One of the more common questions we get asked by prospective owners is ‘are Bengal cats friendly?’
Although cats generally have a reputation for being a bit more aloof than dogs (and this is certainly not undeserved in many cases) most people will still want a friendly cat!
So – are Bengal cats generally friendly?
In the past we have looked at whether or not Bengal cats are affectionate. You can check out our article on this topic here.
However, we understand that friendliness and affection are (in some respects) different.
For example, Kala our Bengal cat is not hugely affectionate. She doesn’t love being picked up or handled too much. However, she is very friendly, and will always come and sit next to you when you sit down on the couch.
Therefore, it’s important to make that distinction – albeit sometimes a rather narrow one – between friendliness and affection.
In our experience (and from what other owners have reported to us) Bengal cats are generally friendly cats.
They value the attention and company of their human owners, and are usually excellent companions and loyal pets.
However, some do report that Bengals can be a bit more aloof than other cats they have owned in the past. This is something to bear in mind, although as with all personality traits it really is up to the ‘luck of the draw’ as to whether or not you get a super friendly Bengal, or a slightly more aloof and distant one.
What is important is to ensure that you properly socialise your Bengal kitten from a young age, so that he/she becomes used to human interaction.
It is our experience that many reports of unfriendly Bengal cats come from those who did not put sufficient time and/or effort into getting their kitten used to human interaction. Therefore, if you are considering getting a Bengal cat and want to ensure that he/she is friendly, then make sure you put plenty of time and effort into getting them used to human interaction and company when they are young – this will do wonders for improving the likelihood of them being friendly.
To conclude, are Bengal cats friendly cats?
Yes, we think that they are.
While they may not be the friendliest dogs, they are still excellent companions and can be great company.
However, it’s important to socialise your Bengal and get him/her used to human company and attention from a young age.
Also remember that compared to some other cats, Bengals have a tendency to be friendly on their own terms. If you want a cat that will always be up for cuddles, hands-on attention etc, then you may be better to look elsewhere.
However, if you are willing to be patient and diligent, then you can have a friendly cat will keep you and your family happy for many years to come!
