I'm interested in any thoughts on what is going on inside the minds of my two Bengals!

Jon went back to sea again yesterday lunch time. Hendrix has started hissing, swiping and growling at Jagger again as of yesterday evening. There seemed to be no obvious trigger as I was around when this happened and it happened three times that I know of. I think its a bit early for them to notice Jon is gone for another 6 weeks or so as it was pretty much the instant I walked through the door....

I'm wondering if I'm the problem and they (definitely Hendrix, if not Jagger) pick up that I'm a bit 'unsettled' when Jon goes away initially. Is that really possible??

This morning there was another incident but I get the impression Jagger might have had a fright outside as he was very jumpy when he came back in before I left for work. When Hendrix came in shortly after I think he irritated him by keep sniffing him and in the end Hendrix rounded on him and spat and hissed at him making all of us jump out of our skins. I feel this instance was to do with Jagger needing to reassure himself that this was indeed Hendrix and not another cat or animal. Jagger was very much on high alert and checking every window and slinking around before Hendrix reappeared.

Fortunately I am home with them pretty much all weekend from lunch time today, so hopefully things will settle down again. But do you think this is all to do with Hendrix picking up on my mood? If so, I'll have this issue every time Jon goes away!

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

I don't think us humans have an inkling of the ability of animals to pick up on human emotions. Animals have the most incredible senses that we will probably never understand. I would say it's highly likely that Hendrix can feel that you are unsettled and maybe he senses that as a weakness and is asserting himself again. Is Hendrix bonded to you or Jon particularly? Oscar was weird when we were getting ready to go away, maybe the stress in the house and suitcases etc. Anything that is different from the normal routine will probably unsettle him if he sensitive to change. Just carry on as normal and try to relax yourself to make him feel more calm.

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Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

I guess I must have been giving off some seriously bad vibes the second I stepped through the door! I'd rather it was my emotions they are picking up on as opposed to them falling out and not getting on anymore though. That is my worst nightmare.

Hendrix is probably more bonded with me as he follows me around wailing for cuddles etc which get more and more urgent if I haven't immediately complied with his wishes. He is way more needy than Jagger and an incredibly jealous boy as well if he thinks Jagger is getting more fuss than him. He was really sweet though when Jon came home, he walked straight past me, meowing his head off and threw himself on the ground for belly rubs - his way of welcoming him home! Hendrix is the more complex and dominant of the two so I think you may be right, he feels an emotion from me that he considers a weakness and jumps on it. I will have to learn to hide it as otherwise poor Jagger is picked on... that upsets me and its a vicious circle!

If it is me they pick up on, things will hopefully be back to normal by the end of the weekend as I tend to get used to being on my own again after a couple of days, I'm like a lost soul at first as the house is suddenly so empty without Jon demanding cups of tea lol

I know what you mean about the suitcases etc, Jagger curled up in my case as though to say what do you think you're up to - I'm not letting you go anywhere!

I bet Oscar was pleased to see you when you got home - despite being spoilt rotten by your father-in-law in your absence!

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

Cats have ESP, I swear!!! They can pick on up an owner's stress and grief. Your cats know you better than YOU do, actually. Cats are also a creature of habit, so when the household changes -- they sense it! This is why a lot of cats' behaviors change when someone returns from vacation. Cats don't like change very much! Jon comes and goes and, while they should be used to that, it's really different for them each and every time.

Raiden doesn't miss his daddy because I do all the caregiving and walking, etc. Hubby goes to work, takes off for golfing weekends, and Raiden can't tell the difference! Hubby plays with him, has to spend a few minutes with him in the morning before he leaves and gives him belly rubs when he returns. That's all he's good for! REALLY!!!!!