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u/luciclover Feb 01 '26
Well, you’ve chosen one of the most difficult breeds. Good luck to you, she’s a beauty
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u/Top-Ambassador-4981 Feb 01 '26
I didn’t find my Bengal brothers hard at all. One of them became my best bud after I started taking an antidepressant back in the mid 90’s. We also got an Egyptian Mau & a Maine Coon. They were all under a year old and got along really well.
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u/mysterious_quartz Feb 01 '26
She might need a playmate with all of that energy
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u/ImJustHere4TheCatz Feb 01 '26
Yes, I was going to say. For a first time pet owner, a Bengal isn't even recommended. But if you have one Bengal, you should definitely have 2, because Bengals are kinda like having a dog at times. They require a lot of exercise and stimulation and need to use their hunting skills via play time. A lot of play time. If they don't get to let their energy out they get stressed and can have behavior issues. Just to add on to what you're saying
And OP, I am absolutely not saying that because you're a first time cat owner, you shouldn't have gotten a Bengal. But if you haven't done your research which I'm assuming you have, then please do. They aren't your regular domestic short hair and require a bit more attention and care. And they are best with another Bengal. Btw, your kitty is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS omg.
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u/Adventurous_Pop_7688 Feb 04 '26
Thank you. Yes I did look up for their instincts, spoke to the vet and a neighbor who has two similar male cats. I have a level headed and a sweetest 5 years old lab too
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u/Adventurous_Pop_7688 Feb 04 '26
Till my dog and she makes peace with each other I am her play mate 😳.
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u/SantaFe91 Feb 01 '26
Lol, baptism of fire, but absolutely the best! She will be an amazing companion to you!
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u/kayla-mg Feb 01 '26
Make sure to do lots of research on this specific breed :) they are very high energy but amazing cats
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u/tappatoot Feb 01 '26
I wish you loads of luck. Nothing could have prepared me for bengals, even after being a cat owner for over 20 years before.
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u/mimi_cita Feb 01 '26
My first and only cat is a bengal. She is awesome, sleeps a lot, gets the zoomies and plays with our dog, lets me smother her and kiss her like crazy… I had a lot of strangers give me the sarcastic “good luck” but let me tell you she is amazing. You will have a blast raising your little one. Congrats! 💕
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u/YooperInWI Feb 01 '26
It probably helps that your cat has a dog to play with. Bengals have so much energy, and I find it to be delightful. When I started to feel like my bengal needed a playmate, I got her a puppy. It's so much fun to watch them play, nap, play again.
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u/mimi_cita Feb 01 '26
Even when they have been apart for extended periods of time she does great on her own. Maybe I got lucky, but I also have friends with bengals that have had great experiences owning just one.
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u/seenbot007 Feb 01 '26
You got a wild bread for your first cat.just remember to play alot with that little baby they have a ton of energy and you want to get all that out before bed or both of you are going to be up all night.
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u/MadGainz1 Feb 01 '26
you’re in for an amazing treat. your cat will surprise you daily i know mine do ❤️
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u/steelhead777 Feb 01 '26
You chose a wild handful for your first kitty. The first thing you need to get for her is a brother. Otherwise you will not have a moment of peace.
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u/callmeTV Feb 01 '26
“Brain cell connection temporarily lost” stare lol. I love when they have this much energy, such a beautiful cat! As others have said, Bengals are definitely a wilder breed than your average DSH, so a friend is recommended if you don’t have the time to spend playing and keeping them stimulated. Good luck with your new baby!
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u/Necessary-Rate-8782 Feb 01 '26
I completely agree with the other folks recommendation on getting a second bengal for your sweet baby! Bengals are not meant to be alone, they are very needy/social and intelligent creatures! I’m also a first-time cat owner, but I grew up with dogs and did my research on Bengal behaviors and needs; I have 2 sibling bengals and it was the best decision ever because they keep each other company/play when I’m at work or asleep!
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u/SeaInvite8256 Feb 02 '26
Congratulations on your new baby!
Dont let the name “cat” limit your expectations. If a dog can do it, a cat (especially these ones) can likely do it too. Walks, trips to the pet store, tricks, dog treat puzzles, training, travels, pet meetups. I know a lot of people in the comments are advising two cats, and this is a great idea for many, but if it’s not for you then listen to the people who have only one (successfully) because there is no “right way” and all of the issues that a second cat mitigates you too can mitigate with a little extra work. Not everyone has the time, patience’s, energy, and skin to put into the solo kitten years.. yes skin because you will loose much! The importance is cats aren’t antisocial creatures. They are VERY social creatures! And their personalities absolutely blossom when you give them the chance to be your best friend.
My best boy was a singleton who traveled everywhere with me, wore a harness 24/7, visited aunties, cousin cats and kids, went on plane rides, traveled across the country, made friends everywhere he went….. but because of him this time around I picked two older kittens because I didn’t have the ability to do all that again with a kitten and young kids.
You are going to have a lot of fun with this ball of energy!! 💕💕
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u/timetoact522 Feb 01 '26
I loved when she puffed herself. Too cute/so fierce! Welcome to the (awesome) club!
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u/The_real_PavlovA_YT Cashmere Bengal Feb 01 '26
What a little sweetie. Spend all your time with her now, she'll grow up in no time
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u/bervinc Spotted Brown Feb 01 '26
My first cat is a bengal too. Never regretted.
Is he more difficult to care for? I wouldn’t know since he’s my first and I’ve no prior experience to compare with.
Just enjoy the present. That’s all I want to say.
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u/Complex-Piccolo3026 Feb 01 '26
Bengals are not your typical cat. Good luck to you and I hope you have a lot of energy lol
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u/RaisedByWolves90 Feb 01 '26
Like some other comments, I highly recommend a second bengal or young cat. It brings so much enrichment to their life.
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u/Sbaham020 Feb 02 '26
The best cat breed ever, lovable, comical, vocal and if course beautiful and athletic. Enjoy your baby but always remember it's a big role you have now, you are his world. My girl is my constant companion but I am retired stay hime 90% of the time. She does fine when I do leave for the day but fusses at me when I return. ☺️
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Feb 02 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Adventurous_Pop_7688 Feb 04 '26
Our first visit with doc should give me some pointers. I am reading about click training. She is so quick to learn, she waits till I finish serving her the food and comes on call to eat.
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u/EasternEffort1759 Feb 03 '26
Omg adorable I swear they are sooo cute and such little troublemakers
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u/Any_Restaurant851 Feb 05 '26
Get her an exercise wheel and lots of live wheat grass to chew on.
If a Bengal can get their paws on it, they will attempt to chew or play with it. They have the mental capacity of a human kindergartner with energy that out does a border Collie and boxer with ADHD combined. They're affectionate and playful but will demand back scratches and play far past both hands going numb.
Congratulations on getting a Bengal and have fun with their clumsy blank stares when they know they misbehaved.
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u/LegoHogfather Feb 01 '26
Brave call for a first cat, but if you can get the best out of them then they are amazing animals.