Bengal Cat

A Bengal’s grooming needs are simple and minimal.

• Bathing: Baths aren’t necessary, unless your Bengal embarks on an adventure that leaves them especially dirty.
• Brushing: Their coat is short and doesn’t shed much, so they don’t require regular brushing. However, pet parents may want to brush their Bengal every week with a bristle brush for the bonding experience.
• Dental care: Brushing your cat’s teeth is the best way to prevent dental disease. Start this routine when your Bengal kitten is young so they get used to it, and always use a cat-safe toothpaste.
  • Pro tip: If your cat is too squirmy for regular brushings, you can give them dental treats and chews that will help keep their teeth clean. Schedule annual dental exams for your Bengal to ensure healthy teeth and gums, too.
• Nail care: Trim your cat’s nails every month or so to prevent overgrowth (and to make sure they don’t accidentally claw you during playtime or when they knead).

You should start all grooming routines early on so your Bengal kitty doesn’t develop anxiety around grooming. It’s especially important to get your cat used to nail trimming, which is essential for health and comfort, Hubbard says.

Like all cats, Bengals are carnivores and require a high-protein diet. Some brands, such as Royal Canin, even make breed-specific cat food just for Bengals. Your vet can recommend the best cat food for your Bengal.

Feed your Bengal cat twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed, Hubbard says. Bengal kittens might require more frequent feedings. Again, your vet can answer your questions about how often and how much to feed your cat.

The Bengal breed is naturally very active and playful, so it’s rare for these cats to struggle with overeating or to become overweight. That said, pet parents should always follow the serving recommendations on the food they use and consult with their vet on the best diet for their cats.

The Bengal is an active cat breed. In fact, they like to play so much that some pet parents might feel like their Bengal is exercising them! And some of their favorite activities might surprise you.

“They are very good at walking on leashes,” Hubbard says. “And a good portion of them will learn to play fetch with their favorite toy.” 

Ambitious pet parents could also train their Bengal to do other tricks.

“Clicker training is a fabulous thing to do with them,” says Krieger, adding that her own Bengals have learned to jump through hoops and find her keys, among other things. 

Whether you try clicker training or simply amuse your cat with a laser pointer, your Bengal will be happy and healthy—as long as you give them attention and plenty of mental stimulation.

Early-generation Bengals tend to be “more sensitive than the later generations,” Krieger says. These particular Bengals may not like living with young kids or other pets, especially if they’re meeting them late in life.

“They can bond with other cats and other dogs, but the introduction has to be done slowly and correctly,” Krieger says.

However, most Bengal breeders are breeding later generations, which thrive in a busy, active household where they can receive lots of attention and stimulation.

Pet parents should create an environment to engage the Bengal’s curious, intellectual nature. This can be easily done by adding things like cat trees or perches.

“You want to have vertical territory that is at least 6 feet high,” Krieger says, explaining that Bengals have inherited the Asian Leopard cat’s tendency to spend lots of time high up in the trees. “You want to make sure that there are plenty of scratchers also, because that’s one way they mark territory.”

Because Bengals get so attached to their people, they can sometimes experience separation anxiety. Stock up on enrichment toys, such as cat puzzles and games, to keep your Bengal calm and occupied while you’re away.