Hello everyone~
I'm considering getting a bengal cat, but after plenty of research, I've gathered that they need more attention than your average domestic house cat. I know that if a cat gets too lonely, behavior issues could arise, but how many hours is 'lonely'? I am a high school student, and even though I have parents who leave for work later than I leave for school, the cat will still be alone for about 6 hours each day. Is that too much?
Also, would you recommend keeping the cat in a room (with toys, of course) when you are gone, or just let her roam free in the house? I don't really want the cat destroying all the furniture in the house, but would she feel too restricted shut up in my bed room?
Any replies/suggestions would be greatly appreciated~

On days that both my husband and I work, Quasar is alone for up to 14 hours. This happens once or twice a week.
We have had no behavioural issues with him.

I think he sleeps most of the time. He's very active when we get home. We spend a lot of time playing!

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~ Kyenta

6 hours is not too much at all. Mine get left for up to 10hours some days. They're fine and as Kyenta1 says they usually just sleep while we're out. As long as you are willing to play and give them all the attention they need when you get back it won't be a problem! Kitten's are very adaptable!

You may want to think about getting 2. It's not necessary but then they'll be able to play together while you're out and so tend to demand a bit less of your time when you do get in.

ID say get 2! Remember that on top of that 6 hours you are out you then sleep for day 8 hours, so thats alot of time your not spending with your master, I mean, erm, cat

Ahahaha
Thanks for all the replies!!!
For me, I don't think getting 2 would be an option, at least for now (parents, lol), but I'll definitely try my best and spend lots and lots of time playing with the kitten after I get her~ ^^
Again, thanks for the feedback.

interesting thread!

what about 12 hours a day x 5 times a week , 2 kittens.
is that too much ? any thoughts?

If you get 2 litter mates or of a similar age, not an issue, they will keep eachother amused

Hey,

We have a Bengal kitten (about 6 1/2 months) and he is left home about 8 hours a day (though my partner goes home in his lunch time 2 or 3 days a week). Freddie seems fine with this and when getting home he clearly looks as if he has just woken up! We do have many toys to keep him amused and I play with him/give him loads of cuddles in the morning (as he wakes me up at 6am!!)

I have thought about getting another Bengal so that he has a day time playmate (and perhaps this way he will stop sleeping on my head!!) but am not sure whether to get an older cat or a kitten. I think it would have to be another bengal as Freddie is quite dominant and BIG so would bully other cats...

Thanks!

No, when I do stay home all day with mine, he sleeps for about 6 of the 8 hours I am usually gone anyhow. I just make a point to spend some time with him as soon as I get home and play with him throughout the evening. I prefer having a second in case I am gone for longer periods and they can keep one another occupied.

BEST ADVICE: Get 2 (if you can afford it).

I work 9 hours a day with an hour in the middle to run by home, so my boys are at home by themselves a lot. They keep each other very busy (I've watched on a spy cam) and having each other makes them soooo happy. Two kittens curled up together is just about the cutest thing in the world, too.

Thanks everyone!
I got my kitten three days ago. She is soooo cute, and even though i've only been with her for such a short time, to our surprise, she's warming up super quickly (maybe because I have neglected all homework the past two days and put all my attention on her? ^^), and she loves to cuddle and play.
To answer my own question, I personally think the kitty is fine, alone for about 7ish hours... Right now we keep her in a little room with all her necessities + toys/cat tree, and she's pretty content. I play with her in the morning before I leave, and also when I return. She mews like crazy for a few minutes after I leave (I hid and watched her for a little), but right after, like most of you said, she just falls asleep (so adorable ><)!
Thanks so much for all your replies~ Please continue assisting this inexperienced cat lover in the future !

Would love to see a pic of your baby :) congrats!

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Jaz & Django

Congratulations, im glad that she is settling in so well :) We also have an only bengal who is fine being left alone during the day, so long as he gets lots of attention when we are home which of course isn't exactly a chore

As she gets older, i would just try to make a point of leaving her little things to figure out while you are out such as a treat ball that she has to roll to get food / hiding toys around etc! Looking forward to hearing more about her!

Routine is important. I'm normally out during the day but home at night.
Thats the normal routine, but if I'm out longer then Benji becomes more 'playful'....

Its about boredom and the need to extend that energy pent up during a day spent mostly sleeping.

If I go away for a few days then I know its mega playtime when I come back and thats even if I have a cat sitter here for most of the day!

One word, never put your cat into a cattery or at least consider it as a final resort.
Your breeder may help or you could cancel your plans.
I did it once and Benji hated it, she got ill too. But she is very clingy to me and also doesn't socialise well with other cats or dogs.
Was a good cattery and she was well looked after but I won't do that again.

Oh one other thing, I have a few cat trees that she has access to and toys for when I'm out so am sure that helps. She also has a view outside. You will have to make sure your cat always has access to fresh water and litter. Maybe some food left out, especially while the cat is young.

Hi everyone

I am new here but read this thread with great interest as I am getting 2 Bengal kitten brothers on Saturday and was wondering the same thing. My mind has certainly been put to rest and I am sooo glad I persuaded hubby to get the second one now. I was very worried that he would be lonely and bored on his own at home while we are out at work.

However, my eldest son works four days on and four days off so most weeks even if hubby and I are at work Monday to Friday, my son is home.

I am sure I will be making many posts in the near future with regards to questions about my two new bundles of fun (trouble?) hahaha and I look forward to chatting with you all more and getting to know you better

Lisa
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