How to Keep a Bengal Cat Happy

Bengal cats are a popular breed that combine the exotic appearance of a wild animal with the good-natured affection of a domestic cat. Bengal cats can make excellent pets, but they do require lots of attention and patience. In some ways the Bengal is the feline equivalent of the Jack Russell Terrier--they're smart enough that they get bored easily, and a bored Bengal means trouble. If you can't come up with something interesting to occupy them, they'll come up with something themselves.

Instructions

1. Put things in water. The Bengal cat is a hybrid between domestic breeds and a wild species called the Asian Leopard Cat. The Asian Leopard Cat loves the water. They're great swimmers and hunt fish as well as small land animals. This instinct survives in the Bengal and they tend to be fascinated by water, and especially by things sitting or floating in water. They'll often amuse themselves by fishing ice cubes out of an unattended glass or playing with things you leave soaking in the sink.

2. Give them a tall perch. The Asian Leopard Cat is also an accomplished tree dweller and likes high places. A cat tree is a good investment with a Bengal, but make it the tallest one you can find. Then try to position it so they can see as much of your living space as possible from the top. They'll spend a lot of time up there just watching what you're doing. If they can't see you, they won't like it as much.

3. Leave your doors open. Bengal cats hate closed doors. Most cats don't like closed doors, but a Bengal may well be smart enough to figure out how to open them. Particularly if your doors have handles instead of knobs, a Bengal is smart enough to realize that leaping at the handle and hanging on will eventually pop the latch open. In the meantime, it makes a noise that's hard to ignore, too.

4. Rotate the cat's toys often. Bengals will often take to a new toy with gusto, only to get tired of it after a few days and start looking for something different. If you don't provide a new toy when the Bengal wants one, it will come up with one on its own, like the roll of toilet paper in the bathroom, or the headphones from your iPod. When a toy loses favor, just stick it in the closet or someplace out of sight for a while. A few months later, try reintroducing it. Your Bengal may well be ready for another go round with the old toy by then.

5. Keep boxes and bags. Like all cats, Bengals love little hidey-holes. They'll climb into boxes, stick their heads in shopping bags, and generally take over whatever you leave lying about. An especially great way to keep a Bengal amused is to put a toy or just some random object inside a cardboard box. If there's an opening in the box big enough to stick a paw through and bat at whatever is inside, your Bengal will be delighted.

6. Consider getting a second cat. Bengals are very social and need a lot of stimulation. One of the best ways to provide this stimulation is with another cat. Another Bengal is perhaps a choice for the brave. But on the other hand, amusing a Bengal is a lot to ask of a regular house cat too. But leaving a Bengal alone in the house all day while you're at work is an even worse idea.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're considering a Bengal, realize that they take more effort and attention than regular cats. In some ways having a Bengal is more like having a dog. They're sweet pets, but you need to be able to devote plenty of time and attention to keeping them happy.