Are Bengal Cats Easy To Train? (Training and Tips)

Known for their curious and exotic nature, Bengal cats are famous for their intelligence and coloring. Cats aren’t like dogs, but some say Bengals are as close as you can when it comes to a feline option. So, are Bengal cats easy to train?

Bengal cats tend to be easier to train than other cat breeds. With patience and consistency, you can teach your Bengal cat to do tricks. In addition, Bengals benefit from their heightened intelligence, making them more attuned to cat training techniques.

If you are curious about Bengals and want to learn more about training, we’ve got the information you need. These curious felines make great pets, but much like any household animal, training is essential. So, is what makes Bengals so different from other breeds when it comes to training? Let’s find out.

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Are Bengal Cats Easier to Train Than Other Breeds of Cats?

Intelligence in any pet can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you usually have a bigger personality. But, on the other, you can easily get in over your head. Bengal cats are no exception. These fancy cats are a cross between domestic cats and the Asian Leopard Cat. The result is an exotically colored and charming animal that has been winning hearts since the 1980s.

But when it comes to training these cats, does their intelligence and unique pedigree make it any easier? Well, the answer to that question isn’t as simple as you might think. While it can be easier to train a Bengal cat, understanding how to train them is key to your success.

Their intelligence means they can pick up tricks quickly, but it also means:

• Bengals get bored easily
• They will need constant attention
• You will need to be consistent with your training

Like an intelligent dog breed, it can take a bit of strategy to develop a successful training program. It may be easier to train an intelligent animal, but if you are sparse with your training or inconsistent, you could be causing more harm than good. But once you get a training program down, you’ll have a happier cat and see some other benefits.

What Tricks Can You Teach a Bengal Cat?

Some basic tricks that you should be able to teach your Bengal cat are:

• To Sit
• To Lay Down
• To Spin Around

It would help if you planned on owning a clicker and a target stick to teach these tricks to your Bengal cat.

What Are Some Benefits of Training Your Bengal

Training can be excellent for both your Bengal and you. If you are on top of your training, you’ll start seeing benefits almost immediately. With a cat breed this intelligent, it is almost a necessity to train them correctly. Much like good habits, bad habits can be conditioned. Once they take hold, it can be a struggle to break them.

This is where the benefits of training come from. Of course, you will be conditioning good behaviors with your training. But, there are some other benefits that you and your cat will enjoy.

They are:

• Bonding — Your Bengal can get pretty attached to you and your family. Keeping a training schedule will only strengthen this bond.
• Get rid of excess energy — Bengals are active cats. They love to play and explore, so training can give them an outlet for all that energy.
• Brain health — Much like muscles, your cat’s brain needs some stimulation too. Training can help channel your Bengal’s intelligence.

If you are getting a Bengal, hopefully, by now, you understand they are a lot of work. Proper training is just part of pet ownership. If you want your feline friend to be happy and healthy, you will need to train weekly, if not daily.

Is There a Proper Age to Start Training

When it comes to training your Bengal, the earlier, you start the better. So if you can get your Bengal as a kitten, you should start your training sessions as soon as you can.

There are a few reasons for this:

• Brain plasticity — A kitten’s brain is the most attuned to learning when they are young.
• Bonding — The earlier you start training your Bengal, the closer your feline will get to you.
• Conditioning behaviors — Habits take time to form. Therefore, the earlier you start your training, the better the trained behaviors will take hold.

This isn’t to say an old cat can’t learn new tricks. It just means that the earlier you start, the easier it is going to be.

Types of Training You can Use

When it comes to training your Bengal, there are a few things most cat owners will focus on. Of course, some things, like litter box training, are a given for most felines. But, beyond that, some training types can help enhance your cat’s life as well as your own.

Of course, you can always add some fun tricks to your repertoire. Things like sitting or fetch can be enjoyable for you and your cat. But there are a few things you can condition your Bengal to do to help throughout their lives.

Let’s take a look at some of these types of training sessions.

Harness Training

Training your cat to wear a harness isn’t too difficult, but the key is consistency. This is the perfect thing to teach a kitten. Start with getting your cat acclimated to wearing the harness before you go out.

Some cats will fall over once you put the harness on. So don’t fall for this trick. Much like their collar, it can feel unnatural to your Bengal at first to wear the harness.

Here are some other tips:

• Start slow, making sure not to overwhelm your cat.
• Use a properly fitting harness. Too tight, and it might turn them off wearing the harness altogether.
• Use treats when your cat is wearing the harness. This can help get them to associate the harness with the pleasure of eating the treats.

To learn more about cat harnesses, check out this article:  Click Here to Read More about Cat Harnesses!

Leash Training

Once you’ve got your Bengal in a harness, the next step is leash training. If you are in an urban environment and want to let your cat safely explore outside, leash training is a must. Bengals, in particular, enjoy a good walk, so long as they enjoy being on the leash itself.

A good strategy is to start small. Attach the leash to your cat and see let them explore your home while hooked up. Try and not to drag or pull on the leash; this can be a turn-off for your Bengal. Once they are used to the leash, it’s time to take the party outside. Just remember to take things slow and not force anything.

Here are some other tips for leash training:

• Always carry your cat outside.
• Don’t let your cat cry and whine for you to take them out.
• Never leave your cat unattended and on the leash outside.

Helpful Tips When Working With Bengals

When it comes to training, there are some tips you can follow for success. Above all, make sure your Bengal is enjoying the training sessions. If you are forcing it, it can mean your cat will be less than pleased the next time you go to train them.

Here are some other tips to help you in your next training session:

• Never punish your Bengal — Cats are not like dogs and don’t respond well to punitive reactions.
• Use a clicker — Adding an extrasensory stimulus can help condition the behavior more successfully.
• Be consistent — Training only works when done on a schedule. Try and keep a log of your training sessions to keep track of everything.
• Pick the right time of day — Cats can be food motivated. Timing your training sessions before mealtimes can help your cat pay attention.

Conclusion

Bengal cats are curious and energetic. This makes them the perfect candidate for training. If you start early and be consistent, you can train your cat to do all kinds of things. Training can be easy since Bengals are so intelligent, but this can also mean that destructive behaviors are easily conditioned. Always be consistent and make sure your cat is happy after every training session.

If you enjoyed this article, please check out a few more:

• Do Bengal Cats Like Water? Find Out Why They Love It:  Click Here to Read Article!
• Can Bengal Cats Drink Milk? Important Information:  Click Here to Read Article!
• 14 Cats You Can Take On Walks (Best Cat Breeds):  Click Here to Read Article!