Is Owning A Bengal Cat Difficult?

One of the most common questions we get on this site is whether or not owning a Bengal cat is difficult.

There are very few breeds of cat that cause such conflicting opinions as Bengal cats.

Although we can all agree that Bengal cats are one of the most striking looking breeds of cat (and the supposedly “wild” nature adds to their allure) there is no doubt that there are mixed messages as to the ease (or difficulty) of bringing a Bengal into your house.

So, what is the truth?

Is owning a Bengal cat that difficult?

In this short article we seek to weigh up the pros and cons and give you an accurate, informative answer.

The Most Difficult Parts Of Bengal Ownership

To give you a “fair appraisal” of the difficulty of Bengal cat ownership, we thought we would start by looking at the most difficult parts of the ownership process.

Based on our experience and what others have reported to us (as well as research we have done independently) here is what people generally find the most challenging about having a Bengal cat:

• Attention – Bengals are famed for being “attention seekers”. Compared with other breeds of cat, Bengals are seemingly far less content to simply keep to their own devices. Prepare yourself for a cat that will want lots of attention, lots of the time. If you prefer a more “ornamental” cat, then you may wish to look elsewhere. You will need to give your Bengal sufficient attention and time, or you are likely to have a problem on your hands!
• Litter box cleanliness – Maintaining a clean litter box is essential if you want to have the easiest possible time of Bengal ownership. Bengals simply cannot stand having a dirty litter box. You may wish to consider offering your cat multiple litter boxes (especially if you cannot be at home during the day to clean up). Also, make sure you read our guide to the best litter boxes for Bengal cats for more information. You may also wish to consult our guide to the best types of litter for Bengal cats.
• Vocalisation – Bengal cats are known to be highly vocal. Some owners report difficulty dealing with the occasionally excessive vocalisation that their Bengals display. If you are someone who needs peace and quiet to be happy, then this is one area you may struggle with. Make sure you read our guide to why Bengal cats meow/talk so much in order to understand what causes this “challenging” behavior, and how you can mitigate it.
• Damage to your property – Bengals can be destructive. In fact, one of the most common questions we get on this site is “will a Bengal cat destroy my house”. Make sure that you take steps to mitigate the risk of damage to your property, especially when your Bengal is a kitten. One key component of this is having lots of toys and opportunities for enrichment and stimulation. Read our guide to the best toys for Bengal cats for more info.

Conclusion – Is Owning A Bengal Cat That Difficult?

Having read through the list above, you could easily be forgiven for suddenly rethinking your desire to bring a Bengal into your home.

However, it’s not all bad news.

Bengal cat ownership is a fantastic experience. Despite the occasional difficulty that might arise, we genuinely believe that if you go in to the process with your “eyes open” (as the saying goes) then you will have a far better time of it.

You can ask just about any Bengal owner, and they will tell you that despite the odd frustration from time to time, they do not regret getting a Bengal cat.

Avail yourself with the knowledge you need before buying a Bengal kitten (in other words, make sure you spend lots of time reading this site) and you will be equipped to undertake the journey of Bengal ownership.

It may be difficult on occasion, but it sure is worth it!

Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you might have, or share your own experience with Bengal cat ownership.