The Cat Conundrum
Discussion
So I have two cats, one Moggy, and one Bengal. They get on great, loads of play, loads of sleeping together. House cats (so far)
The Moggy is a year and a half. The Bengal is ten month or so.
The Moggy is a cat. He's grown out of kitten play and cuddles and needs me for food and food only, so now he's bored. And so I've started letting him outside. And he loves it! He runs around chirping at everything, pawing away, generally having the time of his life. He's even befriended next doors rabbits! He really is a friendly, happy little thing. Totally unfazed by new people.
The Bengal is a dog in cats clothing. He needs me because he loves cuddles and play. He's not interested in exploring - only being near me. Like a dog. He's really, really nervous of new people and doesn't handle being outdoors very well. Loud noise and he's all claws, fluffy tail and stress. Added to which, I'm sure he'd maul next doors rabbits and, looking like he does, sure to get nicked.
And here's the issue.
The Bengal, the high maintenance super cat, was entirely chilled when they were both indoors.
The Moggy, the domestic chilled out peasant cat, was up a height before being let out and almost becoming destructive.
When the Moggy goes outside, the Bengal goes BANANAS. He'll only calm when the Moggy returns. And if you've ever heard a Bengal before, you'll know how loud they are when something isn't going their way.
So I've gone from one crazy Moggy, and one chilled Bengal, to one chilled Moggy, but one crazy Bengal.
What do I do?
The Moggy is a year and a half. The Bengal is ten month or so.
The Moggy is a cat. He's grown out of kitten play and cuddles and needs me for food and food only, so now he's bored. And so I've started letting him outside. And he loves it! He runs around chirping at everything, pawing away, generally having the time of his life. He's even befriended next doors rabbits! He really is a friendly, happy little thing. Totally unfazed by new people.
The Bengal is a dog in cats clothing. He needs me because he loves cuddles and play. He's not interested in exploring - only being near me. Like a dog. He's really, really nervous of new people and doesn't handle being outdoors very well. Loud noise and he's all claws, fluffy tail and stress. Added to which, I'm sure he'd maul next doors rabbits and, looking like he does, sure to get nicked.
And here's the issue.
The Bengal, the high maintenance super cat, was entirely chilled when they were both indoors.
The Moggy, the domestic chilled out peasant cat, was up a height before being let out and almost becoming destructive.
When the Moggy goes outside, the Bengal goes BANANAS. He'll only calm when the Moggy returns. And if you've ever heard a Bengal before, you'll know how loud they are when something isn't going their way.
So I've gone from one crazy Moggy, and one chilled Bengal, to one chilled Moggy, but one crazy Bengal.
What do I do?
Edited by THX on Wednesday 27th August 20:34
I'm guessing that Mog is coming in with a range of unfamiliar smells, and that this is what is sending the Bengal nuts.
First off, I'd suggest that you get a Feliway plug-in, but secondly that you create a buffer zone between 'in' and 'out' so that smells can be gradually introduced to the household. A baby gate between rooms, etc.
Contain the bolder cat in front of these, and make sure that both cats have individual litter trays, sited well away from one another, and also food.
First off, I'd suggest that you get a Feliway plug-in, but secondly that you create a buffer zone between 'in' and 'out' so that smells can be gradually introduced to the household. A baby gate between rooms, etc.
Contain the bolder cat in front of these, and make sure that both cats have individual litter trays, sited well away from one another, and also food.
Hello fellow Bengal owner - great cats aren't they ?
Like you I can't let my Bengal out for fear he will either be stolen, or more likely squashed and after having him recently neutered he seems far happier just staying in the house, though we do take him for walks on the lead. Is your other cat still intact ? If so, might be well worth taking him to a visit to your friendly vet.
Like you I can't let my Bengal out for fear he will either be stolen, or more likely squashed and after having him recently neutered he seems far happier just staying in the house, though we do take him for walks on the lead. Is your other cat still intact ? If so, might be well worth taking him to a visit to your friendly vet.
Tricky one, we may be heading to a similar issue but reversed as we have a half bengal moggy (7 months) who gets out and loves it but after seeing all the beautiful bengals on here I want to get one but being put off at the moment as we would really have to let that out also.
Anyway here's Max
Anyway here's Max
Not sure it's the scent - there's two doors between them and it's even when the Moggy is well away outside. It's the absence that's causing the grief. Maybe that Feliway will do the trick (I'd actually forgotten that existed - could save the 3am wake-up calls, too. Half the reason for needing to let the Mog out)
BTW, Bengals are awesome little creatures. Bright as any dog, equally affectionate and they look amazing. Can be hard work, but no more than a, you guessed it, dog.
PICTURES!
BTW, Bengals are awesome little creatures. Bright as any dog, equally affectionate and they look amazing. Can be hard work, but no more than a, you guessed it, dog.
PICTURES!
Edited by THX on Thursday 28th August 18:54
Mobile Chicane said:
OP, what happens when you go outside with the Bengal? Is he more relaxed then?
I have an evening routine whereby I go for a stroll around the garden and Bob follows. At a discreet distance, natch. He's far too cool to trot after me like a dog:
That's an impressive garden!I have an evening routine whereby I go for a stroll around the garden and Bob follows. At a discreet distance, natch. He's far too cool to trot after me like a dog:
He's OK when I'm there, but he's still up a height. He'll nervously nose around, give me the squinty loving eyes, but then dart back inside the second there's a new noise.
Meanwhile, the Moggy will be rolling around on the shed roof top having the time of his life.
Am hoping mine keeps his white chest as well - really are a stunning animal. Think he's even got that "glitter"affect that some Bengals have, really does shine.
He's currently sat at the side of me now after I just fed him some of his favourite wet food - seems hes my friend again after trying to bite my feet whilst I was eating earlier. Lol.
He's currently sat at the side of me now after I just fed him some of his favourite wet food - seems hes my friend again after trying to bite my feet whilst I was eating earlier. Lol.
THX said:
Mobile Chicane said:
OP, what happens when you go outside with the Bengal? Is he more relaxed then?
I have an evening routine whereby I go for a stroll around the garden and Bob follows. At a discreet distance, natch. He's far too cool to trot after me like a dog:
That's an impressive garden!I have an evening routine whereby I go for a stroll around the garden and Bob follows. At a discreet distance, natch. He's far too cool to trot after me like a dog:
He's OK when I'm there, but he's still up a height. He'll nervously nose around, give me the squinty loving eyes, but then dart back inside the second there's a new noise.
Meanwhile, the Moggy will be rolling around on the shed roof top having the time of his life.
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