Photograph copyright Helmi Flick
The Bengal cat character is very interesting because of the wild cat heritage. How is this seen in the Bengal cat's behavior? I have made several posts on this subject together with Bengal cat health issues. Here is another post on this popular subject. Bengals have plenty of character both in behavior and appearance. This is what makes them so popular. It is the fact that they are wild cat hybrids which dictates their slightly different character compared to your typical domestic cat including other purebred cats. The higher filials (F1-F3) will have more pronounced characteristics to F5s et cetera.
What I haven't mentioned before is the fact that within a cat breed there is a naturally wide variation in the personal characteristics of individual cats, just as in humans. Sometimes we forget that. We seem to think that a cat is a cat and bundle them all together. It is probably fair to say that individual characteristics are more outstanding than the underlying characteristics associated with a particular breed.
A quick recap on the underlying characteristics: intelligent, dynamic, active, athletic, involved. Caveat: make sure you are adopting a proper Bengal Cat if you want to see these characteristics. There are some bad and many good breeders.
Athletics:
My neighbour has a Bengal cat. He has a classic Bengal cat character. You can see him in a video jumping up at me. It's a short video in which I film him from above. He didn't like his space being encroached upon and attacked me in a nice way. See it here if you wish (this takes you to the main site Bengal cat page).
Some cats can jump much better than others and the Bengal is an outstanding athlete. They can jump vertically to substantial heights. They like to be high up sometimes, perched looking down.
Assertiveness:
The wildcat/domestic cat hybrids are usually more assertive. This must reflect the need to be assertive in the wild to survive. Obviously this is manifest in the early generation offspring (F1-F3) but less so at SBT level. But it would seem that the Bengal in her activity and energy is perhaps a little more assertive (demanding) than you typical moggie, for example.
Normal cat:
They do of course have all the lovable characteristics of a domestic cat; lap cat, crashing out after all that activity, plenty of sleep as well. In fact they are (if well socialised) a lovely soft domestic cat.
Water:
We know they like water a throwback from their Asian leopard cat wild ancestor. I have discussed this. But it has occurred to me that this could present dangers in a human habitat for the cat. Toilets often have bleach in them. Hugely dangerous for an inquisitive Bengal. I would take precautions against the potential for injury there.
As they like to jump into baths and showers, sometimes, it would seem that that could happen when you are in it, which means hot water, which your Bengal won't know about as she thinks all water is at ambient temperature. This would be another area where great care needs to be taken to protect your impulsive Bengal from getting scolded.
Voices:
Bengal cats have slightly different voices. All cats make a range of sounds and in fact it is through the tone of our voice and the general sound of our voice that we can communicate with our cats. This cuts two ways and Bengals are adept at communicating to us with a wide range of sounds and tones.
Another wild/domestic cat that has a notable voice is the Savannah. They have their own way of hissing (mimicking a snakes hiss to ward danger off). They are also assertive.
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Comments
I live in port macquarie NSW, Australia.
I own a female Silver Seal Mink Marbled Bengal Toyger. ( POSSUM )
She is an amazing animal always ready to play or hunt day or night.
She loves to meet people at the door and is more than willing to take a chunk out of your leg, hand or arm as you walk by, unaware of the toyger stalking you....
I also like to play stalking games with her....
Wait till she is crashed out somewhere and find a good hiding spot out of her sight, make a noise to wake her and let her see you peering at her from behind the corner of the lounge......holy crap you had better run cause by the time you are out of the crouch position she has already taken a piece out of you somewhere and is looking for seconds.....
I am a little concerned as she hates water unless its in her drinking dish, and even then she loves to tip it over...
and
She doesn't meow.....these cats are supposed to be very vocal but(possum) my cat does not meow loud its more like an under your breathe growl. She isn't angry she growls when im giving her food and petting her. I would say it's more like a very very loud perrrrr.
I called her possum because she loves to climb up things, and yes if you happen to be in the way she will climb up you, claws and all !
But this is what makes having one of these animals very special..
He does make a broader range of noises than my girls and in many ways is much more affectionate, so much so that when he wants a cuddle, he will go to ANY lengths to get that cuddle. For example he is currently trying to bite my nose and head-butt me in a bid for attention, almost asking, how dare I use the computer when he clearly requires attention! He is a lovely little boy, only 4 months old but already showing the muscle structure of a wildcat. He loves to climb, the second we let him out the door he was straight up the blossom tree in my garden - although getting down was a task I had to help him with.
Sadly he doesn’t seem to get on with his adopted big sisters, I'm not sure whether it is him playing, rather aggressively, or whether he is trying to take over their territory but they are gentle soles who would rather flee than fight so we haven’t had any major fights yet. We did have him 'snipped' two weeks ago so hoping his spraying and chasing will soon die down a bit.
He is accident prone, mainly as he is so active, and has taken on the sole responsibility for ridding the world of bees. This has resulted in many swollen paws, but he carries on regardless with his mission.
Rossi won’t get into water if I'm not already in it, which causes problems when in the bath. His balance isn’t good enough yet to just perch on the edge of the bath so usually falls in, but at least he ends up smelling nice for a few hours.
One thing to be aware of is how naughty they can be. If anything bumps in the night, I can guarantee that it was Rossi and his acrobatics that caused it. I've given up on vases and ornaments in the living room (or any other room for that matter) as they end up smashed/eaten/urinated on/used as a football or general weapon of destruction. He will make a run for it the second I open the front door and has no fear, darting around the street right into roads. Obviously this is a concern for when he learns the back gate can be climbed. We will just have to be vigilant when that happens.
All in all, he is a wonderful cat with a very apparent 'wild side' even though he is a cross breed. The genes must be strong as I have never known a cat like it. I wouldn’t have him any other way, well, maybe i would change the urinating on the other cats beds bit, but that’s all.