Why are Bengal Cats Special?

In order to understand why your Bengal cat has some strange behaviors, it is important to appreciate the history of this breed.

Basically, the Bengal breed of cats originated from the cross breeding of Asian Leopard cats with domestic cats. 

The aim of the cross breeding was to get a cat that had a domestic temperament, but still retain the physical resemblance to its wild, beautiful ancestor.

If you have been wondering why your Bengal cat behaves differently, then you have come to the right place. Below, we are going to discuss some of the strange things that these cats do and also give reasons.

So, settle down with a cup of tea and learn more about your precious Bengal here below.

Aren’t cats supposed to strongly hate water? Generally, yes, but Bengal cats are unique in that they love water.

This obsession with water will vary in different Bengal breeds. Some cats will have a serious love for water and can stand under a running shower, while others will be content with playing with tap water. 

The next time you are having a bath or swimming, you should not be surprised that your Bengal may want to join in the fun.

Some Bengals will stand inside the water bowl and scoop the water surface using their paw when drinking.

This behavior can be traced back to its ancestors, the Asian Leopard Cat. In nature, wild cats usually use their paws to remove any dirt from the water surface of a river before drinking.

An important note to keep in mind regarding your Bengals and water is to ensure you always place your toilet seat down. This will prevent your pet from getting bleach poisoning if they go for a naughty toilet dip.

Furthermore, never leave your bath unattended while running a hot bath, to avoid burning the Bengal.

Owning a Bengal cat opens you up to a strange collection of cat noises. This can be very surprising for first time owners who are only used to the regular meowing sounds.

While Bengals do make the meow sound, it is only part of their huge collection. The meow in younger Bengals indicates loneliness or hunger, while older cats usually communicate anxiety with a similar sound. 

This noise is commonly mistaken for the meow sound, but it is much longer and it indicates several things including worry or even a mating signal.

It could also mean that the cat is in pain and you should consider going to a veterinarian if the yowls persist for a few days. Growling and hissing are some of the cat noises made by Bengals that send a very clear message – keep off!

These noises are usually accompanied with an aggressive stance and you should be careful in interacting with your Bengal when he or she is in that state. They are definitely more territorial than other cats.

Have you ever wanted a cat to sit on your lap while you are on the toilet? What about taking a bath while a cat glares at you? Or even sleeping on your stuff when you are trying to work?

Bengals just love their territories and are not able to understand privacy and boundaries. Most Bengal owners have already accepted this fact and continue to share their private moments with their pets.

Bengals can even open a door if you are not willing or available to do it. Your intelligent kitty has already mastered every door in your house and will easily open and enter into their favorite cat caves.

Basically, Bengals believe that everything in their territory (your house) belongs to them.