Bengal Cat Blog: Health, Behavior, Care & Enrichment
Quality Bengal Kittens has been breeding Bengals since 1999. Jon and I share practical advice based on decades of living with, breeding, raising, and supporting Bengal cats and their families. Our Bengal cat blog covers health, behavior, nutrition, play, enrichment, kitten development, and the everyday questions Bengal owners ask us most often.
Please feel free to share or link to our articles—we appreciate it. We simply ask that you do not copy our articles or photographs and republish them as your own.
Are Bengal Cats Vocal Cats?
Bengal cats are known to be vocal, but this is not necessarily a consistent breed trait, nor is it something from their hybrid ancestry. In over 20 years of breeding Bengal […]
The Role of Play in the Quality of a Cat’s Life
Bringing a new pet into the family is an important step, and you want to do all you can to ensure the pet you bring home will be a good […]
Do Bengals like to be Touched or Held?
The Bengal personality can run the gamut. In general, they are highly social cats – wanting to be involved in everything you do, but also, in general, they are all-four-on-the-floor […]
It is Best for Kittens to Stay with Mom in a Home Environment for 12-14 Weeks
The early days of a kitten’s life have lasting effects on a cat’s behavior. Early weaning, fighting for food, having no sense of territory are all events that can alter […]
Cat Food Tips to get through COVID-19
With COVID-19 sweeping us into a different world, raw feeders may have found some challenges. For one, raw feeding can be expensive when you buy it pre-made and pre-balanced. Secondly, […]
Is it a Bengal?
If you were to check any Bengal breeder’s email inbox or hang out in a Bengal cat chat group and you are bound to find the infamous question attached to […]
Keep Calm about Cats and COVID-19
The COVID-19 Pandemic has thrust us into an unknown world. We do not know what to expect; we cannot predict the future, and we do not know what sources of […]
The Benefits of Outcrossing in a Bengal Breeding Program
Within any purebred breeding program, the breeder should have specific goals in mind. A primary goal is the one everyone sees – a distinct, recognizable appearance. After all, this is […]
What to do if your Bengal chews too much
You come home from work to find frayed electrical cords, severed shoelaces, and hole-filled socks. While the guilty party sleeps comfortably at the top of her cat tree, you begin […]
Mind Games for Bengal Cats
There is an age-old argument to determine which are more intelligent – cats or dogs. But comparing interspecies intelligence becomes futile as it changes based on the tested skill, as […]
Do I have enough space for a Bengal cat?
One of the most common questions from people researching Bengals is whether they have enough space to make a Bengal happy. The answer is as simple – or rather complex […]
Cat Dental Health – How do you prevent periodontal disease in cats?
According to Cornell University’s Cat Watch Newsletter, “50 to 90% of adult cats are affected by periodontal disease to some degree or another” (Dental). Several factors go into the formation […]
Using Thuja to Remove Toxins from a Cat
Concentrating on my photo shoot, I heard the crash of the lights behind me. Ugh, now I had to clean up this mess before I could get back to my […]
Do Bengals have more Behavioral Problems than other Cats?
If you spend enough time on any internet Bengal Board, you will hear owners complaining about their cats improperly eliminating, stalking a family member, playing too rough, or destroying the […]
What two Bengal cats are best together – two girls, two boys, or one of each?
Because Bengal cats are social animals who often don’t do well as the only pet in a household, people often want to adopt two kittens at one time. It seems […]
Set up Litter Boxes your Bengal will Love
Whether you are first bringing your kitten home to your house or if you’ve experienced some accidents, you want to make sure you have the proper system in place to […]
What Treats are Best for Raw-Fed Bengal Cats?
Finding the right treats for a raw-fed cat can be a little challenging because most treats come in kibble form which the raw-fed cat may not recognize as being food. […]
I have Bengal cats – Can I put up a Christmas Tree?
The season is approaching, and it is time to put the Christmas tree up. With a skip in your step, you bring in the box of special ornaments – all those […]
Simplifying your Bengal’s Vaccines
First, we will express that the article’s information is our opinion, and we have not licensed veterinarians. Why should you listen to us over the Banfield Veterinarian at your local PetSmart? […]
How to buy a Bengal with a Known Health History and a Solid Health Guarantee
Buying a purebred pet is a big decision. Sometimes the shopping process can be confusing because prices can vary greatly and when you start talking to breeders, what they tell […]
Do you have the Right Mindset for a Bengal cat?
Bengals attract a lot of people looking for a purebred cat because they are beautiful. Their wild coats, large expressive eyes, and athletic bodies all make them attractive animals. But […]
Do Bengals get along with Dogs?
Bengals are very social animals. That belief that cats would prefer to live a solitary life if they had the choice is not true for the Bengal cat. Bengals need […]
Adopt or Shop: It’s YOUR Choice
Are you thinking about buying a purebred cat, but you aren’t quite sure you should because of all the animals in shelters? You may want to consider the pros and […]
2018 Show Season Wrap Up
The Quality Bengal Kittens Clan experienced its best show season to date – taking the top spots in all three Bengal categories in the Mid Pacific Region. Vera earned the […]
How do I know when I can move my kitten out of the Safe Room?
Bringing your new kitten home is the most exciting time for you, but it is the most influential period for your kitten. How well you prepare for and execute the Safe […]
Are You Killing your Cat with Kibble?
Over 85% of cat owners feed kibble, but just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t make it right. When choosing the best food for your cat, the first fact […]
What does it Cost to feed your Bengal a Raw Diet?
For many people, the idea of feeding raw is not very enticing. I was once one of those people. I erely thought it cost too much and was too difficult […]
How to Read Our Kitten Profile Charts
April 6, 2026by Robyn and Jon Paterson People often ask us to describe our kittens’ personalities. It sounds like a simple question, but in reality, it’s one of the hardest […]
Cleaner Paws, Fresher Floors: Our Switch to Cat Butler Litter
For over fifteen years, Dr. Elsey’s Unscented litter has been our go-to recommendation. We try nearly every other litter that people swear by, and none of them compare. The number […]
The Color That Captures Our Hearts: Why We Love Brown Bengals with White Bellies
The Vision That Drew Us In The goal of the Bengal breed has always been clear: to create a wild-looking cat with a domestic temperament. That vision resonated with both […]
Indoor Bengals Make Happier Cats: How Breeders Can Lead Change
Concerns about Bengal cats’ predatory instincts and their impact on wildlife, notably birds, raise questions about their suitability as pets. While it is true that outdoor cats impact wildlife, particularly […]
Shared Responsibility: How Breeders and Owners Can Address Inappropriate Elimination to Counter False Claims
Bengal cats are noted for their intelligence, energy, and appearance, all of which contribute to their popularity. However, like all cats, Bengals can develop behavioral issues, including urinating outside the […]
Bengal Breeders: Know the Facts About How Mislabeling Affects Shelter Statistics
Regarding Bengals, there’s a persistent and misguided belief circulating that Bengals frequently end up in shelters due to behavioral issues, making them poor pets. This assumption, however, is based on […]
Bringing a Bengal Kitten into a Home with Other Cats: What You Need to Know
Bringing home a new Bengal kitten is exciting. Careful preparation is essential for a smooth transition when you already have resident cats at home. Like other high-energy and intelligent cats, […]
Five-Year Health Guarantee from Quality Bengal Kittens
We’ve Extended Our Health Guarantee to Five Years! We invest so much into the health of our kittens. We have twenty years of heart testing behind our cats. We have […]
Choosing the Right Breeder Helps You Find the Perfect Bengal: How Breeders Impact Personality.
A fellow Bengal breeder faced a dilemma. She raised Bengals because she wanted to share the joy of these beautiful cats with others. As usual, her clients picked out their […]
Are you looking for a Bengal to Harness Train? Here is what you need to know first.
How does one meet the needs of this type of cat? The easiest way to meet the needs of this type of cat is to have a high-energy, intelligent companion. […]
How to Create an Enriched Environment for Bengal Cats
by Robyn Paterson The cause of most Bengal cat behavior problems is rooted in the cat’s routine, food, and environment. People often dismiss this as the cause because they play […]
My Bengal Cat Wakes Me up at Night
by Robyn Paterson You awaken from a peaceful slumber to the sound of your Bengal cat’s loud yowl. Stumbling out of bed, you nearly trip over the Bengal to determine […]
Backcrossing, Hybridizing, and the Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat falls into a category of cat breeds known as hybrids, but this label is not scientifically accurate. The confusion this creates can be problematic for the so-called […]
How to Keep Your Bengal Cat Litter Box Smelling Fresh and Clean
by Robyn Paterson When people visit a cat breeder’s home, the automatic expectation is that it will stink. We have visitors frequently as people come over to pick out […]
Why We Recommend Viva Raw along with NuVet for Bengal Cat Food
by Robyn Paterson In the summer of 2022, Viva Raw opened up a warehouse in the west, cementing our decision to recommend Viva Raw to our clients seeking convenience. We […]
Bengal Cat Behavior – How Does It Compare to Other Cats Based on Research Surveys?
by Robyn Paterson “Are Bengal cats aggressive?” is one of the most common search phrases placed into Google about Bengal cats. Plug it in, and you will read stories. But […]
What Makes a Responsible Bengal Breeder?
by Robyn Paterson From the outside, it looks simple, but breeding cats is complex. Unfortunately, the idea of breeding cats – a household pet, not a livestock animal – has […]
What is the best cat food to feed a Bengal?
by Robyn Paterson Sometimes it feels like you need a degree in Animal Nutrition to pick the best cat food for your Bengal cat. The pet food recalls, lack of […]
Is grain-free bad for cats?
by Robyn Paterson Picking the right cat food can be confusing and sometimes asking the vet makes it even more confusing. If you were to go to a vet and ask, […]
Bengal-Proof Your Easter
March 7, 2021 by Robyn Paterson We all look forward to the holidays when we can get together with family and friends, but Easter, in particular, invites some dangers for […]
What and How You Feed May Affect Your Bengal Cat’s Behavior
February 20, 2021 by Robyn Paterson A client recently contacted us with some questions regarding behavior issues – jumping on the counter, stealing food, avoiding positive human interaction, and vocalizing obnoxiously. […]
Bengal cats and Kids can be Best Buddies
February 14, 2021 by Robyn Paterson Kids love kittens. If you have kids and do not already have a kitten, you are unlikely to escape the plea for one. Lots […]
Bengal Cats and the Law: Should I register my new Bengal Kitten?
October 11, 2020 by Robyn Paterson Many people want to rescue a cat. This is wonderful as it provides a home for a cat in need, but unfortunately, many people […]
How to Avoid Bengal Cat Scams
May 12, 2020 by Robyn Paterson You want to buy a Bengal, but you do not want to be scammed? Purchasing a pet online can be unnerving, but it does […]
Navigating the Cat World in a Call-Out Culture
February 8, 2020 by Robyn Paterson Polarization among people is incredibly high and continuing to rise. The Cat World is no different. It has long been known that one must be […]
Solutions for Bengal Cat Litter Box Problems
February 2, 2020 by Robyn Paterson Do Bengal cats have more litter box issues than any other cat? No one really knows. People tend to talk about cats with litter box […]
How to Establish a Healthy Bengal Cat Play Routine
January 13, 2020 by Robyn Paterson Anyone who has ever raised a child knows routines are good for children. They are happier and better behaved while on a routine. The […]
How Long do Bengal Cats Live?
December 23, 2019 by Robyn Paterson Bengal cat life expectancy does not differ from the average indoor cat life expectancy of 12-18 years; however, there are steps both your breeder […]
Bengal Cat Favorite Toys of 2019
November 16, 2019 by Robyn Paterson Toys here. Toys there. Toys, toys, everywhere. When you look at what is online and available in stores, it can be perplexing as to […]
Bringing a New Baby into a Home with a Bengal Cat
June 24, 2019 by Robyn Paterson Just when you’ve got pet parenthood figured out, you discover there is a baby on the way. This is an absolute time of joy […]
How to Play with your Bengal Cat
December 28, 2018 by Robyn Paterson “You’ve got to be kidding me – how to play with your Bengal? Everyone knows how to play with a cat. Besides, my cat […]
Are Bengal cats Hypoallergenic?
July 7, 2018 by Robyn Paterson One of the most frequent questions we get from people is whether or not Bengal cats are hypoallergenic. The correct answer is yes, they […]
Why do we heart test our Bengal cats for so many years?
Originally published July 7, 2018. Updated January 3, 2024 While looking around for your future Bengal kittens, you may come across breeder websites talking about HCM testing. What is HCM, […]
The Safe Room and the Integration of your New Bengal Kitten
July 7, 2018by Robyn Paterson When you bring a new kitten home, it will be a traumatic experience for him. To be prepared to make the transition smoother, you’ll want […]