Getting and owning a Bengal can be great fun, and hugely rewarding. Whether you choose to share your home with a new kitten, a mature Bengal or adopt, you'll be rewarded with many years of happiness and companionship.
Before you commit to any of the cats for sale on Bengal Owners and fall in love with a new furry friend, read our expert advice to help ensure your cat is healthy and happy in their new forever home.
Make sure your cat has a suitable place to live
Cats are intelligent - if they get bored or don't have enough to do, or places to roam, they can suffer (and so can your soft furnishings!).
You need to make sure your Bengal can exercise every day plus play and interact with people and other cats (if appropriate). Kittens will be especially inquisitive and playful, so you'll have to make sure there are plenty of entertaining toys or activities.
Your cat also needs to be able to go to the toilet every few hours if they need to - litter trays are completely fine to use, but you need to remember to clean them out regularly, at least a couple of times a day. If you do not want a litter tray, then you may need to think about a cat-flap and of course live somewhere they can safely go outside.
Make sure your cat has a healthy diet
Your cat needs a well-balanced diet to stay fit and healthy as well as constant access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times. How much your cat needs to eat will depend on things such as age, how active he/she is and their general health. If your cat eats more food than necessary, they will become overweight and may suffer.
Certain cat breeds can be particularly greedy and will continue eating much more than is required; treats and snacks should be strictly rationed and included in your cats daily nutritional requirements - if you are doing some serious play with lots of treat rewards, be sure to reduce the amount of food in their regular meals accordingly.
We always recommend feeding a high quality grain-free dry food, combined with a grain-free wet food if desired. A lot of cats have allergies to grains contained in a lot of regular cat food and it can cause various health problems. A grain-free diet also tends to be of a higher quality, as more care goes into making the products. Remember that a dry food often contains much more nutritional value than wet food, however in our experience your kitty will likely prefer a wet food; This is why we recommend mixing or alternating between the two.
Always ask your vet for advice on what, and how much, to feed your cat.
Make sure your cat is able to behave normally
Choose a type of cat that is suited to you, your home and everyone living there.
The way a cat behaves depends on their age, breed, personality and past experiences. Frightening experiences and physical punishment can lead to behavioural problems and suffering. You should make sure your cat has constant access to a safe hiding place where they can escape if feeling afraid or overwhelmed. This can be especially useful if you have a busy household, or children who may hassle and antagonise your cat.
If your Bengals behaviour changes, it could mean they're distressed, bored, ill or injured so always talk to your vet if you are concerned.