In this post we are going to answer the question of do Bengal cat’s calm down? It’s a popular question because Bengal cat’s are one of, if not the most active cat on the planet. So does there behavior change or will a Bengal cat calm down with age? The short answer is no. Even as your Bengal get’s older, their energy levels will remain pretty much the same.
This is why it’s important that you know this before you even consider getting a Bengal cat. Do not let this put you off though, as there are many things you can do to make your Bengal less trouble. They are also beautiful creatures and make amazing pets who are great with kids.
Now we have answered the question of do Bengal cat’s calm down?, let’s now take a lot at the tips and tricks you can use to make your life easier at home with your Bengal.
Bengal Cat Temperament, Personality, and Behavior Traits
As we mentioned above, Bengal cat’s are extremely active and love to play. The reason for this is them being a hybrid between a domestic cat and a wild cat. They are also very intelligent creatures which means they get bored very easily and require a lot of stimulation. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts and information of a Bengal cat.
- Very affectionate towards their owner.
- Active and energetic.
- Love interacting with all of the family.
- Highly intelligent creatures.
- Can be destructive due to boredom.
- Get along great with dogs and children.
- Love climbing.
- Bengals like to play and explore.
- They love playing in water.
Bengal Cat Common Behavioral Problems
Although they are a hybrid of a wild cat, Bengals are very much domesticated cat’s. But because of there high energy levels, they can be prone to some behavioral issues and are not the perfect cat for everyone. If you really want a Bengal cat, just make sure you are aware of this, and you will just have to accept them for who they are.
If your the kind of person that loves a nice calm, chilled out kitty who sleeps all day, then a Bengal cat is definitely not for you. Bengals get bored very easily and require a lot of attention, stimulation and playtime. If they don’t get this, then you are in for some trouble. Let’s take a look at some of the common problems of a bored Bengal cat.
- Great at getting into drawers and cabinets. So if you think hiding food or treats in there is a good idea then think again.
- Biting and scratching: Even though they mean no harm, they just love playing by biting and scratching things.
- Continuously getting on the kitchen counter top and sink. They do this for a number of reasons. It could be to get a higher vantage point, or to get a drink of water from the tap, as Bengals love water.
- Hyperactive: If your feeling tired or if you have calm animals in the house like a dog or another cat, their energetic behavior could start to bother everyone after a while.
Why You Must Not Discipline or Punish a Bengal Cat?
It’s important that you remember to never use any kind of harsh discipline with any cat. The reason being that a cat doesn’t understand what punishment or discipline is. Any actions taken in attempt to punish them will be seen as aggression towards them. This will then have a serious negative effect on yours and your cat’s relationship and ruin your bond.
Here’s what you shouldn’t do:
- Don’t compare your cat to a dog.
- Don’t physically discipline a cat.
- Don’t yell at them.
- Don’t allow play that isn’t okay.
Do Bengal Cats Ever Calm Down?
We briefly touched upon this at the start of this article, your Bengal may calm down ever so slightly with age, but more than likely their high energy levels will continue throughout most of their life. Bengal cat’s have some of the highest levels of energy out of all breeds of cat’s and will require a lot of stimulation and playtime.
The good news is, you can maintain their destructive behavior if you have a plan and are well prepared. In the next section we are going to show you everything you need to know on how to teach you Bengal cat to be calmer.
Teaching Your Bengal Cat To Be Calmer
So the question of do Bengal cat’s calm down has been answered, you are now wondering what you can do to make things easier. Here are some tips to follow when teaching your Bengal to be calmer:
- It’s important to teach your Bengal from an early age which will prevent them from turning into the disastrous type
- As soon as they start getting destructive, tell them “No” in a firm but not too aggressive voice. If you consistently do this, they will soon realize that this command means they are misbehaving.
- Playtime is a great time to work on their behavior. First of all do not tickle them with your hands as they will have a habit of biting and think this is okay. second, if they do start getting too aggressive, just walk away. Doing this will make them understand that they will need to calm down before you continue playing with them.
- If you are playing tug of war with your Bengal, always make sure that you win. The reason for this is to show that you are in charge and not them.
- Having a great selection of interactive toys is crucial to prevent your Bengal from getting bored. It also allows them to burn off their high levels of energy which will stop them bring destructive towards other things around your home. More of this will be covered in the next section below.
Toys & Games For Your Bengal Cat
We mentioned above how important it is to have a large selection of toys & games for your Bengal. not only will it tone down their energy, but it will also build a great bond between the two of you. Here are some of our favorite toys and games:
#1 Indoor cat tree’s
A cat tree will keep them happy for hours. Bengals love to climb and love to get up high.
Check out some of the best cat tree’s here
#2 Fishing Toys
A fishing toy is like a fishing rod but for a cat. It is a long pole with a rope attached to it. On the end of the rope is some sort of feathered toy which resembles the look of a small bird. This kind of toy will really bring out your Bengals hunting instincts. It enables the to release their energy which will make them tired fast.
If you check out this great video above, it will show you how you can make your own. This is a quick option, but if you want better quality and more variety of toys, check out these great options here.
#3 Laser pointers
Laser pointers are a great way to give your cat a workout and burn off all of that unwanted energy. A laser will be very intriguing for your Bengal who will love to chase it around and swipe at the dot with their paw. Check out this great video of cat’s having fun with laser pens.
Check out this great selection of laser pens
#4 Ripple rug
This award winning toy will provide hours of fun for your Bengal.
#5 Catit Senses Super Circuit
Another great interactive toy which doesn’t require you to play with them. Your Bengal can play happily on their own for hours.
More info on the super circuit here
#6 Interactive Treat Maze & Puzzle Feeder
Contains three difficulty levels to challenge clever cats which makes this a great choice for your Bengal cat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf_roFDYhYs
More info on the interactive treat maze here
Should you let your Bengal cats go outside?
Allowing your Bengal outside be dangerous and poses several threats. They could get attacked or even killed by other animals, depending on where you are in the world. But your Bengal outside will allow them to not only explore their surroundings, but also burn off a lot of energy.
If you go down this route then you can easily train them to use the yard, garden, or other outdoor space. It’s also a great idea to leash train your Bengal. Keeping your them indoors all of the time can lead to a very bored Bengal.
#Do Bengals Make Good House Pets?
Do not let the energy levels of a Bengal put you off, they actually make great family pets. Here are some unique attributes of a Bengal cat.
- Trainable
- Intelligent
- Water-loving
- Exotic in appearance
- Verbal and communicative
- Athletic and entertaining
- Social (if paired or bonded early)
- Dog-friendly (if bonded early with a cat-friendly dog)
- Kid-friendly (when socialized)
- Loyal
#Conclusion
Hope you enjoyed this article and your question of f do Bengal cat’s calm down has now been answered and you now have the knowledge to control their behaviour.
