I do behavior consultations. People with cat problems come to me for advice. But I was suprised to see "cat is too loud" on my appointment schedule. Then I found out it was a Bengal, and I had to smile. Purebred Bengals are amazing cats -they are inquisitive, active, social, very intelligent, they love people....and are very vocal.
When the owners showed up for their behavior consult everyone in the clinic could hear them arrive. MEOW. MEOW. MEOW......... This cat did not have an indoor voice! While trying to discuss their concerns over the constant meowing (can cats scream?), I found out that the only time the cat is quiet is when he is A-sleeping B-eating or C-interacting with one of the owners. As the conversation continued, the cat went from the the table to the floor to the counter to the floor to the windowsill to the floor to the lap to the floor in the first minute. I was getting dizzy just watching him.
This diagnosis was simple -(drum roll please) this cat is BORED!!!
Certain breeds (like Bengals) need mental stimulation and social interaction and exercise to be happy. This guy was an only cat living with 2 adults. He had no cat buddies, no kids buddies, no dog buddies, no bird buddies. His food was served to him in a bowl. He was strictly indoors. He has no regular playtime, no cat towers, and no toy rotation.
One of my favorite links for fantastic advise on how to keep your indoor cat "busy and happy" is
Indoor Cat Initiative . You will find a section on indoor cats needs, life stressors, problem solving, and (yes) ideas for increasing the activity of your cat! You can even train your cat to run an obstacle course, and then compete in cat agility -REALLY. Watch the video below for an example -oh and by the way, this is a Bengal running this course!
Dr. Flatley
