[dropcap]E[/dropcap]veryone who owns (or, to be honest, is owned by) a Bengal cat, knows how affectionate and caring these felines are. Contrary to popular belief, Bengal cats are not wild or aggressive, but rather quite loving and loyal.
Sure, they might not always be the cuddliest, fluffiest kitties out there, as they are not your typical lap cats, but one thing is for sure: Bengals love their families, and love being the center of their human’s attention. These petite leopards really enjoy human company, so they definitely tend to go the extra mile to be included in the daily activities, whether you like it or not. (All of the kitty parents out there with Bengal bandits sneaking in during your shower or sitting on your laptop while you work, you know what I’m talking about.)
When their adventurous, active nature is combined with their need for companionship, one might expect that Bengals really take pleasure in outdoor activities with their families. In this video, we see Zoey, one lucky Bengal, whose first ever visit to a local lake is captured on film. After a hike in a fairytale-like forest, this gorgeous spotted kitty joins her parents on a boat ride. Her amazing outdoor experience is enabled by a backpack cat carrier such as Pet Gear Traveler Roller Backpack and a leash with a harness, as it’s not safe to let a curious cat such as a Bengal roam around unsupervised. Thankfully, Bengals are well-known as cats who are easily trained to walk on a leash, and actually love it. When Zoey got on the boat with her humans, it’s easy to see how enchanted she is by her surroundings. Her wide-eyed look is so adorable! It’s just so endearing seeing a Bengal experiencing something new and exciting.
Some people who decide on buying a Bengal kitten say that one of the reasons is their dog-like temperament and energetic personality, as an active, spirited cat fits with their lifestyle. However, if you plan on bringing a cat with you on a trip or to explore the outdoors, it’s essential to ensure their safety. Provide your kitty with a secure pet carrier or with a comfortable, safe leash that guarantees your Bengal won’t leap at the first bird they see.
As I love seeing Bengal cats that, like Zoey, having exciting, happy lives, I wanted to know a little bit more about her and her life with her family, so I asked Lina and Victor to share their story with me.
Do you have any other pets besides Bengals?
Yes, about a year after we got Zoey, we bought Shiloh, who is an Abyssinian breed.
Do they get along?
Absolutely, even though they are pretty much each other’s opposite. Shiloh loves to cuddle and to be petted, while Zoey kind of dodges every attempt to smooch. You pretty much have to kiss her by force, haha, but she has no problems getting cleaned by her sister. Both cats sleep in the same bed as we do and it gets pretty tight sometimes, but very cozy of course.
Can you tell me a little bit about your Bengal?
Our Zoey is a fierce little lady that has a lot to say and a HUGE personality. She is around one and a half years old, and loves to chase her human daddy around the apartment and practice wrestling with her Abyssinian sister.
When and where was the first time you heard about the Bengal breed?
Don’t remember exactly, but it was about a year before we actually got Zoey. I remember searching for unique breeds on Google and watching hours of Bengal videos on YouTube.
How much exercise does Zoey need? What are her favorite games?
Quite a lot. Thankfully, her sister helps us with keeping her stimulated. They love chasing each other around the apartment and making a mess. Zoey’s favorite games are riding on her daddy’s back and throwing herself at the carpet as we drag it around the room.
Does she have any special personality quirks?
When Zoey doesn’t get the attention that she deserves, she will make VERY sure that we know that. She often makes weird grumbles from other rooms just to see if we run to her to see if she’s okay. Her mindset is pretty childish but at the same time super charming. We can tell by the end of the day, when it’s time for bed, if we have successfully given her enough stimulation. If not, we don’t get to sleep. As simple as that.
Do you take your Bengal on a lot of outdoor adventures like this?
Yeah, at least in the summer. Zoey really loves being outdoor and always gets excited when we prepare her bag and harness.
Any advice for people interested in getting a Bengal?
Don’t. Just don’t. Haha, joking aside, take your time and read as much as you can about this fantastic breed. I can only talk for our Zoey, but she requires a lot of love, attention and stimulation.
In return you get a fantastic little creature with such a cool personality. We can basically have a conversation with Zoey, she replies to everything we say with different meows and “clicking sounds”.
You can follow Zoey on Instagram and Youtube
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