Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

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

Paige Cerulli
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.

Related

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…
Can cats have autism? Here’s what to know about unusual behavior in cats
Learn about special needs and autism in cats
Cat with blue eyes staring into the distance

Can cats have autism? This is a question that might have crossed your mind as you try to decipher your cat's behavior patterns. Even though the diagnosis is centered on human behavior, many pet lovers and experts have discovered similarities between special-needs cats and people with autism. Still, cats are typically only labeled as special needs if they have a diagnosed physical or mental disability.

There are several behaviors in cats that are similar to those found in humans on the autism spectrum. These include:

Read more
Lap time, nap time: Why your lap cat chooses to sit on you
Find out the real reasons your cat lies in your lap
Cat sitting in a lap

As a pet parent, nothing is better than when your cat decides to curl up for a nap on your lap. Sometimes it can be slightly irritating when you need to get some work done, attempt to move your fur baby, and they look at you like you've not only offended them, but also the entire domestic cat species. But it's impossible to say no to their adorable noses and whiskers, so you let them stay. Have you ever wondered why so many of our feline family members become lap cats? We'll tell you everything you need to know about why cats love to sit on you.

Reasons your cat loves to sit on you
Wonder why your lap is your cat's favorite place to sleep? Here are some of the most common reasons.
Cats sit on you because they seek connection and attention
Despite their reputation for being aloof, most cats crave attention, especially from their favorite people. Cats get lonely when you’re not around and will beg for attention when you are. One way they do this is by sitting on your lap; it’s hard to ignore them when they’re right on top of you! They also come to you for connection and love. Usually, a cat on the lap gets affection, so your cat may come to you when they want to be petted and feel loved.
Cats get on your lap because you’re warm
Whether it’s by the radiator or in a sunbeam, kitties love napping in warm spots. One of the coziest places in your home happens to be wherever you are because of the heat your body emits. This could be why your cat likes sitting with you. They may choose to sit on your lap because they want to soak up all your body heat. Luckily, it’s not a one-way street; your cat’s body heat and fur can help keep you warm, too. With your lap cat, you’ll both stay nice and cozy.
Cats sit on you because they trust you
Sitting on top of you is a cat's ultimate sign of trust. Cats only sit in the laps of people they really feel safe with. This is especially true if they nap on you. Your cat is essentially saying they trust you to protect them from any predators while they're napping. To build even more trust with your pet, make sure you’re not forcing them to sit on your lap, and you’re giving them the option to walk away when they want. By acknowledging their freedom and leaving your lap open to your kitty, you're encouraging them to trust you even more.
Cats like the way you smell and sound
Your body is like a white-noise machine for cats. They find the noises human beings naturally make, like breathing and heartbeats, to be very soothing. It helps them relax into an easy slumber. Your cat may also be attracted to your unique scent. Smelling you may make your cat feel safer, making it easier for them to fall asleep. This can also explain why your cat always seems to love sleeping on your clothes, bed, and other possessions.

Read more
Video: We’ve seen some weird cat sleeping spots, but this feline’s is the strangest
Ever wondered why cats sleep in strange positions? We have the answer
Cat curled up in a ball while sleeping in grass

Cats sleep in the weirdest positions — this fundamental fact of feline life takes over the internet on a regular basis. We've seen kitties in boxes, baby bouncers, and sinks, but we may have found the new best cat-napping spot. Ever spotted a cat sleeping inside a pot? You're in for a treat with this viral video.

sephera._ posted this hilarious recounting titled "Orange cat behavior," and it went well beyond the hilarity of the usual antics we see from mousers. It opens with an orange kitty sitting in a pot on a counter in the kitchen. But that's just the beginning. We get to see him try out just about every cat sleeping position while staying inside his snug hidey hole. The text says, "When your cat's favorite spot is inside a pot," and takes us through the favored resting contortions, including curled up with his head poking out, squished all the way in, and with head in and butt up. It doesn't look particularly comfy to us, but we don't have this cat's flexibility.

Read more