Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

International Cat Care describes the Bengal cat breed as “active, noisy, and demanding”.

These exotic-looking trouble-makers tend to need a lot of attention and playtime on a regular basis. It can certainly be a challenge to keep up with all their daily activities.

Bengals don’t necessarily have different nutrient requirements than other breeds. However, because of their high energy, choosing a suitable diet can help to keep them healthy. Here are some tips you can use when picking out a food for your Bengal cat.

1) Consider your Bengal’s energy needs

The high-energy Bengal needs a diet to match! Many of these cats will need to eat a food that is calorie-dense to keep up with their busy antics.

You can ask your veterinarian for help with calculating daily calories and how that translates to how much to feed each day. Just as with any breed of cat, Bengals can become overweight if they are fed too much. To avoid overfeeding, measure out food using a gram scale as cups are inaccurate.

2) Consider your Bengal’s food preferences

Just like most cats, Bengals can be picky. There are a number of textures and flavors you can try with your cat to see which one works best. Diets differ in their water content, texture, and flavor. Some cats prefer crunchy dry kibbles while others thrive on high moisture canned foods.

If you have an especially picky Bengal you might want to consider choosing a high moisture diet. These can easily be warmed up which will release the foods meaty aroma and entice even the most finicky eaters.

3) Choose a food that is complete and balanced

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed nutrient requirements for cat foods based on the historic body of nutrition research. A food that meets the AAFCO’s requirements will have an adequacy statement printed on the label.

Some foods may be regarded as adequate for “all life stages” which is suitable for growing kittens, motherhood, and adult cats. These can be used for any cat, but a food with an adequacy statement that matches your Bengal’s current life stage will be the best choice.

4) Choose a food that can be used in a puzzle feeder

Puzzle feeders are special toys that have to be manipulated by your cat to get to a treat. With a spritely Bengal, they are great to use even for regular meals. Having to work for their food turns mealtime into a game and they can keep their active minds engaged.

Puzzle feeders have the added benefit of extending the time it takes to eat a portion of food, which can help cats feel fuller for longer and reduce begging behaviors.