Finding the best companion for Bengal cats has its benefits. Although you provide the best you can, Bengal cats are a demanding breed with a need to be engaged mentally and physically.
The best companion for your Bengal cat could be the Abyssinian, Turkish Angora, Bombay, Ocicat, Savannah, Persian, Oriental, Siamese, Siberian, and Sphynx.
For this topic, we’ll uncover the best breeds of pets that get along well with Bengals, including breeds of cats, dogs, and other animals.
What is the Best Companion for My Bengal Cat?
Sometimes, unexpected circumstances intervene with your daily living and it may require you to do more work, go back to school, care for a loved one, and so much more, but you think of your Bengal cat waiting loyally for you at home.
Cut your research short because we have done it for you!
Cat Breed
When searching for the best companion for Bengal cats, you should look for a breed that matches your Bengal’s personality. Because each cat is unique, your Bengal may have higher or lower energy than depicted.
Felines that could match your Bengal’s energy:
- Abyssinian. An athletic breed, this feline is sure to get along with your Bengal and is very active, intelligent, and beautiful. They love to climb and explore.
- Turkish Angora. This ball of mischief is so energetic and smart it could learn to open cabinet doors. It will love the attention and playfulness of a Bengal.
- Bombay. Compared to the other two above, the Bombay isn’t as active but is very playful and has more than average energy to match a high-energy cat.
- Ocicat. This beautiful feline looks as wild as the Bengal but has no wild blood. Friendly and active, the Ocicat will get along well with a Bengal.
- Savannah. This graceful cat will be best friends with your feline of any breed. They are social and friendly to other pets and people.
Special mentions: The Sphynx, Persian, Oriental, Siamese, and Siberian cat breeds.
Read: Why Do People Love Their Bengal Cats So Much?
Dog Breed
The best dog breeds that will be the best companion for Bengal cats should have a medium to high tolerance for your feline’s playfulness.
Canine companion for your Bengal:
- Labrador and Golden Retriever. The difference between these breeds is hard to spot, but they are two of the best family dogs that get along well with high-energy kids and cats.
- Beagle. A beagle is a scent hound that has hunted with a pack of big and small dogs for decades. This nature allows them to coexist with cats and other pets.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These gentle pets are very sweet and loveable. They pair well with felines and many types of pets you may have!
- Poodle. Poodles come in three recognized sizes and are comfortable around cats.
What to avoid: terrier dogs and herding breeds might not go well with your Bengal. The SprucePets warns against pairing your cat with dog breeds that love to chase smaller animals.
Aside from the tolerance and personality factors, you should choose a dog you’ll be in love with as much as you are with your cat!
Read: What Makes Bengal Cats So Special?
Other Pets
There are weird pet pairings that work for many owners, and we have the list to show you.
- Rabbits. These pets are docile and some breeds can be as large as your Bengal, although you’ll have to be careful introducing the two.
- Ferrets. Cats and ferrets are predators but are prey to bigger hunters. When raised together at an early age, it’s easier for the two to get along.
- Birds. Cats love birds, but we’re talking about grown chickens and ducks. Although they are kept as outside pets, some keep them inside in pairs and can be introduced to cats.
- Monkeys. Smaller breeds of monkeys (Capuchins and Squirrel Monkeys) can adapt to cats and dogs when introduced young. Monkeys are known to be playful, intelligent, and funny.
Read: The Pros and Cons of Male vs. Female Bengal Cats
Are Bengal Cats Better in Pairs?
Bengals can do well as solo pets but will be unhappy when not given attention and engaged in play. They tend to do better in pairs if you can’t always have the time and energy.
Benefits of having a pair of Bengals:
- They’ll keep each other occupied and happy.
- The aggression is reduced, and they are more affectionate.
- They can play together for as long as they want without bothering you.
VCAHospitals states that studies have shown that families who adopt two kittens from the same litter are far more likely to keep those cats in their home long-term than families adopting a single kitten.
It’s also advised to add a younger kitten to your solo cat than an adult feline. Adopting a pair of adult cats that are strangers to each other can result in bad situations if they are introduced hastily.
We have discussed this topic in greater detail here!
Read: Exploring the Intelligence of Bengal Cats: What Makes Them Unique?
How Do You Introduce a Bengal Cat to Another Cat?
One of the most effective ways of introducing your new cat to Bengal is by introducing them scent first, then visuals later.
We’ve broken it down into simple steps for you:
1. Prepare a spare room for your new cat.
Here, the cat will sleep, eat, and adjust to the new environment. It serves as a small start for the new cat to adjust and prevents your Bengal from seeing this feline as an intruder and something to harm.
2. Introduce scent by feeding them closely on opposite sides of the door or swapping rooms.
Place their bowls a few steps from the door so each cat can eat peacefully while having a whiff of the new cat. If your Bengal walks away from its meal, try again on the next meal but move the bowl a little farther away.
With swapping rooms, take the new cat out of the spare room and temporarily put it in another room. Take your Bengal inside the spare room and let it wander around to take notice of the other feline’s scent. Do it with the new cat too.
3. Introduce the visuals.
When they have gotten used to each other’s scents and don’t walk away from their bowls when eating closely on opposite sides of the door, replace the door with a screen so they can see each other now. Place their bowls closely to opposite sides of the screen.
4. Have a person play with each cat in the same room.
You’ll need an extra pair of hands for this one. Engage your Bengal with a toy. The other person will lure the new cat into the same room with another toy. If any of the two hisses, flattens the ears, arches its back, or swishes its tail angrily, return to Step 3.
Continue with the game, then reward your Bengal with a treat. The other person will do the same. If the cats remain neutral, continue to shower attention to each cat until they eventually notice each other. Watch how they interact.
Repeat steps 1 to 4 if you think they aren’t introduced enough. This process can take days, a week, or more!
Read: 10 Simple Ways to Keep Your Bengal Cat Happy
Conclusion:
To find the best companion for Bengal cats, consider getting a cat that matches your Bengal’s personality such as an Abyssinian, Ocicat, Savannah, Bombay, or Turkish Angora. Ideally, one or both cats is young to socialize them more easily. Good luck!