Bengal cats are known for their striking appearance and energetic personalities, but their unique characteristics make them more than just a pretty face. In fact, they have a fascinating history, and their owners often find themselves drawn into their lively world. The story of Pixel, a Bengal cat owned by Kathleen and her partner, is a great example of this. They had previously owned a wild-hybrid domestic cat and were eager to bring another cat home. However, they soon discovered that Bengal cats have more energy, are more playful, and are much more vocal than other cats. “When we were driving Pixel to her new home, she let us know she wasn’t thrilled to be in the car and was ‘chirping’ as I call it in the back seat. I started talking to her to make her more comfortable,” said Kathleen. This initial experience was just the beginning of their journey with Pixel, who quickly settled into her new home. In fact, Kathleen recommends keeping cats in a smaller room when they are first brought into a new home and let them slowly get used to their environment. “When we brought Pixel into our home, we shut the doors to all the rooms and let her wander around to see how she would react. She wasn’t nervous at all and didn’t try to hide. She was so calm we didn’t end up placing her in the smaller room and within a couple of days we had opened all the doors so she could have full access.”
As it turns out, Bengal cats have a unique way of seeking attention, much like a dog. They do this by coming down the stairs to meet their owners, a behavior that Kathleen finds very cool. “The other day I ran an errand in the morning,” said Kathleen. “I was gone for 40 minutes, and Pixel came down the stairs to meet me for the first time. Bengal cats do that every single time. Very cool to see her doing the same thing. I like to think it is to welcome her human.”
In addition to their attention-seeking behavior, Bengal cats are also known to play fetch. Pixel, for instance, loves to chase her cat spring toy down the hallway. “She loves to get her cardio in by chasing her cat spring toy down the hallway,” said Kathleen. However, despite their playful nature, Bengal cats are not lap cats. They prefer to sit alongside their owners on the couch, but they will not sit on their laps. Instead, they will often put their chin on their owner’s lap and part of their body. “They are happiest in a chair all by themselves. The running joke is if you want to know which chair is the most comfortable, go find Pixel,” said Kathleen. Bengal cats are a mix of wild Asian leopard cats and domestic breeds, which makes them a unique and fascinating species. However, their unique characteristics also require highly specialized care. The BC SPCA says that hybrids require highly specialized care, and the breeding of hybrid cats should be regulated. “To ensure strong welfare for these animals, the breeding of hybrid cats should be regulated. The BC SPCA opposes the breeding of wild animals with domestic animals, as well as the breeding of wild animals in captivity as exotic pets,” the agency said. The importation, breeding, and keeping of exotic animals—such as Asian leopard cats and servals, which are used to create hybrid cats — should be prohibited under the provincial Controlled Alien Species Regulation of the Wildlife Act. In fact, a ban is being proposed provincially on exotic cat ownership by the Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. This ban would include all exotic and non-domesticated cat species, except for Bengal cats, Savannahs, and Chausies, which are hybrid cats. The Ministry says the ban would not include Bengals, Savannahs, and Chausies, which are hybrid cats. “If approved, the changes would, however, ban breeding domesticated cats with non-domestic and non-native species of cats to produce more hybrid kittens,” the ministry told The Morning Star. The BC SPCA is encouraging residents to support the regulation by speaking up at https://spca.bc.ca/news/speak-up-for-exotic-cats/. There are still some Bengals available for adoption at the adopt.spca.bc.ca website. “Others from the same seizure as Pixel have been adopted and are happily settling into forever homes,” said Kaila Butler Wolf, BC SPCA senior manager, communications. In conclusion, Bengal cats are more than just a pretty face. They have a unique history, fascinating personalities, and require highly specialized care. As their owners can attest, they are loving and playful companions that bring joy and excitement to their lives. By supporting the regulation of exotic cat ownership, we can ensure that these amazing animals receive the care and attention they deserve.
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