A Basic Guide for New Bengal Cat Owners
A Bengal Cat Is When...
A Bengal cat is active, playful, social, and often very vocal. She will follow you around the home, greet you at the door, comment on everything you do, and sometimes even check out what you’re doing in the bathtub. Bengals need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities to climb. We recommend providing scratching posts, cozy resting spots, interactive toys, and even leash walks for additional enrichment.
The First Days at Home
When you bring your kitten home, let her step out of the carrier near her litter box and allow her to get comfortable at her own pace. The first night may be restless with some meowing, as she’s used to the company of siblings and humans. You might notice looser stools due to stress or occasional misses with the litter box — don’t punish her. Instead, offer a calm environment and consider changing the litter type. Everything should normalize within two days.
Training and Behavior
Your kitten needs ongoing training. What you allow today will be hard to change tomorrow. Bengals often learn basic commands, fetching, or coming when called. All kittens go through a “garden digger” phase — digging up flowerpots and soil. This usually fades as they grow into adults.
Feeding
Our kittens are used to N&D Grain Free Adult, Royal Canin Mother and Baby dry food available throughout the day. They also receive raw and cooked meats (beef, turkey, pork, chicken), including organ meats. Bengals have very sensitive digestion, so frequent changes of food brands or experiments aren’t recommended. Consistency in diet is key!
Avoid giving cow’s milk. Suitable dairy treats include yogurt, cheese, or cream (always without salt). Kittens up to about 9 months old have a huge appetite — this is completely normal.
Litter and Litter Box
Your kitten is used to various types of litter (fine Zverlit, Best Oko Plus, Golden Grey, Beneko). She uses a covered litter box with a door. Find a litter type that suits your entire household. Ideally, it should be dust-free and non-tracking, but reality often differs.
Health
Bengals are generally healthy cats, but the following issues can occur:
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HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) – a genetic heart condition. Both parents are tested, but the disease can appear at any time.
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Dry Nose – a common syndrome in Bengals, showing as a dry nasal leather. Treat only with plain petroleum jelly. Avoid corticosteroids; the problem usually resolves on its own.
Signs of Pain or Illness:
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Raised fur (piloerection)
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Third eyelid visible (nictitating membrane)
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Breathing with the abdomen (outside of exercise)
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Temperature above 39.4 °C (normal is up to 39 °C; measure rectally)
Contact your veterinarian immediately if:
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There is blood in the stool
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The cat refuses to eat or play for more than a day
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The cat ingests human medications like Paracetamol (Paralen), Aspirin (Acylpyrin), or Ibuprofen (Brufen), which are deadly for cats
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The cat is injured
Teeth and Claw Trimming
Teeth change around 5 months of age. If baby teeth remain and new teeth grow next to them, consult your vet. Your kitten is accustomed to paw handling; it’s ideal to start trimming claws early.
First Aid Kit Essentials:
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For diarrhea: EnteroZOO, Attapectin, Hylak
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Disinfection: Betadine (1:10 diluted with water), 3% hydrogen peroxide
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For eyes: OCUFlash
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For cough: Plantain syrup with vitamin C, ACC without sweeteners
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After antibiotics: Fortiflora, Probican
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Appetite booster: B-complex vitamins
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Deworming: Caniverm paste
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Ear cleaning: Ear drops as recommended by your vet
Deworming
The kitten has been dewormed 3 times with Caniverm paste, most recently [date]. Deworming twice a year is recommended; please consult your veterinarian for the appropriate frequency.
Cat Shows
If you’re interested, feel free to contact me—I can help with preparation or direct you. I don’t actively participate in shows myself, but I can support you.
Warning
Do NOT vaccinate your cat with Biocell vaccines! Several kittens have had severe reactions, including hospitalization for intravenous treatment.
Microchip Registration
I recommend registering your cat’s microchip with one of the following registries: Czech
Have questions?
Feel free to contact me anytime—by phone or email. I’m happy to help, advise, and support you at the start of your Bengal journey with a kitten from us at Whinecat 🐾.
