02.06.2022

Are Bengal cats aggressive, or is it only their street rap?

Bengal cats are many things—extremely intelligent, highly affectionate, and incredibly active. Besides being vocal and famous for demanding attention, Bengals are strikingly beautiful, have charming, dog-like personalities, and enjoy the water. They also love to play with their humans, hunt, and jump.

These miniature leopards got a bit of a bad rap, so many people think they’re not good companions. Are Bengal cats aggressive, and can they be dangerous? Untamed presents the personality traits and dietary needs of these irresistible kitties and busts the notorious myths about them. 

Why are Bengal cats often accused of being aggressive?

Many people falsely assume that Bengal cats are aggressive, but the truth is they are as prone to bad behaviour as any other domestic cat breed. This unfair belief stems from Bengals being bred from wild felines, specifically the Asian leopard cat.

I seem aggressive to you? I’m flattered!

Source: Bodi.raw

In reality, Bengals only look wild. They are loveable, loyal, easily trainable, and capable of forming an unbreakable bond with their cat parents. 

If you are considering getting a Bengal, keep in mind that they are energetic and have a strong drive to hunt, but these traits shouldn't be misinterpreted as aggression.

Should you worry about your Bengal cat attacking other cats?

Bengals are territorial, and they can be aggressive toward other cats. It doesn’t mean that you can't have another feline if you already have a Bengal, but it would be best to introduce the cats while they are still kittens, so they can grow together and get used to each other. Bringing home a new cat once your Bengal is grown up will require more time and effort to socialise them.

If you decide to keep more cats, it would be best to get the same breed or a similarly active feline, such as a Siamese. A Bengal and a more laid-back kitty like a Ragdoll probably won’t be a good match.

Can you trust a Bengal with other animals?

If you have a cat-friendly dog, they will be a good companion for your Bengal cat.

Dangerous? Me? Well… Are you a gerbil?

Source: Nika Benedictova

Due to their predatory nature, you shouldn't mix a Bengal with smaller animals, such as:

• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Hamsters
• Gerbils
• Birds
• Fish

Their predatory instincts are also why it's not advisable to let your Bengal cat roam freely outside.

Why does my Bengal cat attack me?

All cats can be aggressive, and it has nothing to do with a specific breed. Reasons for violent behaviour in felines are numerous, including:

1. Inadequate training
2. Trauma
3. Boredom
4. Human influence
5. Health issues

Inadequate training

Bengal cats are fast learners and have exceptional memory, so they are easier to train than most other breeds, but you can inadvertently reinforce problematic behaviours with the wrong approach.

If your Bengal meows continually asking for something, and you give in, they will go crazy the next time they want the same thing, but you don't respond the way they want you to. You can also accidentally reinforce aggressive behaviour. If your Bengal gets scared and starts behaving aggressively, and your response is to pick them up and pet them, they’ll understand it as a reward for the aggression.

Consistency and persistence are essential in cat training. That's the only way to have a disciplined feline.

Past trauma

Past experiences dictate how cats respond to different situations, and aggression is a typical response to trauma. If your cat experienced a traumatic event, their reaction to a similar situation could be violent.

Some experts recommend exposing your cat to stimuli triggering problematic behaviour in a controlled environment. In time, your cat should become desensitised and stop overreacting. Many things can easily go wrong with this method, so you should seek advice from a vet or a cat behaviourist before trying this type of therapy. 

Boredom

Since Bengals are active and intelligent, they need a lot of stimulation. Boredom can cause frustration or aggression

Sure, I’m sleepy now. But you left me alone with zero toys all day, so the sofa situation is not my responsibility. 

Source: Erik-Jan Leusink

Bengal cats must get enough exercise to be calm and healthy. Provide many interactive toys and an open space where your cat can run and climb.

Human influence

Humans can sometimes behave in a way cats perceive as threatening. It is particularly common in households with children because kids are often loud and unpredictable. If your Bengal feels threatened by something family members do, they’ll react aggressively.

Learn about your cat's body language and sounds they make to understand them better and recognise when they feel uncomfortable.

Health issues

Pain is the most common reason for aggression in animals. Many health conditions can cause pain and violent reactions, even to the lightest touch. Some of them are:

• Neurological diseases
• Degenerative joint disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Arthritis
• Dental issues

How can a good diet help?

Cat diet is everything, so feeding your Bengal high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional needs is crucial to keep your feline friend healthy and calm. Food affects your feline's energy levels, health, and, consequently, behaviour. Since health issues can be an underlying cause of aggression in Bengal cats, preventing and managing these problems is imperative. The best way to do that is with nutrition.

The food you choose for your Bengal must contain the right amounts of:

1. Animal protein
2. Animal fat

Animal protein

Animal protein is the only source of amino acids, such as taurine, which cats need for:

• Maintaining even energy levels
• Building muscles
• Keeping the skin healthy and the coat shiny
• Normal organ function

Cats are carnivores, so they can only get the essential nutrients from meat. Vegan or vegetarian food won't keep your feline companion fit and happy. Cat food containing vegetables, grains, and too many carbohydrates can cause digestive problems and food allergies while providing no nutritional value for your kitty.

What your kitty needs is some real meat.

Image (c) Untamed

Check out what to include and what to avoid in your Bengal's diet in the following table: 

Pork, ham, bacon, and beef are also excellent animal protein sources, but they shouldn’t be your cat’s regular meals. You can offer them as snacks or treats. Plant protein sources are also allowed in small quantities if your kitty likes them. 

Cats can absorb up to 98% of the amino acids they need from an animal protein source, while that number is nowhere near as high for plant protein. Whatever the type of cat food—wet, dry, semi-moist, raw, homemade, or B.A.R.F.—check the ingredients list on the product. Your cat can thrive only on high-protein food from animal sources.

Animal fat

Animal fat is a secondary energy source, but more importantly, it contains fatty acids cats need for proper organ function, nutrient absorption, and cell integrity. It also makes food delicious for cats.

Check out recommended nutrient ratio in cat food in the table below:

Meals with an adequate nutrient ratio are:

• Easily digestible and appropriate for cats with sensitive tummies
• Delicious even to fussy cats who don't like to eat wet food
• Rich in micronutrients, making your cat's immune response efficient

How can Untamed tame your Bengal cat?

Ensuring your Bengal cat gets sufficient protein while enjoying their meals is easy with Untamed.

Our food keeps felines healthy, happy, and friendly. We use the highest-quality ingredients fit for human consumption. When creating our tasty recipes, we:

1. Insist on high amounts of strictly animal protein
2. Collaborate with vets to ensure our dishes meet your feline's dietary needs
3. Honour the highest standards of ethical cat food production

High amounts of animal protein 

Every tin contains double the amount of protein than most commercial products. We only use lean, high-quality whole meat and fish, such as:

• Chicken breast
• Chicken liver
• Duck breast
• Tuna steak
• Salmon fillet
• Shrimp
• Mackerel

You can choose among various flavours served in jelly or gravy. For the most sensitive kitties, we created single-protein-source meals, such as Tuck-In Tuna or Chocka Chicken in Jelly.

Vet-formulated recipes

All recipes have been designed by vets to ensure your Bengal gets nutritious meals closest to their natural diet and eating habits.

If you have a Bengal kitten who recently started eating solid food, Untamed will help them grow and develop properly. Your adult Bengal will stay healthy and playful, even if neutered or spayed. Our meals are also suitable for senior cats suffering from dental issues or missing some teeth.

With Untamed, you can keep many common health issues at bay, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and related problems, such as struvite crystals and cystitis
• Food allergies
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Obesity

We use no additives, artificial colours, taste enhancers, sugar, or other bulking ingredients that only make your cat gain weight no matter how careful you are about the portions. 

Ethically produced cat food

We believe in preserving our planet and leaving it beautiful to the next generations of felines and humans. That's why we:

1. Get meat and fish from sustainable, cruelty-free suppliers only
2. Use 100% recyclable packaging
3. Keep our operations carbon neutral

Get Untamed for your Bengal cat today!

Keeping their furry friend healthy and happy is a priority for every cat parent. We support your efforts with a high-quality diet and straightforward shopping experience.

Pick the meal plan your kitty will love, and Untamed will do the rest.

Image (c) Untamed

All you need to do is:

1. Share some details about your Bengal
2. Select a meal plan suited for your cat
3. Order the trial pack

You will receive the starter pack in a day, with no additional shipping fees, and your Bengal will go crazy for the taste of real meat and keep asking for more. Don't worry—Untamed keeps your pantry full by delivering the chosen products around the same time every month.

Don't wait any longer—order your starter pack today and join many satisfied cat parents who shared their experiences with us. Here is how they describe the Untamed effect:

1. Within a week—They noticed their felines had more energy and better digestion
2. After two months—Their cats became leaner and more muscular
3. Four months later—There were fewer hairballs, cats had shinier fur and shed less
4. Long term—Cat parents report having less trouble keeping their felines at a healthy weight and that there was no need for frequent visits to the vet