My friend is looking into getting a Bengal and was curious if they it will do well with only human companionship? He doesn't want it to become fat, lonely and depressed.
Join Now
Be a part of the community.
It's free, join today!
Recent Reviews
-
I found the text in this book spot on, but the illustrations aren't helpful at all. Good over all book
-
This mat caught my eye because of its size and texture, which traps fine litter rather well. It's large enough for jumbo litterboxes, which is also a plus. It's not quite as easy to clean as a...
-
This scoop was a freebie with some clumping litter I bought last year, and I like it so much that I've bought a second one. It's perfect for fine clumping litter, which it sifts very thoroughly....
-
I have two cats a 1yr old and a 5mo old and they both love this food, the duck seems to be the kind they love most. Zelda my oldest had problems keeping the wildeness food down for a few...
-
purchased this from air force exchange for use while traveling in our class a RV. its adjustable for size with a spring loaded top also by leaving out sections. the only problem with it is the...
A solitary Bengal?
post #2 of 5
8/17/10 at 1:19pm
- sharky
- Trader Feedback: 0
- Queen of CAOS
-
- offline
- 27,156 Posts. Joined 1/2005
- Select All Posts By This User
Your friend need s to have a few conversations with different bengal breeders... Each cat is different but a general rule is two kittens is better than one 

post #3 of 5
8/23/10 at 3:47pm
- Siggav
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 1,324 Posts. Joined 3/2007
- Location: Scotland
- Select All Posts By This User
It's absolutely possible having a solitary happy bengal. Just ask my Nikita 
However it is *a lot* of work for the human owner to keep the cat happy. When you're the only outlet for playing for an active cat like bengals tend to be it can be really exhausting.
Also if they get bored they are smart enough to really quickly find things to amuse themselves, like climbing up drapes, pushing things off shelves. Shredding clothes lying around. Jumping all over counters and tables and even 'hunting' feet walking around or hands that are moving etc.
So if you friend is prepared to rearrange their house to suit the cat better (plenty of climbing spots etc.) and are willing to play with the cat 1-2 hours of a solid focused one on one play time with the cat every single day for the first 3 years or so (it does get a bit easier as the cat grows up) then sure it can work.
If they skip out on the play time they should not be upset at the cat if it goes and destroys things or acts up. It's just trying to get rid of energy it has no other way to get rid of.
It's definitely easier to have two so they can tire each other out, it's not quite as much of a responsibility etc. but if for some reason you're limited to a single cat it can definitely work. With the caveats I've added in.
Here's a video I put together showing my Nikita's energy level when she's going:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGpXUB2ydkY
Looks like fun, and it is, but remember it's every single day no matter how hard your day was or how tired you are. The cat need her playtime, bit like needing to walk a large dog.

However it is *a lot* of work for the human owner to keep the cat happy. When you're the only outlet for playing for an active cat like bengals tend to be it can be really exhausting.
Also if they get bored they are smart enough to really quickly find things to amuse themselves, like climbing up drapes, pushing things off shelves. Shredding clothes lying around. Jumping all over counters and tables and even 'hunting' feet walking around or hands that are moving etc.
So if you friend is prepared to rearrange their house to suit the cat better (plenty of climbing spots etc.) and are willing to play with the cat 1-2 hours of a solid focused one on one play time with the cat every single day for the first 3 years or so (it does get a bit easier as the cat grows up) then sure it can work.
If they skip out on the play time they should not be upset at the cat if it goes and destroys things or acts up. It's just trying to get rid of energy it has no other way to get rid of.
It's definitely easier to have two so they can tire each other out, it's not quite as much of a responsibility etc. but if for some reason you're limited to a single cat it can definitely work. With the caveats I've added in.
Here's a video I put together showing my Nikita's energy level when she's going:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGpXUB2ydkY
Looks like fun, and it is, but remember it's every single day no matter how hard your day was or how tired you are. The cat need her playtime, bit like needing to walk a large dog.
post #4 of 5
8/24/10 at 8:45am
- GoldenKitty45
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 19,858 Posts. Joined 8/2005
- Location: SW Minnesota
- Select All Posts By This User
Most Bengals do better with another active cat or dog in the house. If your friend cannot have more then one pet, I suggest he seek breeders and ask if they have any Bengals that need to be "only" cats.
Sometimes you get an older cat that just prefers to be alone. If he wants a single kitten in the house, I would strongly discourage it.
We tell people who ask about our Ocicats - that they do NOT do well as a single cat. Of course you do have exceptions and can find adults that prefer being only cats.
Sometimes you get an older cat that just prefers to be alone. If he wants a single kitten in the house, I would strongly discourage it.
We tell people who ask about our Ocicats - that they do NOT do well as a single cat. Of course you do have exceptions and can find adults that prefer being only cats.
post #5 of 5
8/24/10 at 10:12am

There ARE some Bengals that really NEED to be an only cat, but in general, most Bengals need the companionship of others to stay happy.
Definitely have your friend do what GK suggests, as sometimes it can be tougher to find a home for a Bengal who needs to be an "only."
But do have your friend do their research and be prepared to provide that cat what he/she needs to stay as happy as possible.

Currently, there are 156 Active Users
(2 Members and 154 Guests)
Recent Discussions
- › Cat Seems to have a hard time Peeing... 2 minutes ago
- › EECP Treatment #10 today 16 minutes ago
- › Memorial Day 24 minutes ago
- › Need job vibes! 34 minutes ago
- › Question of the Day - Wednesday May 23rd 35 minutes ago
- › Well, THAT was creepy! 40 minutes ago
- › Whole Head 41 minutes ago
- › Is my Cat Pregant?? (pics. included) 1 hour, 10 minutes ago
- › Can a cat carry kittens through a spay surgery? 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
- › my cats breed? 1 hour, 31 minutes ago
View: New Posts | All Discussions
Recent Reviews
- › Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fully Revised and Updated by MeuzettesMom
- › Petmate Litter Catcher Mat Extra Large, Grey by jcat
- › SmartCat Big Mouth Scoop-Green by jcat
- › Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Dry Cat Food, Duck Recipe,... by freakNpink
- › Cat Craft 124003 3-Tier Cat Climbing Tree by turretman1st
- › Nature's Miracle Odor Control Clumping Cat Litter 10 Pounds by WendyB
- › Ever Clean Extra Strength Cat Litter, Unscented, 25 Pound Box by Anne
- › Nature's Variety Canned Cat Food, Instinct Chicken Formula,... by Bowie
- › Petmate Two Door Top Load 24-Inch Pet Kennel, Metallic Pearl Ash... by Ms. Freya
- › Arm & Hammer Ultra Last Clumping Cat Litter, 28 lbs. by Nebula
View: More Reviews
New Articles
- › Special Needs Cats: Billy by Anne
- › Special Needs Cats: Aya by Anne
- › Special Needs Cats: Peanut by Anne
- › Special Needs Cats: Joji by Anne
- › Lestat by SnowWhiteKitten
- › Special Needs Cats: Meet Little by Anne
- › Special Needs Cats: Meet Keyser by Anne
- › May Special - Special Needs Cats by Anne
- › Signatures and Showing Stuff Off by Anne
- › Candy by kittylover23
View: New Articles | All Articles
Home | Reviews | Forums | Articles | My Profile
About TheCatSite.com | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2012 TheCatSite.com is powered by Huddler Families | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map
About TheCatSite.com | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2012 TheCatSite.com is powered by Huddler Families | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map





