If you’re planning on adopting a Bengal or if you already have this beautiful creature living under the same roof with you, you would certainly want to make sure that the fluffy ball is happy.
To do that, you should provide the Bengal with all the basics, such as fresh water, high-quality food, and clean litter. But affection and mental and physical stimulation are equally as important. So, you would also have to keep the Bengal entertained and ensure that the kitty is not feeling lonely.
Have no idea how to enrich the cat’s environment? You’ll find plenty of helpful tips below.
What Makes Bengal Cat Happy?
If you manage to take care of a few essentials, then your Bengal kitty will be happy and healthy. These cats are relatively high-maintenance because they like attention and they are incredibly active. So, providing your Bengal with only food, water, and a safe environment would not be enough to make the fluffy ball happy.
Make sure that you are able to tick all these necessities off the ‘taking care of the Bengal’ list every single day.
Fresh Water
Adult cats consume around 15oz of water every day. If your Bengal is eating raw meat, then it might need a little less to feel hydrated. But, in any case, you have to make sure that the cat has access to clean, fresh water.
Investing in a special drinking fountain will help you encourage the fluffy ball to drink a bit more.
Read: The Unique Personality of the Bengal Cat: Do They Only Attach To One Person?
High-Quality Food
Ideally, you would want the Bengal’s menu to mimic their natural diet as much as possible. This means that around 70% of the kitty’s diet should consist of lean raw meat. Of course, you would have to make sure that all the products are of supreme quality.
Adult Bengal cats need to be fed about 2-3 times per day for optimal health.
Fresh Litter
Bengals are notoriously known for being extremely picky when it comes to anything litter box-related. But the rules are quite simple.
You would have to make sure that the litter box is of the appropriate size and that it is located in a low-traffic, quiet area. Scoop the box once or twice a day and make sure to fully change the litter at least once a month. The actual box should be cleaned once a month as well (or more often, if needed) with hot water and soap.
Read: The Fascinating Similarities and Differences Between Asian Leopard Cats and Bengal Cats
A Secure Territory
It is vitally important for cats to feel that they have their own territory. They should also be able to feel safe within that territory.
Make sure that your Bengal has its own bed or even a room (if your house allows this). Such secure spaces are especially important if there are other pets in the house.
Regular Visits to the Vet
You should take your adult cat for a checkup to the vet at least twice a year. These sessions usually consist of inspections, dental cleanings, and vaccinations (even strictly indoor cats might have to receive a vaccine).
It goes without saying that if you want your Bengal to be happy and healthy, you should take it to the vet whenever you notice something wrong with its behavior.
Love and Affection
You should show your love to your precious pet not only through food and water but also through communication. Bengals are real chatterboxes and they would be happy to ‘talk’ with you from time to time.
These kitties also like sleeping in bed with their owners. So, if it’s something that you’re down for, it would be an amazing way to strengthen your bond even more.
Read: The Importance of Identifying the Cause of Your Bengal Cat’s Crying
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Bengal cats are not only a highly active breed, but they are also incredibly intelligent. That’s why it’s quite easy for these smart athletes to become bored.
To keep the little guy happy, you would have to do your best to provide him with a stimulating environment. This includes toys, exercise gear (like a cat wheel, for example), and training sessions.
How to Keep a Bengal Cat Happy?
In a nutshell, all you would have to do is take great care of your Bengal. Prevent the kitty from getting ill and be kind and loving to this gorgeous creature. You should never yell at the cat or physically assault it as this will make the Bengal unhappy.
Responsible owners should also be able to keep the kitty entertained. Bengals can easily get bored as they are naturally very active cats. Such a kitty is not the right fit for people who do not spend a lot of time at home as they are also prone to getting lonely.
Bengals cats love being around people and they like being the center of attention. So, if you’re not only home, but you’re also trying to play with the Bengal or communicate with it in any other way, the chances are high that your feline friend is content.
Read: Are Bengal Cats Stronger Than Maine Coons?
How to Entertain a Bengal Cat?
Keeping a Bengal cat entertained might seem like quite a challenge. These kitties need to get rid of their excess energy on a daily basis and they also need to have plenty of mental stimuli in their surroundings.
Thankfully, there are quite a few ways in which you can entertain the little guy.
Enrich the Environment
- Buy plenty of toys for the fluffy ball. Bengals seem to enjoy the items that mimic prey. You can give the flopping fish or the hurricane toy a try. Don’t forget to rotate the items from time to time to keep the cat interested in the toys.
- Make sure that your place is full of exercise opportunities. Bengals are excellent climbers, so you might want to invest in a cat tree. Cat wheels are also great.
- Don’t forget to buy a scratching post. It is not only a form of entertainment but also a vital item for the health of their claws.
Play with the Cat
Simply providing the kitty with plenty of toys is not enough. You should play with the cat as well at least once or twice a day for around 10-15 minutes (or until the Bengal gets tired).
The easiest way to play with a cat is by using a wand with feathers attached to it. You can also teach the little guy to play fetch and allow him to play in the kids’ swimming pool (under your supervision, of course).
Teach the Kitty
A fantastic way to mentally stimulate a Bengal is by teaching it different tricks. These cats can also learn to walk on a leash if you’re willing to invest your time in training sessions.
Adopt Another Pet
One of the best ways to ensure that your Bengal is not bored is to adopt a companion for the little guy. Two cats will do a great job at keeping each other entertained. By the way, Bengals can also get along well with cat-friendly dogs.
Read: How Do Bengals Do with Groups of People or Strangers?
How Do I Know My Bengal Cat Is Happy?
If your Bengal kitty is happy, the little guy will make sure to show you that by:
- Greeting you when you come back home with its tail up
- Following you everywhere you go
- Becoming very chatty and vocal (your feline friend will be meowing and purring)
- Showing lots of enthusiasm
Walking with its head up high