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Bengal cats are easily recognized by their wild-like exotic appearance and high levels of energy, thanks to their Asian Leopard cat DNA.
Their sleek spotted or marbled coats resemble that of small leopards, which is a big part of their huge appeal to cat people.
While their feral looks and playful energy are attractive, Bengals, like any other cat breed, come with their own set of challenges.
They can definitely make amazing pets for the right person, but it’s super important to know the upsides and downsides before bringing one into your home.
In this guide, we’ll break down 10 pros and 10 cons of having a Bengal cat to help you determine if this lively and intelligent breed is right for you.
10 Pros of Owning a Bengal Cat
1. They have a beautiful exotic appearance
One of the major reasons people love the Bengal cats is because of their beautiful feral-looking coats and exotic appearance.
Walking your Bengal cat in a pet-friendly park will surely turn heads and ignite conversations from curious people.
The best part? These good-looking felines have ‘glittering’ fur which creates a shiny appearance when hit by the sun.
2. Bengals are intelligent and highly trainable
Bengal cats are extremely smart. This high feline IQ makes them highly receptive to obedience and command training, which cannot be said of many other breeds.
Bengal owners can teach their feline friends a few tricks including how to walk on a leash, recall training, and other basic sets of commands.
With such quick minds, Bengal cats can also learn to solve problems. Don’t be surprised if your feral-looking kitty learns how to swing your door open.
3. Bengal cats are affectionate
It’s easy for the exotic looks of Bengal cats to deceive you about their innate temperament. Bengal owners will agree that these cats are so loving and caring.
Bengal cats are known to form strong emotional ties with their human families, to the extent of seeking their attention repeatedly.
This kind-hearted nature makes Bengal cats a wonderful addition to any household seeking an interactive and affectionate companion.
4. They have a low-shedding coat
If you’re concerned about shedding or you have a negative reaction to pet fur, owning a Bengal cat can be a great advantage in the long run.
These glittering pets have a short, dense coat that doesn’t shed much fur compared to other popular breeds.
Bengal’s minimal shedding coats make them a low-maintenance pet in the grooming department. A weekly brush is sufficient to keep your Bengal coat in good condition.
5. Bengals are good with other pets
As with their human families, Bengal cats are highly likely to befriend other pets in your household, especially if they were raised together.
This social strength makes them a good addition to multi-pet homes, but remember to carve out a private space for every pet in your household.
6. Bengal Cats are agile and athletic
If you’re looking for an active companion to tag into your routine outdoor adventures, then you are unlikely to go wrong with a Bengal.
Bengal cats are highly energetic, agile, and always ready for a game of fetch or jumping. You can also train your Bengal to join other active champs in feline agility competitions.
With such strong athleticism, make sure to provide sufficient vertical space for your Bengal in the form of cat trees and scratching posts.
7. They are talkative
One interesting fact about Bengal cats is their ability to start conversations with their human family. This is not the type of feline to keep quiet even when something goes wrong.
If you enjoy having a vocal pet, you’re in for a treat with this breed, thanks to their meows, trills, chirps, and other vocalizations.
8. Bengal cats have a longer lifespan
With a lifespan of between 12 – 16 years, owning a Bengal cat will have you keep those good memories for a longer time.
Individual cats can live past this range, so long as you provide sufficient care for their health, diet, social needs, and exercise needs.
9. Bengals enjoy playing in water
There are only a few cats who enjoy playing in water and Bengal is one of them. Don’t be surprised if your Bengal follows you to the shower or dip their paw into a water bowl.
Having this breed in a hot climate zone is a plus because you can always tag them to your swimming adventure to cool them off.
10. Bengal cats have a dog-like personality
To summarize all these great Bengal cat traits, you may have noticed that they resemble those of our canine friends.
Bengals are often described as the ‘cat for dog people’ because of their similarity in traits with well-trained dogs.
10 Cons of Owning a Bengal Cat
1. Bengal cats come at a high initial cost
You should get prepared for a significant financial investment when planning on acquiring a Bengal kitten from reputable breeders.
Depending on the lineage, Purebred Bengal kittens will often come with a price tag of thousands of dollars with a current range of between $1000 – $4000.
This high initial cost may be a stumbling block to prospective owners who would want to care for an exotic hybrid feline.
You can always consider choosing a Bengal cat from rescue organizations through well-structured adoption.
2. They have demanding activity needs
Having a high-energy cat can be an advantage, but the downside comes with the constant need for physical activities.
If you don’t have enough time to interact with your Bengal cat and take them out for routine walks, then they can potentially be a burden for you.
Bengal cats with pent-up energy are likely to get bored and channel their frustration into destructive behavior like chewing, digging, or scratching.
3. Bengals can be cheeky
With such an intelligent brain, you can expect a Bengal cat to get into some forms of mischievousness especially if not well-trained.
These feral-looking kitties have a knack for getting into places they shouldn’t. Don’t be surprised to find your Bengal cat opening kitchen cabinets while searching for food.
Their curiosity can sometimes lead to accidents or messes, so Bengal owners need to be prepared for a cat that loves to explore and test boundaries.
4. Bengal cats need space to thrive
With the Asian leopard cat DNA, Bengal cats are still active hunters who may need lots of space to exercise their innate desires.
They need large homes with enough provisions for climbing structures and ample spaces to run and go wild.
This leaves small apartment dwellers with limited options on how they can exert their wild-looking house cats.
Bengal cats can feel restrained and restless when kept in smaller spaces without enough provision to burn off their energy.
5. They have a hunting instinct
Bengal cats have natural instincts to hunt as a remaining trait from their wild ancestors. This can make it difficult to keep a Bengal with small pets like birds and fish.
Proper training and social engagement can suppress their natural inclination to hunt, although it can be difficult for earlier-generation Bengals.
You can also provide your Bengal cat with sufficient interactive toys to channel their hunting energy in constructive ways.
6. Bengals are not lap cats
Bengals are affectionate and kind, but they are not lap cats. These kitties enjoy spending interactive time playing with their owners, but not sitting on the lap for extended periods.
A Bengal cat will disappoint you if you’re in search of cuddly companions who will always be there to lounge on the couch with you.
7. They can meow a lot
We highlighted that vocalization in Bengal cats can be an advantage because of the possibility of being ‘talkative’ and engaging.
But this comes as a double-edged sword because excessive vocalization such as meowing can be a concern to people who prefer a quieter household.
You can always train your talkative feline friend to tone down on excessive meowing with patience and consistency.
8. Owning a Bengal might require a permit in some states
Owning a Bengal cat might be straightforward in some areas but it could present hurdles in states with legislation on exotic breeds.
As hybrids of domestic cats and Asian leopard wild cats, owning a Bengal is subject to legislation in places like Hawaii, Indiana, New York City, Denver, Seattle, and others.
If you’re thinking about adding a Bengal cat to your household, we strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with local laws to ensure compliance.
9. Bengal cats love to be high up
True to their wild heritage, Bengal cats love perching high on vertical spaces which can be a bother to some people.
Don’t be surprised to learn that your cat’s favorite lounging spot is on your bookshelf, kitchen cabinets, or refrigerator.
Be prepared to invest in high vantage points for your cat’s satisfaction. Failure to which they may turn against your valuable items.
10. Potential health issues
Bengal cats are generally healthy, but they can be susceptible to certain health problems including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and responsible breeding practices can go a long way in keeping your Bengal healthy and happy.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an active, intelligent, and affectionate pet, then owning a Bengal cat should be high on your bucket list.
Some of the major wins of this hybrid cat include their beautiful exotic appearance, love for water, and dog-like personalities.
Consider some of the Bengal cats’ cons before making the final decision about owning this wild-looking breed.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
5 Responses
Hello. Could you please tell me if there is a difference in temperament between a male and female Bengal ?
Hi Beth, while every Bengal cat has its own unique personality, there are some general temperament differences between males and females. Male Bengals are often more outgoing, playful, and affectionate, they tend to be very social and may demand more attention from their owners.
Female Bengals, on the other hand, can be a bit more independent and reserved but are still very loving and loyal once they bond with their human.
That said, temperament is influenced by factors like socialization, upbringing, and individual personality more than just gender. You can help shape your Bengal’s personality by starting early with positive interactions, regular playtime, and gentle handling to build trust and confidence. Hope this was helpful, let me know if you have any other questions.
Frankie, my month16 Bengle, needs so much attention,he needs to be in sight of me ,when I set at the computer ,he carries on until I join him in the TV room .If I don’t do this ,he will spray in front of me. Is this normal ?
Hi Shelley, Bengals are naturally active and social, so it’s normal for them to want lots of attention. Spraying, however, can be a sign of stress or territorial marking. Consider adding more enrichment (like fun toys and interactive play), providing a comfy spot for Frankie near your computer, and keeping his litter area very clean. If the spraying continues, a check-up with the vet might help rule out any underlying issues. Good luck!
They sell a perch stand which attaches to your computer desk if he is used to cuddling and holding he will like the one with a hammock. If not then he might refuse it completely like mine did then a flat perch be perfect where he sits close to you tail dangling and just looking at you with admiration. You are his favorite human he would kill a bird for you. And you alone can discipline him. Which he might try to charm his way out of it but he will oblige to you only.