07.06.2022

All you need to know about your Bengal kitten 

Before growing into a majestic and stunning cat, your feline will start as a mischievous, playful, and friendly Bengal kitten. 

Even though Bengals are low-maintenance cats, learning about their physical and psychological traits is essential for understanding and dealing with any issues that may arise. Untamed shares all the info on this wild-looking kitty, advice on creating the best care regimen, and practical tips on the appropriate diet.

How long does kittenhood last for Bengals?

Are you wondering when your kitten will transition into adulthood, leaving you nostalgic over the old times? 

There are two developmental aspects to monitor:

• Physical
• Mental

I won’t be this little forever, but I’ll still be adorable!

Source: Bermix Studio

Physical development of Bengal kittens

Bengals are average to large-sized cats, and they grow and develop quickly. You should pay attention to their:

1. Weight
2. Skeletal growth
3. Organ development
4. Muscle growth

Weight

During the first six months, Bengal kittens grow rapidly, doubling in weight every two to three weeks, so your Bengal kitten will need a lot of healthy calories to support their development. You can find the age-appropriate weight values in the table below:

Skeletal growth

In the earliest stages, your Bengal’s bones develop and become strong. You must provide meals with the right micronutrients, including:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin D
• Potassium
• Fluoride

Be careful not to go over the recommended amounts since hypervitaminosis can have a negative effect. For example, too much vitamin A increases the risk of bone malformation.

Organ development 

All vital organs get formed before birth, but the development continues throughout kittenhood. Here’s a quick overview of the most important stages in Bengal kittens’ growth:

Muscle growth

It takes a while for Bengal kittens to reach the sturdy and robust build characteristic of this breed. Bengals need exceptionally strong muscles to climb, jump, and lead an active lifestyle. A healthy diet with high-quality lean meat will support their musculature development.

Temperamental traits your Bengal kitten will develop

Often mistaken for aggressive or wild, Bengal kitties are as friendly and affectionate as any feline. Their distinctive personalities are noticeable from kittenhood and include:

• Vocality 
• High energy
• Love for water
• Sociable nature

Vocality

Bengals are chatty-Cathies and never miss an opportunity to express their opinions—good or bad. They’ll meow, purr, hiss, or chirp, showing you exactly what’s on their mind. Although this trait can seem challenging during kittenhood, most cat parents get used to their Bengal’s behaviour and learn to love it.

I’m not yelling. This is just how I show my love for you, hooman!

Source: Kim Davies

High energy

Bengals are vigorous and hardy—they love to play and rarely get tired. All kittens have high energy levels, so you must ensure your Bengal gets enough exercise. 

Bengals living indoors need to burn off the excess energy during playtime because they could quickly become irritable and show signs of aggression. 

Love for water

Although most felines are notorious for disliking water, Bengals are not like other kitties. They love to bathe, swim, play in the water, and drink it from the tap. 

Sociable nature

Bengals are sociable, not only with their humans but also with other animals. If you already have a pet, adopting a Bengal shouldn’t present a problem since they can get along with anyone. Still, early socialisation is essential because it helps Bengals get used to other animals. If cat parents miss this step, their cats can become extremely territorial and violent with other pets or humans.

Bengal kittens’ behavioural problems you should try to prevent

Adopting a kitten instead of an adult Bengal will allow you to prevent some inherent behavioural problems typical for this breed. Miniature leopards can be:

1. Destructive—Due to their intelligence and explorative nature, Bengals get bored quickly when they’re not challenged and entertained, and a bored tiny tiger tends to lash out. If you leave them alone without stimulation, you’ll likely come back to a wrecked home
2. Mouthy—Bengals are prone to chewing and biting, either as a sign of affection and playfulness or to express irritation. Discipline your kitten from an early age so that the rough play doesn’t get out of hand
3. Depressed—Bengals can suffer from anxiety and depression if they feel lonely or threatened. New environments, changes in the schedule, or too much alone time can be tough for these kitties. Coupling them with other energetic felines, such as Siamese, is the best solution if you are often away from home 
4. Fussy about the litter box—Although training them to use the litter box shouldn’t be a problem, Bengals can sometimes ignore it to show discontent. If they feel neglected, anxious, unmotivated, or lonely, they may stop using the litter box in protest. In case your Bengal continues to avoid the litter box, and there’s no apparent stressor, consult your vet because an underlying health condition can also cause such behaviour

How to care for Bengal kittens

Taking care of your Bengal kitten shouldn't be demanding, especially if you establish a healthy routine, which will help them grow into well-behaved adults. Good habits should stay with them even when they reach their golden years. Raising a kitten who’ll live a long and healthy life entails:

1. Regular vet visits
2. Grooming
3. Playtime
4. Proper diet

Visit the vet regularly

Bengals are generally healthy and resilient, but regular vet visits are a must. Your tiny tiger is especially fragile during kittenhood, and your vet must monitor them to notice and prevent any severe problems on time. 

Kittens must also get all the necessary shots, including vaccines against:

• Cat flu
• Feline enteritis
• FeLV

Set a grooming routine

Tiny leopards don’t have an undercoat, shed minimally, and require only basic grooming. Maintaining a regular grooming routine will keep them clean and strengthen your bond. The ritual should consist of:

1. Brushing
2. Washing
3. Ear and eye cleaning
4. Nail clipping
5. Oral hygiene

Playtime is essential for energetic Bengal kittens 

The time you’ll save on grooming, you’ll spend on playtime. Energetic, playful, and attention-seeking Bengals need to exercise, or they can become restless or lose interest in play and become lethargic. A sedentary lifestyle could lead to obesity and other related problems, including diabetes.

Play with meeeeeeee!!!

Source: Ishman000

Diet is critical for healthy development

The most important aspect of caring for your Bengal kitten is a proper diet. Adequate portions of the right nutrients could prevent many common health niggles, including:

1. Kidney and bladder diseases—Frequent health problems Bengals experience due to poor eating habits include UTIs, bladder stones, cystitis, diabetes, and similar issues
2. Skin and coat issues—With a balanced diet free of allergens and additives, your kitty shouldn’t have any problems with excessive shedding, increased hairballs, and skin irritation
3. Weight problems—During kittenhood, Bengals need more calories to develop properly. Steer clear of ingredients such as sugar, grains, and cereals since they contain too many carbs—a nutrient your Bengal isn’t able to metabolise efficiently, which could lead to obesity, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and other health issues

What’s the ideal diet for mini Bengal cats?

Bengal kittens tend to have sensitive tummies, so their diet should resemble their natural eating habits. 

Even though they’ve been domesticated and no longer rely on hunting mice, birds, or rabbits for survival, Bengal kitties need meat to thrive. Their food should consist of:

1. Animal protein
2. Animal fat
3. Vitamins and minerals

Animal protein

Bengal kittens cannot grow and develop without animal protein. Vegetable alternatives would only mess up their digestive tract without meeting their nutritional needs. 

Animal protein is a primary energy source for all felines, and it delivers the essential amino acids, including taurine, necessary for muscle development, healthy skin, and proper organ function.

Check out the biological values (BV) of different protein sources to determine how efficiently cats can metabolise them:

Regardless of the type of cat food—wet, semi-moist, dry, or raw—it must contain high amounts of easily digestible animal protein for optimal growth and healthy digestion. Kittens should be introduced to solid food gradually to get used to the taste and texture and avoid allergic reactions.

Animal fat

Animal fat is a viable secondary energy source for cats which delivers:

• Essential fatty acids necessary for strong immunity, nutrient absorption, and a healthy coat
• Irresistible taste that your kitten will adore

If your tiny leopard is a fussy eater avoiding wet food, feeding them jelly and gravy meals with moderate amounts of fat will instantly boost their appetite. Fat shouldn’t exceed 20% of your Bengal’s daily food intake since overconsumption can cause weight gain and cardiovascular problems.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are vital for your kitten’s growth. Felines get these micronutrients from meat and fish, so there’s no need for supplements. 

Consult the following table for the best vitamin sources for your kitten:

Can Untamed help your kitten grow into a healthy adult Bengal cat?

Untamed helps your kitten grow, develop, and lead a healthy, happy, and long life!

No need to hunt for cat food—Untamed has all you need!

Image (c) Untamed

Each tin of Untamed is designed to give your kitten the healthiest nutrients in the tastiest form, featuring:

1. Ample amounts of exclusively animal protein
2. Vet-formulated recipes
3. Human-grade ingredients

Ample amounts of exclusively animal protein

Our products contain twice the amount of animal protein than the industry standard. 

Untamed meals are free from fillers, grains, cereals, known allergens, or other harmful ingredients that could make your kitten sick.

Animal protein can also help your kitten by preventing:

• Excessive shedding and formation of hairballs
• UTIs, including cystitis or bladder stones
• IBS, constipation, and other gastrointestinal issues
• Weight problems, including unhealthy weight loss and weight gain

Vet-formulated recipes

Untamed cooperates with vets to ensure all our meals are complete and balanced.

Whichever product you choose, Chocka Chicken, Tuck-In Tuna, or Full-On Fishy, your Bengal kitten will get all the protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals they need.

Human-grade ingredients

We use only the highest-quality ingredients, and there are no iffy meat derivatives and slaughterhouse scraps in Untamed meals. 

We are also committed to ethical production, so we:

• Get our meat and fish from sustainable, cruelty-free, and dolphin-safe suppliers
• Use 100% recyclable packaging
• Keep our carbon footprint neutral

Support your kitten's development with the best nutrition. Get Untamed, and your mini leopard will thrive.

How to join the Untamed clowder

No waiting, no complications, no fuss—getting Untamed is as easy as ABC.

We’ll deliver your order in a day—all you have to do is:

1. Share some details about your kitten
2. Create a tailor-made meal plan for your Bengal
3. Place the order

Once the taster pack arrives, your kitten can choose their favourite recipes. We’ll make sure you never run out of Untamed supplies with regular monthly deliveries. 

Cat parents who switched their Bengals to Untamed shared their experiences: