Is another bengal a good idea?

lalune93 · **Joined:** Sat Aug 01, 2015 5:30 am **Posts:** 147

Hey everyone!

So I have a 1.5 year old moggie girl and a 6 month old Bengal boy. They get along GREAT and really like each other (Bengal likes moggie more than she likes him), however sometimes he just gets too excited as he is so energic and plays a bit rough with her. They are happy to chase each other, play and tackle, however sometimes he is too much for her.

I was thinking about getting a third cat, preferable a Bengal girl – as another companion for my boy so they can play together.

I was hoping that they would play with each other as they both have so much energy and bother my moggie girl less. However, the thought did cross my mind that they might pair up and play-attack her together.

Do you think this is a good idea? I know my boy will settle down a little as he grows up, but that Bengal energy will still very much exist for many, many years!!

Do adult cats (1+ years) still play together? I read somewhere that only kittens play with one another, not adult cats. By the time I possibly get the new kitten, my boy will probably already be 9 months. Would a 9 month old and 3 or 4 month old still play together?

Paiviaso · **Posted:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 9:40 am

When I brought my two bengals home they were 10 months old. They very much still played with each other. Now, they are four years old. Over time, the play has evolved into a slightly more serious affair. It looks much the same as before, but now with hissing, growling, and chunks of fur being removed. However they are still good friends and are usually cuddled up together all day. I will add they are both males who are evenly matched in size and energy level.

Sorry, I don't have advice about whether you should get a second bengal, I just wanted to say I do think they would play with each other if you got a new kitten. However they both may also want to play with your poor moggy!

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

Multi-cat households can be difficult to manage, especially when you're trying to add a kitten to the mix. IF you are going to do it, now is the time to do it when your boy may be more apt to accept a new kitten. People do not realize just how much energy a bengal has -- and they keep that energy MOST of their lives. The problem is still going to be your little moggie. She will be "odd girl out." Your little boy is still a kitten at this point in time and it's great that your moggie enjoys play time with him. Adding a third cat will more than likely stir up the mix and may not get along great with either cat. You say they get along fine, but the male kitten is just a little too rough at times. Supervise them and break up anything you thing is too aggressive, although your moggie should be able to let your bengal know that enough is enough. Personally, if it were me, I'd just have the two kitties.

Rebecca · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:12 pm **Posts:** 87

Hi - Have you decided what to do? I have three cats, we recently brought home our third for a similar reason to you.

Meili our eldest girl (who is 6 next month) originally had a playmate (boy) who was only a couple of months younger than her, they were inseparable (although when they fought you would think they were trying to kill each other but 2 minutes later then would be wrapped around each other asleep!) Sadly we lost Harley far too young through illness, I had nursed him for 5 months but we knew the time would come and when it did it was heart breaking, I stillmiss him dearly. Meili was awful, she eat and drank but would not play, come for fuss (and she had always been a true lap cat, I carried her around in my arms like a baby and she would crawl into your bed an night given the chance to snuggle with you - she was very loving so this was extremely out of character for her) she hid away and slept in all the places Harley used as his quiet spots, in the end I was as heart broken over the state of her as I was over the premature loss of our boy so whilst I felt it too soon for me I looked at bringing home another kitten to see if it would pull her out of her misery and home came Chester.
We brought him home at about 15 weeks and whilst it was the typical hissing snarling whirlwind that we expected it only lasted for a few days then they bonded very quickly and became very close. The last 4-5 months Chester's energy levels have far outweighed Meili's and whilst they did play, when she had had enough he hadn't and still pestered and eventually (I think/hope through frustration would pounce and bite her and Chester is a big cat so he overpowers her this would then end up in a fight - she would put him in his place and calmness would return but I began thinking he perhaps would benefit from a younger play mate and she needed a little peace!) Like yourself I worried that it would upset their relationship, would the newbie bond with one and the other be left out? Would two pair up and attack the other? etc etc I began looking and thinking and then I felt fate took over (I've always wanted a melanisitic and my late boys breeder had one available but I would be second in line) anyway fate played its hand I was offered this boy and I brought him home. So we now have our 6 year old girl, an 18 month old boy and a 5 month old boy. The boys bonded very quickly but Meili was more aloof with the newbie, however she came round and I can happily say that we do have the situation I hoped for. The 2 boys tear around the house and are the naughtiest cats I have ever known and Meili gets the peace I think she so deserves, however we do have times when all three bat around like lunatics and its a true joy to see - we also have a few rare occasions when they are all asleep together although usually the boys sleep together and Meili sleeps in her cat tree.
I appreciate all our fur babies have their own characters and I believe we are very fortunate that we have three cats who get along the way they do, they have their moments and it has not all been plain sailing but so, so worth it.
Only you could decide what you feel is best but I very nearly passed the opportunity by of bringing Jaego home as I was worried of the outcome yet I look at them now nad know I made the right decision.

Good luck whatever you choose to do whether it be to love cherish and enjoy your existing babies or take the plunge and add another to the mix xx

Here's my three looking unusually calm and peaceful all at the same time - now that's a rarity!!!
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Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

The original poster is getting a new baby!

Rebecca · **Joined:** Thu Jul 30, 2015 3:12 pm **Posts:** 87

Is another bengal a good idea?

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