There isn’t much I can add which the others haven’t already suggested, but I will give you my opinion anyway.
I got my boy from interstate and when we brought him home, he was very scared and not interested in us. He was running away, hiding, walking low to the ground and scratching/biting us. It took 2 months for him to bond with me. Only me.
Now, this is probably usual behaviour for any Bengal brought into a new environment. It will most likely take longer for a rescue who has been mistreated. But, with the right approach and frame of mind, you will get there and you will have a friend for life.
First of all, give him space. When you bring him home, don’t try to force yourself on him, just let him be. Put him in a room, give him food and water, a comfortable place to sleep, somewhere to climb, and some interactive toys to play with. He will most likely be very intimidated by you. Do not try to approach him in the first couple of days. Simply go in the room with him, sit on the floor and just, be. Read a book, do work on the computer. Just be there without actually touching him so he gets used to your presence and your scent.
Secondly, offer him treats. Cooked chicken breast, bits of steak, tuna, etc. Find out which he likes best, which is his favourite. You will know, trust me. Then, use that favourite treat of his to trust you. First, just place it near him. Then, try to offer it from your hand and get him to come closer and closer to you. He may take the treat and run off. That’s okay. Just keep doing it until he is comfortable enough that he just sits near you waiting for another treat, and doesn’t run off. At this stage, you can try to give him a pat, if he accepts it. If he doesn’t, that’s okay. Give him time.
Try to engage him in play. Da Bird is a great toy – invest in one plus a few extra attachments for variety. He will love it, trust me. It is a great bonding activity. Talk to him gently while he is playing.
It can sometimes be upsetting if an animal is not responding and is still scared of you. Please, try to stay positive. This is the best thing you can do. You need to send out a happy vibe. If you don’t, he will feel your negative energy. My boy responded so well to my positive attitude. One day, I was very upset and was crying. He could feel this, and didn’t want to come near me at all. As soon as I was back to myself again, he was all over me.
Just try to be patient with him, you will get there!
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