The Bengal would love to be an outdoor cat, however given their territorial nature with animals they have not been raised with, their speed, athleticism and taste for mayhem, it isn’t safe to unleash your Bengal on the wider world, or your neighbours.
What are the reasons in favour of letting your cat go outside?
Cats are nimble, free-spirited animals that require room to roam, hunt, and engage in other natural activities. They’re independent and intelligent and can look after themselves. They should not be kept indoors all day as they are not intended to be human slaves like dogs are. They will get bored. Boredom can cause behavioral issues in Bengals, including aggression, misbehavior, and inappropriate spraying.
Things to consider if you decide to let your cat free roam
Allow them to stay indoors until they are at least six months old.
Make sure they are neutered; males are less prone to fight and won’t contribute to the increasing number of unwanted cats, and females won’t become pregnant and increase the population either.
Ensure they are fully vaccinated.
Get them microchipped. Some people also wear collars, but we don’t think those are a good idea because we’ve heard many stories of cats, even some purportedly “quick release,” being strangled by collars that get caught in branches and other objects.
We suggest keeping cats indoors during the night because they are more likely to encounter problems if left outside (higher risk of fights with other animals and traffic accidents).
Choose a cat flap that can read your cats’ microchips if you want to install one. Cats don’t need to wear collars for these, and they will stop neighborhood cats from entering your home, which will avoid all the issues that come with that, like marking their territory and stressing out your own kitties.
Is it okay to let your Bengal go outside?
It is the 1645th day of my imprisonment. The birds are now mocking me. I’m plotting my escape and revenge.
Outdoor activities will benefit your tiny leopard, but you shouldn’t leave them alone.
Although intelligent and capable of fending for themselves in the great outdoors, bengals are not impervious to a variety of hazards, such as vehicles, parasites, illnesses, and other animals. If you want to allow your unneutered stud to play outside, you must take the appropriate safety measures because they will roam in search of a queen, which puts them particularly at risk. The best course of action is to give them a room in your garden that is enclosed.
The following factors should be taken into account before allowing your Bengal cat outside:
- How they can benefit from going out
- Why you may want to keep them inside
FAQ
Are Bengal cats good outdoor cats?
Can Bengals be indoor only cats?
Do Bengals need to go outside?
Are Bengal cats home cats?