Bengal cats have a striking appearance. They are bred to look like a small leopard, and with their athletic build and beautiful coat pattern, they definitely turn heads. 

They inherited their exotic looks from the Asian Leopard Cat. Bengals are hybrid cats, originally produced by crossbreeding domestic cats with exotic wild cats of a different species. Hybrid cats have a mixture of wild cat and domestic cat genes. Due to having more recent wild ancestry, they often behave differently to the average domestic cat and can retain many wild characteristics. But what about Bengal cats? Are they generally more aggressive than other cats?

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What is the problem with hybrid cats?

Wild cat hybrids include the Bengal, Chausie, and Savannah, a newer hybrid of the wild Serval cat. Hybrid cat breeding has some big numbers attached to it; with kittens sold for thousands of pounds and long buyer waiting lists. This, along with a lack of cat breeding regulations across most of the UK, can create a perfect environment for unscrupulous sellers to put profit before welfare. 

There are a few concerns connected to the breeding of hybrid cats, including:

  • The demand for hybrid cats could fuel the smuggling of wild cats to the UK. 
  • The mating process is very dangerous for the female domestic cat used to breed with the much larger, more powerful male wild cat. 
  • Hybrid cats may not be suitable as household pets, depending on the degree of hybridisation.  
  • The welfare of early crosses. They require a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals 1976 in order to be legally kept and must be kept captive and secure to prevent escape. 
  • Hybrid cats may need to be confined in the home for the safety of other cats and wildlife, but confinement may be detrimental to the hybrid cat’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
  • Owners may find these cats difficult to live with and may subsequently give them up for rehoming. These cats do not cope well in rescue care, and finding a suitable home can prove very difficult. 

They are likely to exhibit temperamental characteristics more akin to a wild animal. They are territorial, have a strong prey drive, need lots of physical exercise and often prefer to live a more independent life. Often, they are large and powerful. This combination of temperament and build can make them difficult to manage as household pets.

In the UK, first generation hybrid cats can only be kept under licence and in outdoor cages, in accordance with the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Subsequent generations, however, can legally be kept as pets in a domestic setting. But there can still be many unknowns about their behaviour and suitability as a pet.  

What about Bengals specifically?

Most pet Bengals are at least four generations removed from their wild cat relative and are now accepted as a standard breed. Bengals that are only one, two or three generations removed are generally kept as breeding stock, ideally in specialist homes adapted for their needs. 

But as previously mentioned, even Bengals at least four generations removed may have personality traits similar to those of their wild cat ancestors. They may be noisy, demanding and very active, and can display aggressive behaviour towards other cats due to their territorial nature. They require excellent socialisation as kittens to help them grow up to be friendly household pets. It’s important to select a reputable breeder who will have put in the hard yards with socialisation. 

Bengals are an active and intelligent breed and are far from low maintenance. They demand both physical and mental stimulation. Boredom can often lead to destructive behaviour. This is why they are often not recommended for first-time cat owners or for those without the time needed to meet their needs for play and interaction. 

Conclusion

Bengal cats are now accepted as a standard breed. And the wild cat species that was used to develop the breed (the Asian leopard cat) is usually no longer a parent. Destructive or aggressive behaviour can be shown by Bengal cats if their needs are not met. They are very intelligent and usually need more exercise and stimulation compared to other breeds. 

They can thrive as pets however, if the appropriate time has been taken to socialise them as kittens, and if they have enough enrichment in the home to keep them fit and mentally happy. 

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