Kitten-Proof Your Home and Set Up Their Space

 Congratulations on your new Bengal kitten! Bringing a new kitten into your home is always an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some responsibilities to ensure your little one grows into a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted cat. Here’s some advice to help you get started on the right foot: 

Kittens are curious and playful, and they tend to get into everything! Make sure to kitten-proof your space by:

• Securing cords and cables (kittens love to chew on them).
• Removing any small items (like rubber bands, hair ties, or small toys) that could be swallowed.
• Ensuring windows and balconies are safe, as Bengals are natural climbers and jumpers.
• Litter Box: Set up a clean, easily accessible litter box from day one. Keep it in a quiet area where your kitten can find it without feeling too stressed. Make sure to keep the litter box scooped and fresh to encourage use.
• Bed and Rest Area: Provide a comfortable, quiet spot for your kitten to sleep. Bengals can be quite energetic, so it’s important to have a cozy retreat where they can rest.
• Play Area: Bengals need plenty of stimulation, so provide interactive toys, scratching posts, and climbing opportunities. They'll love cat trees, tunnels, and anything that lets them climb or hunt.

Understanding Bengal Behavior

• Energy Levels: Bengals are very active, and they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Interactive toys, laser pointers, and puzzle feeders will keep them engaged.
• Climbing and Jumping: Bengals love to explore vertical spaces. If you have high shelves, bookcases, or even tall furniture, you might want to make sure they’re safe for your kitten to climb.
• Vocalization: Bengals can be quite vocal, expressing themselves through chirps, meows, and purrs. This is part of their charm, but be prepared for a chatty companion!

Enrichment and Playtime

• Interactive Play: Bengals thrive on interactive play, so schedule several play sessions a day. Use toys like feather wands, balls, and even laser pointers to engage them in active play.
• A cat wheel: is a great way to help your Bengal kitten burn off energy in a fun and safe way! Bengals are an active breed, and a cat wheel can be an excellent addition to their play area, especially if you have limited space for outdoor exercise. Here are a few highly recommended cat wheels that can keep your energetic Bengal entertained:
• Mental Stimulation: Bengals are intelligent and enjoy puzzles and problem-solving. Consider puzzle feeders or toys that challenge their mind.

Patience and Love

Bengals are wonderful companions, but like any breed, they require time, attention, and patience. Be prepared for your kitten to be active, curious, and a bit mischievous, especially as they grow and explore their world. With plenty of love, care, and attention, your Bengal will become a loyal and affectionate family member.

Remember, the first few weeks are a period of adjustment for both you and your kitten. Establish a calm routine, and soon enough, your Bengal kitten will settle in and start forming a deep bond with you and your family. Enjoy every moment with your new feline friend!

• First Vet Visit: Take your kitten to the vet shortly after bringing them home for a health check. Ensure they’re up-to-date on vaccinations, deworming, and flea prevention.
• Spaying/Neutering: If your kitten hasn't been spayed or neutered yet, be sure to schedule the procedure at the appropriate time, typically around 5-6 months of age.
• Annual Health Checks: Regular vet visits will ensure your Bengal kitten stays healthy and well-maintained as they grow.

• Brushing: Bengals have short, dense coats, but they still benefit from regular brushing to reduce shedding and hairballs. Aim for at least once a week, and more often during shedding seasons.
• Nail Trimming: Keep your kitten’s claws trimmed to avoid scratching issues. It’s best to start early to get your kitten used to having their paws handled.

• High-Quality Food: Feed your kitten a high-quality kitten formula or premium food specifically designed for growing kittens. We recommend to start with Royal Canin Kitten wet food and Royal Canin Mother and Baby Cat dry food. Bengals have high energy levels, so they need nutrient-dense food to support their growth and activity.
• Measuring Portions: Keep track of your kitten’s eating habits and ensure they’re eating the appropriate amount based on their age and weight. Consult with your vet for guidance on the right diet and feeding schedule. 

Royal Canin is a well-regarded brand in the pet food industry, and many cat owners choose it for its scientifically-backed formulas and high-quality ingredients. Here's why you might want to consider feeding your Bengal kitten (or adult cat) Royal Canin dry and wet food: Breed-Specific Formulas

• Tailored Nutrition: Royal Canin offers breed-specific formulas, including one for Bengals, which means the food is specially designed to meet the unique dietary needs of this particular breed. Bengals have higher energy requirements, active metabolisms, and a muscular build, so Royal Canin's Bengal formula is crafted to support these traits with appropriate levels of protein, fat, and other nutrients.
• Digestive Health: Royal Canin's breed formulas are also designed to promote optimal digestion. This is particularly important for Bengals, who are often sensitive to certain ingredients. High  Quality Ingredients
• Animal Protein: Royal Canin uses high-quality animal proteins like chicken and turkey in their recipes, which are great for muscle maintenance and overall health. Bengals, being active and muscular cats, require a protein-rich diet to support their high energy levels.
• Digestible Carbohydrates: The brand uses easily digestible ingredients like rice and oats, which provide a steady source of energy without upsetting the stomach.

Training and Litter Box Habits

• Litter Box Training: Most kittens instinctively use the litter box, but if any accidents happen, be patient. Clean up messes with an enzymatic cleaner to remove scent markers.
• Scratching Behavior: Bengals have a strong instinct to scratch to mark territory and stretch. Provide plenty of scratching posts or pads, and consider using cat trees that allow them to climb and scratch safely.