People think Bengal cats are aggressive towards other dogs or cats because they are shy and lack the confidence to meet other pets.
Emotional stress is reduced as a result of external stimulation
Stress is one of the major reasons why Bengal cats become unnecessarily territorial and aggressive.
Be it emotional stress or physical stress walking your Bengal cat outdoors makes them feel better.
Unwanted behaviors like scratching and urine are reduced
Bengal cats are known to have some behavioral challenges and walking your Bengal cat can help with some of these issues.
Unnecessary behaviors like biting, nipping, scratching, and urination will be reduced if you always give your Bengal cat some time to walk outside.
Visiting the vet will be much easier
Walking your Bengal cat in your spare time helps your Bengal cat to have no issues with visiting the vet at any time.
The more you take your cat outside the more you build their confidence to meet new people and animals.
You will have fewer issues visiting your vet if you always walk your cat outside in your spare time.
Letting your Bengal cat outside provides unlimited entertainment
If you spend a lot of time away from home owing to job obligations, an outdoor life may be ideal for your cat.
Indoor cats, on the other hand, demand far more amusement and attention from their owners than outdoor cats, who have plenty of stimuli outside.
Learn more about entertaining a Bengal cat.
Letting your Bengal cat outside helps its mental health
The great outdoors has also been shown to benefit your feline’s mental wellness.
This is due in great part to the wide range of scents, sights, and noises available to excite their senses.
It also serves as a getaway from any possible stressors in your house.
Letting your Bengal cat outside helps them express their natural behaviors
One of the primary advantages of letting a Bengal cat outside is that it allows them to express their natural behaviors.
They’ll get to scratch on trees (and perhaps save your sofa), patrol their region, and employ their hunting instincts, which is especially useful if you’re trying to decrease the rodent population in rural areas.
Learn more about caring for a Bengal cat.
The Dangers of Allowing Your Bengal Cat to Go Outside
Here are some common reasons why you should not allow your cat to go outside without your supervision which are as follows:
Moving vehicles have the potential to injure or kill your Bengal cat
Bengal cats are great hunters and wouldn’t stay in one area if you let them outdoors without your supervision.
This means they have access to major and minor roads and can get involved in an accident that could claim their lives.
So, always consider where you live before letting your Bengal cat explore the outside world on its own without your supervision.
Your Bengal cat may be stolen by cat nappers
Bengal cats are very attractive and exotic-looking animals.
Because they are so uncommon and valuable, there is a great chance that someone may damage or steal your Bengal.
There are lots of cat nappers that can take your cat away if you let them out without your supervision.
Your Bengal cat may get lost if he or she wanders too far
Bengal cats are extremely quick and athletic creatures that can easily scale high fences and barriers.
When you combine that with the fact that Bengal cats are among the sharpest cats on the globe, it only takes a split second for your furry companion to flee.
Outdoor cats wander or roam a lot and most times they have no boundaries since Bengals are good hunters, they may get lost chasing a mouse
Infectious diseases could affect your Bengal cat
Bengal cats, as previously said, are daring creatures who are inquisitive about everything.
The problem with this is that it puts your cat at risk of contracting a sickness or infection.
This is readily accomplished if they are attempting to consume rotting food or toxic plants, or if they are scratched by a nail or tree bark, which can lead to infection.
Your Bengal cat could be exposed to toxic garden plants or flowers
There are always lots of gardens around and these contain toxic plants and flowers used to repel many animals or insects.
Letting your Bengal cat go outside without your supervision is very risky, as your Bengal cat can come into contact with any of these plants.
Your cat can get sick from contact made with these plants, and this will cost you money and time.
Dogs or other predators may injure or kill your Bengal cat
The longer your Bengal spends outdoors, the more likely it might be in a fight with another animal at some point.
There are lots of predators waiting for your Bengal cat to step outside and become their dinner.
Coyotes, raccoons, and dogs can cause harm or even death to your Bengal cat.
However this depends on your location, but one thing is for sure there is always an animal waiting for your cat in the woods.
Your Bengal cat might be infected with common parasites
There are lots of parasites and worms that can affect your Bengal cat when you let them out.
These parasites have a long-term effect on cats and may reduce the life span of any cat, if not discovered on time.
Domestic cats that live inside have a lifetime of 12 – 18 years, with some lasting into their early twenties.
Keeping your cat indoors provides a much safer environment with fewer risks.
Your Bengal cat might be poisoned purposefully or unintentionally
Just because you are a cat lover doesn’t necessarily mean everyone loves cats, there are still cat haters.
If you let your Bengal cat go outside without your supervision, there are high chance your cat could eat poison.
Most times the poison might not be for your cat but for other destructive rodents, and your Bengal cat can become a victim.
Your Bengal cat might be picked up by an animal control officer
In some countries Bengal cats can only go outdoors when it is legal to have outdoor cats; if it is not legal, the Bengal cat can only go outside on a leash and under the owner’s supervision.
So be sure to check with your neighbors to know if it’s allowed to keep outdoor cats in your area.
Some things to consider before letting your cat go free
A cat-proof garden is important, but there are also a number of additional factors you should keep in mind:
- Until they are at least 6 months old, do not release them out into the wild.
- Be sure there are no stories of wild animals in your area.
- Verify that the animals have been neutered.
- Be sure to keep a tracking system in place before letting your Bengal cat go outside.
- Speak to your cat’s doctor to confirm that he or she has received all of the necessary vaccines.
- Talk to your neighbors to be sure outdoor cats are allowed by law.
- Microchip your Bengal cat.
- Be sure to bring them inside when it gets dark.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Bengal cats and the outdoors so read through:
Will Bengal cats kill other cats outside?
Yes, Bengal cats can slaughter other cats since they are born natural hunters with strong fighting abilities; they can protect themselves owing to their size and aggressive temperament when not adequately socialized, and they are opportunistic hunters from birth.
Bengal cats compare well in size to other domestic cats, giving them an edge over other cats.
Can Bengal cats find their way home if they get lost?
When a Bengal cat is lost, it will always find its way home as long as it is not caught, killed by a predator, carried away by a professional cat-napper, mistakenly transported to another city in a vehicle, or seized by an animal control agency.
Here is an interesting article about some reasons why your cat disappears without a trace.
How far can Bengal cats roam outside?
Bengal cats can travel around 130 yards (118.872 meters) since they are born with innate hunting instincts, like hunting experiences, and can live for lengthy periods of time while hunting. Hunting and mating might lead a Bengal cat to wander far from home.
Can you take a Bengal cat on a walk?
Yes, you may walk your Bengal cat with a decent leash and a body-fitted harness since Bengals are very energetic, enthusiastic, active, and like new experiences.
Walking your Bengal cat provides them with much-needed daily activity.
If you do not walk your Bengal cat or give it any sort of exercise, it may become violent.
Can Bengal cats be left alone?
Yes, however, Bengal cats should not be left alone for more than 8 hours each day.
Bengals have a lot of energy and need a lot of activity to be healthy and happy.
They are also prone to damage objects when left alone for too long.
Bengals are usually highly lively and active, and they require a lot of stimulus throughout the day to keep them amused.
Why does my Bengal cat want to go outside?
Here are some of the most common reasons your Bengal cat wants to go outside:
- Your Bengal cat has not been neutered.
- You failed to cat-proof your home.
- Out of hunger
- Inadequate mental stimulation
- Too much stress
- Inadequate socialization
- Prey drive or hunting instincts
- Neglect and abuse
- Too much noise
- The threat of death
- There are just too many visitors.
- The advent of a new pet or family members
- Too many litter boxes that are filthy
Conclusion
Bengal cats are hybrids that were developed by breeding an Asian leopard cat, also called a jungle cat, with a domestic feline.
They have the appearance of a wild cat and the temperament of a domesticated one.
Bengal cats have been known to climb trees and hunt rodents in the wild.
They love water and can swim, and are known to be able to go outside on their own leash or harness.
Based on my knowledge of cats and my years of experience, I believe it is safe to let your Bengal cat out once in a while.
On the other hand, I will warn you not to allow your Bengal cat to roam outside without your supervision.
However, it’s not recommended that your Bengal cat goes outside unattended, as they are still susceptible to outdoor dangers like cars and parasites.
