Hey we have a 10 week old bengal and at first seemed very timid and shy but is now coming out of her shell which is great as we are loving experiencing the different trates in her personality but she is now getting over confident and starting to push her boundaries, she's climbs up on people and the table whilst they are eating even after being told " no" repeatedly and removed from the table or off people's laps when eating she doesn't listen to which I then put her in the utility room where all of her bed, food and kitten accessories are to which she then cries really loudly under the gap in the door and scratches at the door to get out! Any other suggestions as I feel like I'm always telling her no, she has also started clawing up people legs to climb up them and attacking people's feet I just don't want to have family, friends or guests round and feeling uncomfortable or irratated by her behaviour. Thanks in advance

Welcome to the forum Jodie.

What you have described is, basically, a bengal kitten. You will need to gently teach her what is wanted and unwanted behaviour. She will push the boundaries, time and time again, but consistency, lots of play, and love will see you through.

One thing - not so much for you, but for anyone else reading this before getting a kitten - a bengal should stay with its mother until 13 weeks - a breeder focussed more on cash than care will sell them off earlier, but a kitten learns a lot on how to behave from its mother in those later weeks. In your case you will need to understand that that learning process has not happened, so your kitten will have more that it needs to learn from you.

Thanks for your help I will take it on board we are hoping to start the clicker training but what age is best do you think? And clearly telling her no isn't working so happy to any suggestions, she's a good girl really just very mischievous, also we would like to harness train her again what age do you think is best so that I can let her explore, that I am hoping is going to burn some energy she's great with the kids and they love to play with her I think in that sense they have similar metalisties (toddlers and kittens) both need structure and lots of stimulation!

Ok, so a small dose of reality is needed. First, congrats on getting what sounds like a very normal and well-adjusted and socialized kitty. Now the reality part...

When has telling a cat "no" ever had much impact on them? And she is not just ANY cat, she is a bengal cat. Not some meek little dog-in-cat's-body, just looking for constant affirmation of her actions and looking to you for some training to be more compliant with your wishes!! No no, she is a little pirate cat from hell, and as soon as she gets her mojo it's going to be a constant battle of wills, and she is going to win that battle 9 times out of 10!

Telling a cat "no" and then "No" again is pointless (that's her laughing at you when you do that) other than for you to feel better about yourself under the illusion that you ar in control. Every time she is doing something you'd rather she not do you have to ask yourself:

1. What need of hers is she trying to fill by doing this? Your goal should be not be to try to suppress that need, but to try to fulfill it in another way that is more satisfactory to you. For example, begging for scraps at the dinner table, you might feed her right before you put the food on the table.

2. You're going to have to make a lot of compromises. Some battles are not worth fighting, and doing so is just going to make everyone unhappy.

3. You have to always keep in mind the power of positive reinforcement (which works both ways). If she meows and you immediately give her something that she desires, she's just trained you! And of course you have the ability to do the same to her.

Congrats again, but just remember... "Pirate Cat From Hell" is what you signed up for, not sweet, compliant ball of fluff. And when she does something *really* naughty, the correct response is to first cuss, then laugh, then run for the camera.

_________________
The little monsters 3

_________________
The little monsters 3

Good point in that last post Brian.

When someone visits me they tend to be given some treats and a toy as well with the words "go make a friend".

It sounds as if you have never owned a bengal. They are not your ordinary cat and are a challenge. However, bengals are a unique breed and you have to enjoy them for what and who they are. Mine is 10 years old and understands the word "no." Bengals are very curious and they are into everything. Another thing is that you should not have gotten her until she was at least 12 weeks old. So, she is super rambunctious at this point as all kittens are. Hang in there. A bengal is a bengal. There is no getting around the fact they have more energy than you will ever have.

Ironically, one of the most-asked questions is how to keep a cat off the table or kitchen counters. My reply is LOL

This is what I do. I pick the cat up off the counter/table, place down on the floor and repeat as necessary. It is really a lost cause if you think you can train them to stay off things. Now ... lap. I wish I had a lap cat bengal, but I don't! I love having a kitty laying in my lap.

Most of all, ENJOY your baby! Owning a bengal is a never-ending adventure. Get used to it!

I have two hellians that were rescued from a kill shelter at 8 weeks old. There is no telling how much time they spent with their mother or siblings. The foster mom did a great job bringing them back to healthy adoptable kittens but they had a house full of rescue cats and dogs so I don't know how much individual training they received. So by the time I got them at 4 months old, they were holy terrors and they would team up against me! I never had cats like them and they wore me down. My perfect home quickly yielded to my kitten's demands and so did I. Often times I would find myself flabbergasted at just how crazy and naughty they could be. Then I would start laughing at just how absurd and irrational they were. Well Brian is right, enjoy it while it lasts. You will never forget those days and things do simmer down around one year. They get used to the routine and they train you so you give them what they need to be happy. They also learn table manners and stop attacking you when you are trying to eat. Mine can still get pretty worked up over a slice of deli turkey meat, but for the most part I am allowed to eat in peace once they are properly fed. Yes, take lots of photos and videos. You will learn to embrace their ways and want to capture it on film. After all, who would believe cats could be like this?!

Kittens are as cute as they are because they are total brats! The adult cats know how to shut down their little power games, it's very funny to watch them do it. So don't be afraid to set strong boundaries, they expect it. Kittens will keep pushing until someone tells them no in very strong terms!