Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

5 reasons why a Bengal cat might be the right pet for you

By

Athletic, beautiful, and certainly unique, Bengals are a striking cat breed, and many cat lovers want to have them. But Bengals aren’t right for everyone. This breed has some highly specific care requirements, and they need a special kind of owner who is dedicated to providing them with the environment they need to be happy. If you’re thinking of Bengal cat adoption or of buying a Bengal, make sure you’re prepared for the unique challenges that can come with owning this breed. There also are certain traits and characteristics that can help indicate that you might be ready for a Bengal.

Bengal cat hiding in a paper bag
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You have plenty of space

Bengals are high-energy cats who are also highly athletic. They need space to be able to get that energy out. A larger home is ideal, but if you have a smaller space, you may be able to modify it to suit your cat’s needs. It’s important to be aware that you’ll need to make these modifications when deciding if the Bengal is the right cat breed for you.

Recommended Videos

When you own a Bengal, your house will definitely become your cat’s territory, and your decorating will probably change, too. Bengals love to climb up on furniture and cat trees, so plan to add plenty of vertical space that your cat can climb and jump on. If you have limited floor space, then investing in a cat wheel can let your Bengal run to his heart’s content.

You want to spend lots of time with your cat

Bengals require much more care, attention, and time than your typical cat breed. If you’re home often and want to spend lots of time focused on your cat, then this breed might be a good fit. Bengals are highly social and don’t do well if left alone for a day or a weekend. They thrive on having companionship, so it’s ideal if you work from home or are otherwise around the house a lot.

Bengals also need exercise — lots of it. Plan to spend plenty of time playing with your cat daily. You may also want to train him to go on walks outside. Having a Bengal is more like having a dog when it comes to these responsibilities.

You can appreciate a wild and independent nature

Many Bengals still have some characteristics of their wild ancestors, so they’re not your typical house cat. The Bengal cat personality can be highly affectionate, but most Bengals aren’t going to want to sleep on your lap for hours. Instead, they’ll be much more interested in exploring and playing. If you’re looking for a cuddly lap cat, this isn’t your breed, but if you’re looking for a unique, active, more independent cat, then a Bengal might be a good fit.

You don’t own other small pets

Bengals have a strong hunting instinct, and that’s not an instinct you can train out of a cat. If you have birds or small pets like hamsters, your Bengal will be tempted to hunt them. This could end in tragedy for your smaller pets. A home without any other smaller pets will be the best fit for a Bengal. It’s important that you understand your cat’s hunting instincts, and you can work to satisfy them through play.

Playful Bengal cat on a shelf with potted plants
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You’re looking for an engaging and entertaining companion

Bengals are full of energy and personality. They’re vocal and won’t hesitate to let you know when something’s wrong. Many Bengals love water and will be more than happy to play in your sink or shower. In short, this high-energy breed is entertaining and can be a ton of fun to have in your home.

It’s so important to thoroughly research Bengals, their needs, and what your life will look like with this breed of cat. Bengals are unlike other cat breeds, and they have significantly greater care and attention requirements, so put plenty of thought into deciding if this breed is right for you. Owning a Bengal often means a lifestyle change, and your whole family will need to be on board with the dedication that it will take to care for this breed. When you’re well informed and ready to make any changes needed to keep your cat happy and healthy, you just may be ready for a Bengal of your own.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
How to pick up a cat: Avoid common mistakes for a calm cat
Here's how to handle a feline for their comfort and yours
A woman wearing a yellow jacket holds a tabby cat while standing outside

Just like people, cats have their own preferences and personalities that make them one of a kind. Some are more outgoing, while others are shy and reserved. Many felines have a favorite cat toy, food, or person, and all cats have an attitude that simply can't be replicated. Cats also differ when it comes to affection and handling, so it can be tricky to know how to approach picking up a cat.
Luckily, we're here to help you learn how to pick up a cat in a way that's stress free for both of you. With just a little thoughtfulness, you'll be able to handle your four-legged friend with ease and confidence whenever you need to. Not only will this come in handy before vet appointments and using the cat carrier, but it could potentially help your cat get more comfortable with affection and cuddling, too!

Do cats like to be held?

Read more
What does it mean when cats blink at you? Here’s the secret signal
How to communicate with your cat using slow blinks
Relaxed cat starting to blink its eyes

Blinking serves multiple purposes for both humans and felines. It helps to flush debris out of the eye, keeps the eye hydrated, and can even protect the eye from impacts and potential injuries. Sometimes, though, your cat may blink for other reasons, especially if they look at you while blinking slowly and deliberately. This special blink isn't so much a physical response as it is a way for your cat to get a message across to you. You can consider yourself lucky if your feline friend looks at you like this!

So, why do cats blink slowly when they look at you? Understanding this behavior can help you learn what they're trying to say and even help you communicate with your cat in the same way!
Why do cats blink at you?

Read more
How to tell if a cat is pregnant: The key signs to watch out for
Here's how you know that baby kittens are on the way
Resting pregnant cat sprawled on the ground outside

Your little cat has suddenly put on a few pounds. She's started hoarding blankets. Her appetite now seems to resemble that of a small horse. What's wrong with your feline? Truthfully, it could be nothing, and she just might be pregnant. Of course, this only works if she has not been spayed and has recently been in close proximity with male cats, so you can rule it out when neither of these track. But assuming you can check those boxes, how do you know for sure that kittens are on the way? Here's how to tell if a cat is pregnant.
Could my cat be pregnant?

We already covered the birds and the bees part, but there's more to it than just having a tomcat around. For starters, only a kitty in heat can conceive. Your cat's heats could start as young as four months and last her whole life — she never goes through menopause like a human. This cycle will usually occur in spring, though, that can depend on your location and the climate regulation in your house, which could trick her cycle (indoor cats can even enter heat in the winter).

Read more