Don’t Get a Bengal Cat Until You See These 13 Reasons
The topic don’t get a Bengal cat has been discussed in forums, and in this article, I will put an end to this topic by providing you with all you need to know before getting a Bengal cat.
After reading this article you will know if you should get a Bengal cat or not, so take your time and read through.
The Bengal cat is a crossbreed of an Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat.
They are known for their wild-looking long, lean bodies and spotted coats.
These cats are high-energy and require plenty of space to play and roam. There are many reasons why you should or shouldn’t let your Bengal cat go outside.
They also have a strong prey drive, which makes them unsuitable for homes with small animals or birds.
Prior to bringing one home, it’s important that you research the Bengal cat to make sure you are fully prepared to care for it.
If you have any concerns about this breed, consider these helpful tips before making your final decision.
Don’t Get a Bengal Cat
Don’t get a Bengal cat because Bengals are very territorial, they have a high prey drive, Bengals require lots of attention, and can become destructive or aggressive when left alone with too much energy.
They are big escape artists; the Bengals are not too good with children that are under six years old, and they are expensive.
A Bengal cat is a cross between an Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat.
I don’t recommend getting one, even if you are looking for the most unique pet in the world.
It’s not just because Bengal cats are more expensive than other types of cats. It has to do with their personalities and needs as well.
13 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Bengal Cat
Here are a few reasons why you might want to reconsider getting a Bengal Cat:
Bengal Cats Are Vocal
Bengal cats are active cats who seek to satisfy their owners and have a lot of expectations.
When Bengal cats are hungry, need to go outside, or need to use their litter boxes, they are extremely vocal.
When left alone for a lengthy amount of time, they get extremely agitated.
So, if you are looking for a pet cat that will not start singing for you every now and then, Bengals are not good for you.
But on the flip side, if you need a cat that will be discussed with you all the time even when you don’t need them, get a Bengal cat.
Bengal Cats Need Regular Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Bengals are extremely energetic and vivacious animals.
They need a lot of playing time to burn off all of their energy and keep them from being disruptive.
Prepare to spend a significant amount of time playing with your cat. But are Bengal cats really aggressive?
This breed may not be for you if you are not the type of person who has a lot of time to dedicate to it.
If you want a cat that will not chew your furniture or cables when you don’t give them some exercise, then Bengal is not for you.
This breed chews everything and anything when they don’t get a lot of stimulation, so stay clear if you’re lazy.
Bengal Cats Are Not Suitable for Homes with Small Animals
You have other small animals as pets and you are thinking of getting a Bengal cat? Then you are very wrong.
If this is your case then you need to look elsewhere, because Bengal cats are very territorial and good hunters.
You can’t keep a Bengal cat and a hamster under the same roof and expect accidents not to happen.
So, before you get a Bengal cat be sure you don’t have other small animals or beds at home because every now and then your Bengal will bring something home.
Bengal Cats Have Strong Prey Drive
Bengals are superior hunter cats. Bengals excel at catching small rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels.
They can carry off a rodent in their mouth and never let go. So, if you are thinking of a cat that won’t chase a mouse or birds then Bengals are not for you.
Most times Bengal will try to escape just because of some small birds around your neighborhood.
So, if you want a Bengal cat be sure to cat-proof your home, and close down all exit routes.
Bengal Cats Require Plenty of Space
If you live in an apartment or you’re a city dweller then Bengal cat is not for you for any reason you may think.
This breed is a large cat that loves to explore its environment and would require a lot of space to get into from time to time.
Bengal cats’ favorite game is to play fetch with their owners and if you live in an apartment, you won’t have lots of space for them.
So, look elsewhere if you don’t have lots of space where you can keep cat trees, and shelves and build heights where your cat can explore.
Bengal Cats Need to Be Trained Earlier
One of the reasons people say don’t get a Bengal cat is that these cats if not properly socialized and trained can do things that will hurt you.
A Bengal cat is not your typical domestic cat you will bring home and allow them to figure out things themselves.
If you need a cat that you will not invest time in training, then the Bengal cat is not for you, my friend just looks elsewhere.
Training can be easier if you start early socialization and training with treats, and introduce your Bengal cat to all objects of fear.
Bengal Cats Do Shed
I hear people say Bengal cats don’t shed but that is a big lie, however, Bengal cats are one of those cats that will make you think they don’t shed while they actually shed.
Ask other Bengal cat owners, to use a white towel to rub their cat and show you, after which you see the shed.
Even though their shedding can be controlled by weekly brushing, Bengal cats often times grooming themselves.
So, if you want a Bengal cat you need to groom them every week to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Learn more about Bengal cat shedding.
Bengal Cats Are Expensive
One of the most significant drawbacks of Bengal cats is the expensive cost of their upkeep.
From the initial purchase to the ongoing costs, your Bengal will cost you a lot of money.
If you’re considering buying a Bengal cat, be sure you’re financially prepared.
This breed generally costs between $1500 and $2000, although it can cost as much as $5,000.
When you hear people say don’t get a Bengal cat, it is mainly because of the cost of feeding them.
This breed grows bigger than normal cats they eat and poop more than average cats.
Learn more about why Bengal cats are so expensive
Bengal Cats Require Lots Of Care
They require lots of attention and grooming regularly, which means that Bengal cats are not good for first-time cat owners.
If you need a cat to start with, then Bengals are not for you, please look elsewhere, this cat requires experts to handle them.
Some states have banned them because of how aggressive they are, however, it can be corrected from the early stages.
In the USA all generations of Bengal cats are banned in Connecticut, Hawaii, New York City, and Seattle.
Learn more about different ways of caring for a Bengal cat.
Bengal Cats Are Big Escape Artists
They have been known to be very big escape artists that can jump over very high fences.
When they are not allowed to hunt and kill, they can become distressed, aggressive, or even escape.
Bengals should be left outside if you are not willing to handle them.
Because of their high prey drive and wildlife instincts, Bengal cats will always want a way out to go and hunt.
If you can’t cat-proof your home and get enough moving toys for your Bengal cat, then Bengals are not for you.
Bengal Cats Get Bored Fast
Bengal cats, due to their high activity levels, are also prone to boredom. And when they get bored bad things happen.
When Bengals are bored, they act in the same way that they do when they are lonely.
Except for this time, they’re not asking for attention; they’re looking for entertainment.
They can attack your legs or scratch your furniture. If you leave them alone for too long.
Getting a variety of toys available is one way to keep your Bengals entertained, but they will enjoy one more time with you even more.
Offer your Bengal some serious attention every now and then, and they’ll be ecstatic.
One of the simplest ways to overcome these traits in Bengal cats is to get a second pet or to take your cat with you when you go out.
Learn more about different ways to entertain a Bengal cat.
Bengal Cats Can’t Be Left Alone for Too Long
Many Bengal owners take their cats outside with them while they are at work or in school, which can lead to problems.
Separation anxiety is common in Bengal Cats.
Due to their very social disposition and close bonds with their friends, Bengal cats are more prone to loneliness than other breeds.
Sadly, no matter how mild the Bengal cat’s behavior appears to be at first, if you do not take action, the situation will most likely escalate.
This is a simple problem to tackle, but if you approach it incorrectly, you can wind up with a Bengal cat who claws and bites fiercely.
Learn more about leaving a Bengal cat alone for too long.
Bengal Cats Are Very Territorial
Bengals become nervous when a new animal approaches their territory. They also like owning and delineating their area.
This is why some people don’t advocate adopting a Bengal cat since they are prone to getting into unnecessary fights with several other cats.
They are strong and have good hunting skills, and they can easily kill any other cats who approach or try to enter their territory.
However, this trait can still be corrected by proper socialization and training, but even with this Bengal cats still, go after small animals.
Therefore, if you are looking for a cat that will allow or accept the presence of other small animals, then the Bengal cat is not for you.
Learn more about why people think that Bengal cats are dangerous.
What to know before adopting a Bengal cat?
Here are some things to consider before getting a Bengal cat;
- You should ask for the Bengal cat’s medical records.
- Check if the Bengal cat is micro-chipped.
- Be sure to check the cat is a 4th generation of Bengal cat bloodline.
- Don’t adopt a sick cat.
- Check for a reputable place you can adopt not just anywhere.
- Be sure the very cat you want to adopt is very active.
- Seek advice from a vet.
- Ask how the cat got to the place you are adopting it from.
- Study what it takes to live with a Bengal cat.
Emotional and Physical Requirements of a Bengal Cat
There are lots of things a Bengal cat needs to stay healthy and happy indoors which are as follows:
- Lots of interactive toys
- Huge cat trees
- Shelves
- Grooming pack
- High-quality food
- Regular vet check-up
- Enough playtime
- Harness
- Leash
- Water fountain
- Artificial water pool
Environmental Considerations for the Bengal Cat
Before getting a Bengal cat there are some environmental considerations you need to make which are as follows:
- Bengal cats are not for city dwellers
- Consider your location and how close it is to the woods.
- Consider if you live in a noise-free area.
- Make sure you don’t have lots of predators around.
- Don’t get a Bengal cat if you live close to a busy road.
- Bengal cats are not for you if you live in an industrial area.
- Check the garden and bushes to check if there are no cat repellants.
- Don’t get a Bengal cat if you live in an open area without a fence.
- If you live in an area where you have lots of hunters you don’t need a Bengal cat.
- If you live in a cold region you shouldn’t get a Bengal.
Conclusion
Bengal cats are a beautiful breed of domestic cats, but they come with many drawbacks.
There are multiple health problems that can be passed onto the kittens and this is something that needs to be considered.
They can be high maintenance and have a tendency to roam, which makes them unsuitable for those who live in apartments or city dwellings.
They also need playtime outside of their cage and don’t do well in cold weather.
If you’re considering getting a Bengal cat as your new pet, please reconsider! After reading this article.