When I lost my Bengal cat, it was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life.
The realisation hit me like a bolt of lightning. A cold wave of panic swept through me as I searched every corner of my house and garden, calling her name. Disbelief turned into dread, and my heart sank deeper with every passing minute.
That experience taught me invaluable lessons about keeping Bengals safe—lessons I wish I’d known before. Bengals are clever, curious, and determined escape artists, which makes them particularly prone to wandering off. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned to help you prevent your Bengal from getting lost and how to act quickly if the unthinkable happens.
Indoor vs Outdoor Bengals: Why It Matters
The first step in keeping your Bengal safe is understanding their environment. Is your cat an indoor explorer or an indoor-outdoor adventurer?
- Indoor Cats: Indoor Bengals are less accustomed to navigating the outside world. If they escape, they may struggle to find their way home.
- Outdoor Cats: While they’re more familiar with their surroundings, outdoor Bengals are exposed to greater risks, such as traffic, predators, or territorial disputes.
Knowing your cat’s lifestyle helps tailor precautions and safety measures.
Let’s Start With Why! Why Do Bengal Cats Get Lost
Bengals are adventurous by nature, and their instincts can lead them astray. Here are the main reasons they go missing:
- Curiosity and Exploration: Bengals are drawn to new environments—gardens, sheds, and neighbours’ yards are irresistible.
- Hunting Instincts: Their strong prey drive can lead them far from home while chasing birds, mice, or insects.
- Territorial Disputes: Conflicts with other animals can push Bengals out of their comfort zones.
- Mating Urges: Unspayed or unneutered cats may roam miles in search of a mate.
- Stress or Environmental Changes: New pets, visitors, or loud noises can spook them into bolting.
- Accidental Trapping: Bengals often get stuck in garages, sheds, or vehicles during their explorations.
- Illness or Injury: Sick or injured cats tend to hide in unfamiliar places, making them harder to find.
- Extreme Weather: Storms, wind, and loud thunder can disorient and scare them into running away.
How to Reduce the Risk of Your Bengal Getting Lost
1. Curiosity and Exploration
When my Bengal returned, the first thing I did was cat-proof my garden. I installed extension netting on the fence to make it climb-proof and added climb-proof plastic around tree trunks to prevent her from using them as escape ladders. It was a bit of effort, but it gave me peace of mind knowing she couldn’t easily wander off again. If you’re in a similar situation, creating a secure outdoor space—or even a Catio—can be a game-changer. For those who love exploring with their Bengals, supervised outdoor time with a harness and leash is another great option.
2. Hunting Instincts
Bengals have an unstoppable prey drive, and my Bengal is no exception. To keep her entertained indoors, I set up bird feeders right outside our windows, turning them into her personal “live TV.” She spends hours watching the birds, completely captivated. I’ve also invested in plenty of interactive toys like feather wands and puzzle feeders to simulate hunting indoors. If your Bengal loves the outdoors, make sure their time outside is safe and controlled—either with a leash or within a secure area.
3. Territorial Disputes
Lagertha’s escape was partly because she was chasing another cat that had wandered into our garden. Now, I do my best to discourage strays from entering her space. I’ve placed motion-activated sprinklers near the garden’s perimeter, and it’s worked wonders in keeping other cats away. I’ve also microchipped Lagertha, so if she ever gets displaced during a territorial spat, she can be identified and returned home quickly.
4. Mating Urges
Spaying or neutering is essential for preventing escape attempts due to hormonal drives. Thankfully, Lagertha was already spayed when she went missing, but if your Bengal isn’t, it’s the best step you can take. Even fixed cats can get restless, so I make sure to keep Lagertha entertained and indoors during mating seasons when other cats are more active.
5. Stress or Environmental Changes
Bengals are sensitive to their surroundings, and Lagertha is no exception. Loud noises or new pets can unsettle her. To give her a sense of security, I’ve created a quiet retreat in our home—a cosy corner with her favourite blanket and toys where she can escape when things feel overwhelming. I also introduce any changes gradually, whether it’s a new visitor or a piece of furniture. This approach has helped her feel more confident and less likely to run.
6. Accidental Trapping
After her disappearance, I realised how often Bengals’ curiosity gets them into trouble. Now, I always check the garage, shed, and even the car before closing anything up. On one occasion, I found Lagertha perched inside the boot of my car, ready for an unintended adventure! If your Bengal goes missing, make sure to alert your neighbours and ask them to check their garages and sheds too.
7. Illness or Injury
Cats instinctively hide when they’re unwell, which can make them harder to find. Regular vet check-ups are a must—I’ve made it a point to schedule them routinely for Lagertha. When she’s recovering from an illness or injury, I keep her indoors and ensure she has a quiet space to rest. Recognising signs of distress early can prevent them from venturing off to find a hiding spot.
8. Extreme Weather
Lagertha hates storms, and during bad weather, I make sure she’s safely indoors. I’ve created a cosy spot with her favourite bedding where she feels secure. During particularly loud storms, I use pheromone diffusers to help keep her calm. Planning ahead and knowing the forecast has saved me from the stress of losing her to bad weather.
Additional Safety Measures
In addition to tackling specific reasons Bengals wander, there are some general precautions I swear by:
- Collars and ID Tags: Lagertha always wears a collar with an ID tag that has my contact information.
- Microchips: Her microchip gives me peace of mind knowing she can always be identified.
- Recall Training: I’ve trained Lagertha to come when called by using her favourite treats—it’s simple but effective.
- A Custom Gym: I built Lagertha her own climbing gym in the house. It’s not enclosed like a catio, but it gives her space to run, climb, and perch at the top to watch the birds. She absolutely loves it, and it keeps her entertained for hours.
Final Thoughts
Bengals are extraordinary companions, full of curiosity and charm. While their adventurous nature can be challenging, it’s what makes them so special. By learning from my experience and taking these precautions, you can keep your Bengal safe while still letting them enjoy their unique personality.
Do you have a Bengal story to share or tips that have worked for you? Share them in the comments below—let’s keep our Bengals safe and happy! 🐾
Resources:
The Spruce Pets – Tips for creating safe indoor and outdoor environments for cats, tailored to their natural instincts and behaviors.
Visit The Spruce Pets.
PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) – Expert advice on cat safety, including microchipping and secure outdoor spaces.
Read more at PDSA.
Jackson Galaxy’s Cat Mojo – Practical advice from the renowned “Cat Daddy” on understanding your cat’s behavior and keeping them safe.
Check out Jackson Galaxy.
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – Guidance on protecting pets from common hazards and preventing escapes.
Explore RSPCA resources.
Modern Cat Magazine – Articles on feline well-being, safety tips, and creative solutions for keeping cats entertained indoors.
Visit Modern Cat.
PetMD – Comprehensive guides on managing feline stress, behavior, and tips to prevent them from wandering too far.
Learn more at PetMD.