Last updated on January 27th, 2023 at 04:23 am
Are you curious about the personality of a Bengal cat because you are thinking about owning one? Bengal is a cute-looking, intelligent and active cat breed that is known for its distinct boldly patterned coat. Bengal descended from a wild Asian leopard and domestic cats. If you spot this cat breed for the first time, you may easily mistake it for a wild cat because of its unique marble coat that looks like that of a wild leopard. Although many people mistake Bengal for a wild cat, it is nothing close to it. It is a loving and affectionate cat that loves being around its owners.
Bengal cats did not come by as a result of years of evolution. Instead, they got a little help from humans. It is a hybrid cat breed that came into existence in the early 1900 and is native to Southeast Asia. So, are you interested in owning a Bengal and you want to know their personality traits? Well, you have just landed in the right place. In this article, we will discuss in detail the personality of a Bengal cat to help you make an informed decision. We will also tell you 10 interesting facts about Bengal cats that you probably don’t know. Now, without wasting more time, let’s get started!
[toc]What is the personality of a Bengal cat?
Despite their wild look on the outside Bengal cat is soft, sweet, and loving. They are very affectionate and loyal although they tend to choose a particular family member as their favorite. However, if the cat is socialized at an early age, then it will get along with everyone including children and strangers.
Bengals are also very intelligent and curious. As a result, they need constant stimulation to prevent them from engaging in mischievous activities. You should expect this cat to manipulate you in the initial days of owning it. Their high intelligence also means that you can teach them some challenging tricks like how to use and flush the toilet.
Bengals don’t meow excessively as is the case with other cat breeds but are very good at communicating their needs to the owner. They know how to get exactly what they want and also how to express their dislike for a situation.
This cat breed will not sit idle when you come home after a long tiresome day at work. Instead, she will give you a warm welcome and stay beside you to show that she enjoys your company. They always form strong bonds with their owners and don’t like to be left alone for a long time.
Bengal cats are also very active and don’t like being held or restrained. They have strong muscular bodies and are always full of energy. Another unique trait of this cat breed is that they love playing in the water. A Bengal; will not mind joining you in the shower for a bath.
10 interesting facts about Bengal cat
1. Bengal is a hybrid cat
The Bengal cat did not come as a result of years of evolution, instead, it is a hybrid cat meaning it came into existence through human assistance. In the early 1900 breeders crossed domestic cats with wild Asian leopard which is native to Southeast Asia.
Although crossbreeding of this cat breed began over a century ago, this cat remained unknown until 1970 when Jean Sudgen Mild bred a domestic cat with an Asian leopard hybrid which produced offspring that appeared like a wild leopard but had the personality of a domestic cat. Today, Bengal kittens are bred with other Bengals.
2. They love water
Another very interesting fact about Bengals that most people probably don’t know is that they love water. Most cats prefer to see the water from afar but that is not the case with Bengals. They love water and will take advantage of any opportunity they get. This feline will play for long periods in water and will sometimes even join you in the shower tub. The reason why they love water is that their ancestors were great hunters and fishers.
3. They are great climbers
While all cat breeds know how to climb, Bengal cats are exceptionally good climbers. They have a climbing gene in them and can do things that other cat breeds cannot. For instance, if you have a high cabinet in your house that other cat breeds cannot reach, you will be surprised to see your Bengal relaxing on top of it. They love to climb and are very good at it. They are strong, athletic, and have a great ability to climb in areas that are hard to reach. They are also good jumpers.
4. They are vocal
Bengals don’t meow often like other cat breeds, but they know how to get what they want. They are very vocal and will let you know when they want something like food or entertainment. In fact, one of the top reasons why people love this cat breed is because they know how to express themselves without making too much annoying meow noise. A Bengal will come straight and tell you what she really wants.
5. They are intelligent and highly trainable
Bengals are very intelligent cats and can do things and tricks that other cat breeds cannot. Their high intelligence makes them mischievous and generally annoying at times. If they are not socialized at an early age, they can sometimes challenge your commands and do things their way.
If you plan to own this cat, you need to socialize it at an early age. This way, the cat will learn how to be calm and composed when around people and also when taking instructions. Their high intelligence also means that they need to be mentally stimulated on a regular basis to keep their behavior in check. Bengals always crave mental stimulation. So, it is important to challenge their minds with things like toys and food puzzles.
Their high intelligence also means that they are incredibly easy to train. Bengals are very good at learning new skills and tricks. You can teach them simple tricks for retrieving toys and more complex tricks like walking on a leash.
6. They are natural hunters
Like their ancestors, Bengals are natural hunters. They are skilled and passionate hunters with high success rates. They particularly like to hunt fish and rabbits. So, if you have an aquarium in your house or you keep rabbits then you must protect them from this cat. Their high predatory instincts make them not ideal for households with smaller pets like fish, rabbits, and Guinea pigs.
7. Some states prohibit ownership of this cat
If you are thinking of owning this cat breed, you need to first check your local and state laws to know if they prohibit the ownership of this cat breed. While most states in the United States allow ownership of this cat breed, some states like New York City and Hawaii don’t allow ownership at all. Other cities like Denver and Seattle have put restrictions on this cat breed. So, make sure to check your local and state laws and regulations on ownership of this cat breed before you purchase one.
8. They have a high life expectancy
Bengal cats have a high life expectancy of between 13 and 16 years. Some Bengals have lived up to 18 years. If you take good care of this cat breed by giving them well-balanced and nutritious food, giving her love and attention, and attending to her medical needs on time, you will enjoy the company of this cat breed for up to 16 years.
9. They are social and affectionate
The overall appearance of this cat may make you think that it is not a friendly cat. However, that is not the case. Bengals are very social cats. They get along with everyone, including children, the elderly, and other cats and dogs, especially if they are socialized at an early age.
They are also very affectionate and often form a strong bond with their owners. They don’t like being left alone for an extended period of time. In fact, if you know you will not be available for this cat, then it is not the right choice for you. They often feel bored and lonely when left alone for a long time.
10. They require experienced owners
Another thing that is important to know about this cat breed is that it cannot be owned by any person. They require someone who is experienced in handling rare cats. Since the Bengal cat is a rare cat breed and is also different from other normal cat breeds, they require someone who understands them and is ready to meet their unique demands. Bengals are incredibly beautiful, loyal, and fun to be with. However, you can only get the best from this cat breed if you truly understand them.
Final Thoughts
Bengals are adorable cats with great personalities. They are calm and gentle with everyone, including kids and strangers. They also get along with other cats and dogs, if they are socialized at an early age. More so, they are loving, affectionate, and loyal to their owners. They are also very intelligent and thus easy to train and follow commands. However, they are suited for experienced cat owners.
