09.06.2022

Bengal cat behaviour horror stories and how to avoid them

It's easy to see why Bengal cats are so well-loved. Their exotic wild cat looks are enchanting, and their fun, playful character complements their beauty. Bengals are also intelligent, easily trainable, athletic, and loyal once they get attached to their cat parents. 

As irresistible as they are, Bengals also display some less cute traits, so they may not be suitable for every family. Some kittens turn out to be high-maintenance and pretty demanding, and if you can't meet their needs, there’s plenty of room for trouble. 

Untamed explains common Bengal cat behaviour problems and how to avoid or fix them.

Bengal cat behaviour problems

Like many other cats, Bengals will resort to aggression when they feel angry, frustrated, or bored. They tend to be hyperactive from the moment they are born, so if you don't enable your mini-leopard to burn their energy or give them enough attention, they can send a few challenges your way.

I have nothing to do, and you know how that ends.

Source: Caleb Woods

When something is not going their way, Bengals can be:

1. Destructive
2. Overly talkative
3. Mouthy
4. Depressed
5. Fussy about the litter box

Bengals get destructive when bored

Intelligence and hyperactivity make these gorgeous felines more mischievous than many other cat breeds. They are highly inquisitive, enjoy getting into drawers and cabinets, and love to see how objects will react if they hit or bite them.

Bengals also get bored quickly. If you leave them alone all day without enough stimulation, you could be in for a surprise when you get back. When Bengals have nothing to do, they scratch furniture, knock over decorations, chew on shoes and cushions, and wreak all sorts of havoc.

The best way to prevent them from going wild when left unattended is to:

• Provide a sturdy scratching post and pads
• Get a cat tree 
• Install perches for your kitty to jump on
• Set up a cat wheel for additional exercise
• Leave various toys (electronic mice, flopping fish, and similar interactive playthings)
• Put food puzzles to keep them busy

Bengals can get chatty when dissatisfied

Miniature leopards are also quite vocal. Chattiness is not bad per se because it shows you how your kitty feels, but Bengals can be pretty annoying with their incessant meowing. 

These toys are great and all, but I want your attention now.

Source: Kim Davies

Your feline companion will be vocal about their love and devotion, but excessive meowing can also be a sign of:

• Hunger
• Thirst
• Boredom and pain

You should observe your Bengal and determine what usually makes them loud. It will help you notice the difference in tone and pitch, so you will know if your feline is telling you that they love you or asking for something.

Mouthing is a common problem with Bengal cats

Bengal cats sometimes chew on your fingers as a sign of affection. They may also bite you more aggressively to express irritation, in which case you should check if they need food, their litter box cleaned, or some playtime with you.

These tiny leopards may attack you (or other pets) while playing. If you notice your Bengal ambushing, pounding, and then biting you, they are probably expressing their wild playful nature.

It is a painful way to have fun, but luckily, Bengals are easy to train. You can quickly solve this problem with a different form of play.

Direct your Bengal’s predatory tendencies away from your legs and arms by using a wand or various interactive toys.

Bengal cats are prone to depression

The most common reasons for depression in Bengals are:

1. Loneliness—These felines form strong bonds with their humans and are more prone to loneliness than many other cat breeds
2. Separation anxiety—If you spend a lot of time away from home, this problem can be challenging to overcome. Plenty of toys or another Bengal or similarly energetic cat, such as a Siamese, might help
3. The abrupt change in routine—Cats thrive when they have a regular feeding, playtime, and sleeping routine. If changes must be introduced, you should do so gradually

I feel like all I want is to sleep all day.

Source: Paul Hanaoka

Whatever the reason for your Bengal's depression, you can keep it under control. Mood problems often lead to aggression, so don't ignore signs of depression. The best ways to approach this problem are:

• Initiating playtime and mentally stimulating exercises
• Rewarding your Bengal with high-value treats when they behave properly
• Spending more time with your feline
• Installing a kitty swimming pool because Bengals love water

Bengals tend to show protest by ignoring the litter box

If the consistency, cleanliness, or depth of the litter is not to their liking, Bengals will let you know in less than a subtle way—by peeing around the house. Such behaviour will continue until you give them what they want. Although many felines can exhibit similar behaviour, not going potty where intended seems to be a Bengal's speciality.

Since Bengals are more territorial than many other cat breeds, avoiding the litter box may also be their attempt to mark their territory. They are likely to require several litter boxes throughout the home instead of only one.

Bengals may ignore the litter box for several other reasons, including:

• A new pet in the house
• Anxiety
• Moving to a new place
• The lack of training

If none of the above seems to be the problem and your Bengal starts urinating outside their litter tray, there could also be an underlying health issue, so take them to the vet for a check-up.

Diet-related health concerns that could cause behaviour problems in Bengals

Some behavioural issues in your Bengal could come from inadequate dietary habits. They require a well-balanced diet to keep their energy levels even and hereditary and lifestyle-related illnesses at bay.

Is it time to eat already?

Source: Caleb Woods

The following health issues leading to problematic behaviour can easily be managed with a proper diet:

1. Kidney and bladder diseases
2. Skin and coat conditions
3. Weight problems

Kidney and bladder diseases

Naughtiness, such as avoiding the litter tray, is sometimes a sign of a much deeper problem. Trying to solve a behavioural issue with training or disciplining when there is something more serious at play can escalate to a severe health concern.

Common health problems in Bengals that could cause urinating outside the box include:

• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Bladder infections
• Bladder stones
• Cystitis
• Diabetes

Skin and coat issues

Poor dietary choices can cause increased shedding, frequent hairballs, and skin irritation. Your Bengal could also be allergic to something in their food, which can cause allergic dermatitis and excessive grooming.

Weight problems

Bengals are active, and keeping them in good shape isn't that difficult, but if they eat food with too many carbs, they can get fat. Carbohydrates are problematic because felines lack the enzymes necessary for digesting them, so your kitty can experience gastrointestinal episodes and suffer from stomach sensitivity upon consumption. 

Simple carbohydrates are a quick-release energy source, so after the initial high, your feline's energy levels may suddenly drop. If not spent soon after consumption, the unburnt calories will turn into fat. Neutered cats are especially susceptible to weight gain. 

Obesity leads to many other issues, particularly in old age. Some of the common weight-related problems include:

• Joint degeneration
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Liver and kidney disease
• Hyperthyroidism

The best nutrition for your Bengal

You can address most health issues in Bengal cats with well-portioned, high-quality meals containing the recommended amounts of:

1. Animal protein
2. Animal fat

Animal protein

Meat is the crucial ingredient in cat food because felines get all the essential amino acids, such as taurine and arginine, as well as vitamins and minerals from it. They need animal protein for:

• Energy
• Strong muscles
• Healthy skin and coat
• Normal organ function

Meat and fish are the most important ingredients in cat food.

Image (c) Untamed

The best diet for felines should be similar to what they would eat in the wild. Felines usually hunt:

• Birds
• Mice and other rodents
• Insects and moths
• Frogs
• Lizards and other small reptiles

Top-notch commercial cat food mimics these feeding patterns with lean meat and fish.

Whichever type of cat food you prefer—dry, wet, raw, homemade, semi-moist, or B.A.R.F.—you should make sure that it contains:

• Chicken (cooked, not raw)
• Turkey
• Duck
• Liver
• Salmon
• Prawns
• Tuna

You can also occasionally feed your Bengal small portions of beef, pork, ham, or bacon, but use them as treats or taste enhancers, not regular meals.

Animal fat

Appropriate quantities of animal fat in cat food are necessary because it:

• Serves as a secondary source of energy
• Delivers essential fatty acids that ensure cell integrity and healthy organ function
• Improves the taste and smell of your kitty's meals

Animal fat should not exceed 20% of your feline’s daily food intake.

A healthy and tamed Bengal cat—it's easy with Untamed!

Top-quality meals made with fresh ingredients mirroring a feline carnivorous diet keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Check out the advantages of Untamed dishes in the following table:

Untamed helps you create a personalised meal plan for your Bengal

You can take our quick online quiz and pick the meals your Bengal will love. Give us a few details about your cat's preferences, age, and food sensitivities, and select the products that fit those criteria.

So many options! I don’t know where to start!

Image (c) Untamed

Our jelly and gravy dishes are free from grains, sugar, vegetable protein, animal derivatives, or anything felines shouldn't eat. We have also created two hypoallergenic meals—Tuck-in Tuna in Jelly and Chocka Chicken in Jelly—with a single source of protein, ideal for Bengals who struggle with food allergies.

Check out some of our best-sellers:

What can you expect once you switch to Untamed?

Our clients provided valuable feedback and shared the positive changes they’ve noticed after joining the Untamed gang. The following table presents the timeline of the Untamed effect:

How do I get Untamed?

You can get your starter pack within a day at an affordable price without additional shipping fees.

Order a starter pack and get your Bengal hooked on Untamed!

Image (c) Untamed

All you need to do is:

1. Go to our Try Now page
2. Tell us about your Bengal
3. Choose the products and place the order

Once your Bengal goes through the entire starter menu and decides on their favourites, we can send monthly supplies of Untamed meals to keep your tiny tiger fit and happy.

If you need to change a delivery date or adjust the menu, you can do it easily from your account!