Hello, I adopted a bengal from a rescue centre about 3 months ago. He's about 9 years old and the rescue didn't really have any information on him or his past. I assume he didn't receive much attention with his previous owners and the only "excuse" they gave was that they couldn't give him the attention he needed. I believe it had more to do with his random attacks. He can be the most loving and affectionate cat but out of no where he just flips out and violently attacks whoever is nearby. The problem is, he pierces right through the skin and doesn't stop at any point. He's overly aggressive and it's getting a little too much. I don't want to have to give him up if I don't have to, but I need some advice on how to handle this current situation. Also, he has been checked over incase he was feeling any type of pain and discomfort but all is well with him so that's not the issue.
Thanks for your time!

Hi there, I adopted a rescue bengal and had some aggression issues too. You say he is affectionate then flips out. Oscar did this when you did full body strokes. His pupils would dilate and he would get wound up and attack. Just stick to tickling the ears and chin - no tummy tickles. You really have to watch your bengals body language. Firstly, you have had vet check for any pain and that has been ruled out so you know it's behavioural. The bengal is not like a normal chilled moggie. They have a much higher play and prey drive. What you describe could be play aggression but of course it's not acceptable to be bitten to bits. I would make sure that you do lots of play with toys that he can wrestle and chase, like kong kikaroo and flying frenzy/da bird wands. This will meet his need to hunt and kill something and should get the energy out. You also need to be confident and be the boss around him in a calm but assertive way. You could give him zylkene which is a natural milk protein and calms cats down. It's difficult to advise so more information of when and how the attacks happen would help. Look at the past posts on here to do with aggression and read them all! Watch Jackson Galaxy episodes as they help too. When I felt a little frightened of Oscar I used to keep a big stuffed toy next to me to fend him off if he got all feisty. He then killed the toy and not my arm! A cat behaviourist could help too. There is a very good one that does phone consultations. Debbie Conolly - Bengal cat helpline. She helped me understand how I could meet Oscar's needs. Oscar is now the most affectionate and soppiest cat around. I can easily read his body language and if he starts eyeballing my feet then I know he needs to play! One important thing though. Make sure if he does attack you, let him cool off for half and hour before playing so he doesn't think that if he attacks you he gets playtime!

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Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

Welcome to the forum and congratulations (and thank you) for rescuing this kitty! You cannot imagine how traumatized this baby must be. Just re-homing can be traumatizing. So, the first thing you need is patience. Allow this little guy a chance to settle in. It doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to build a bond and trust with someone. So, being gentle, allowing him to go at his own pace is what is required. Playtime needs to be slowed down so that he's not going crazy with his bengal energy. Petting him should be accompanied with soft talking and the session should be short so he has no chance to become aggressive towards you. What you've experienced is not normal behavior, but it happens countless times to cat owners. Do not seem fearful against him. You say he can be a very loving kitty and then simply changes into a roaring tiger. Cats can learn to understand the word NO. You definitely want to save your skin as deep punctures can easily get infected. Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves if you have to to ward off any danger. But, I believe the aggression may just be caused by the change in environment. You don't know what his life was before. Was he abused possibly? You don't know. So patience and gentleness are the key here and hopefully things will get better.

That sounds pretty scary. I've never encountered anything like that *knock on wood*. One thing I would suggest though is checking out "My Cat From Hell"

http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/my-cat-from-hell/

There are a bunch of episodes which deal with this. Most of the time solutions involve a greater commitment to hard play, taking walks etc., additional catification, and sometimes medication.

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The little monsters 3