The Fabulous Bengal Personality
When one first discusses Bengal cats, most people naturally
tend to
concentrate on their physical beauty. Once you get to know a
Bengal, you soon realize that it is their
personality that is the stellar
attraction. All Bengals are little characters with the natural
ability to entertain you
endlessly with their charming personalities and antics.
It is important to remember that many factors come into play in the
formation of an individual cat's personality. These factors
include genetics, the all important early socialization, and of course
living conditions, care and socialization while growing up in your own
home. While it would be unrealistic to assume someone could
briefly describe all the possible personality varations any breed of
cat may have, in general, Bengals do have personality plus!
They are intelligent and active
and willing to interact on a moment's notice. They do
like being close to
people and will follow someone from room-to-room. Ready for a
work out, a shower or just a chat, they do love to be involved.
Having a Bengal may mean you have a new shadow as they will often
follow you everywhere. They do well in pairs especially if you
are outside the home on a regular basis for work. They can figure
out things like opening cupboards, doors, water taps (they love water!)
and light switches so be careful what you show it and child proof
latches are a must.
Bengal cats are outstanding athletes. A good portion of
their
waking time is spent in some sort of highly active behavior. Our
Bengals will race one another, leap straight up in the air (maybe take
the time to do a somersault on the way down) and simply glory in the
exercise of their muscles. Always up for play time or a game
of fetch. When really excited in play, Bengals will often
“poof” their fur including their head and tails which is hilarously fun
to observe.
While the Bengal is certainly an active, playful cat, they also possess
a very gentle side. The Bengal will actively seek your
affection. They will frequently come for a nuzzle and a
cuddle, purr wildly and settle down somewhere nearby or on you for a
good
sleep.
All Bengals have a fascination for water and most will play with it in
a variety of ways. Of our four Bengals,
one will watch water come out of a tap and likes watching toys float in
a bathtub, but she will not willingly get into the water. Our
male Bengal will play with toys in the bathtub while perching over
it. Our other two girls will come running when they hear the
water, play with anything wet and immerse themselves in the water for
play. One in particular will occasionally enjoy getting into the
shower. One of these two will
occasionally shower with us! A Bengal owner should always
be careful when running hot water into a
tub or sink. The Bengal may try to play with the running water
and be scalded.
Our Bengals will also often play with the water in their dish as
well. They will often start their drinking sessions by using
their paw to swish the water in (and splash) out of their water bowl
until it is emptied. We have a cat drinking fountain now,
actually two, and highly recommend these. The water runs over a
dome and they love to drink running water. When it's time to
refill the dome, I hesitate putting the top back on while they have
hiliarious play in the fountain.
The Bengal’s wild heritage has sometimes made people wonder if they are “fierce.” A Bengal is a domesticated cat. It is not a wild animal. The Bengal has been selectively bred to produce a gentle character as well as a wild-looking appearance. A Bengal is no more aggressive than other domestic cats.
As a breed, the domestic Bengal has a wonderful personality with an enthusiam for life and you. It is an interesting, energetic, and loving character which a very curious, intelligent nature. It is not a lap cat although the occasional nap in your lap is not unusual. It is a wonderful choice of cat for the individual who likes a cat who will be highly interactive, possesses intelligence and enjoys playing games such as 'fetch.' There can never be enough toys! Their many special traits make them rewarding and unique pets
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