Cats come in different breeds, with some requiring more tender care than others. For instance, Bengal cats need plenty of exercise and love to get into tubs, showers, and sinks. Because of their high intelligence and activity level, you may need to play with them for hours each day, even after walking them.
Another important consideration when caring for Bengal cats would be the basic supplies you must buy to address their specific needs and behaviour. To help you purchase the appropriate cat supplies in Dubai, here are the seven recommended care items to purchase before bringing home a Bengal cat.
1. Carrier
A carrier will ensure the safety of your feline whenever you need to transport your cat for vet visits or anytime they need to travel. A fabric carrier is a good choice for short travels. But for long trips, a hard-bodied carrier is recommended. Preferably, choose one that is train-, car-, and airline approved.
2. Food and water bowl
Though it is not necessary to purchase a cat-specific food and water bowl for your Bengal cat, a dishwasher-safe dish is best.
Another crucial consideration is to buy separate water and kibble dishes. A connected food and water bowl may look cute, but Bengal cats don’t like them. They prefer their food and water to be placed at least several feet apart from one another.
Ergonomic bowls for cats are a good option, too. This way, your feline will assume a comfortable position when eating or won’t need to bend down, minimizing the risk for muscle aches.
Getting an automatic pet feeder may also be a good idea, especially if you’ll often leave your cat at home for work. This essential cat supply will ensure that your feline gets the proper nutrients on time. It allows you to set a specific amount of food to be dispensed at a definite time.
3. Cat food
Generally, the Bengal cat rescue centre will give or inform you of the diet your new cat has been eating. Like other cat breeds, Bengal cats will experience stomach upset when you switch their food without a transition period. If you wish to change their diet, consider adding one-third of the new food to the old diet, then gradually increasing the amount of new food until it reaches 100% new cat kibble.
If the cats consume more than the usual amount or have stopped eating, it may be because of the stress they’re experiencing during the adoption process. When this happens, you have to offer them a range of food to encourage them to eat. Both dry and wet cat food are available, but one best option to consider is the Royal Canin Bengal Adult. It is suitable for your cat’s digestive tract, and its texture will encourage them to chew.
4. Bed
Though Bengal cats prefer to sleep with their owners or under the couch and bed, getting your new feline friend a cat bed is still recommended. Choose an enclosed space instead of flat beds because they feel safer and more comfortable in closed spaces.
5. Toys
Bengal cats are strong, athletic, and agile. They love to play chase so getting a wand is a must. Other excellent toys for your new pet include:
- Turbo scratcher – Bengal cats want to be entertained for hours. The spinning balls will allow them to indulge in their love for pouncing and chasing without running and knocking down your things. The scratching pad is also perfect for them to stretch and flex their muscles.
- Interactive mouse cat toy – This toy will keep the rodent population from harm while giving Bengal cats the fun and stimulation they crave. The mouse moves realistically and randomly, pausing, starting, and stopping just like a real mouse does. It can also navigate around obstructions.
If you’re having trouble choosing among the different cat toys, the key is to buy toys that will encourage the following skills:
- Running and chasing – balls, electronic toys, and laser pointers
- Jumping and leaping – toys that are attached to a string
- Coordination – food puzzles, treat balls, and ball runs
- Pouncing and catching – catnip mouse, kicker toys, and plush soft toys
Giving your Bengal cats toys that will stimulate these categories will ensure that they will feel satisfied every after their play session.
6. Litter box
Bengal cats love to dig and are keen about covering their waste. Unfortunately, this behaviour can lead to plenty of cat sand on your floor if you don’t get an appropriate litter box.
To ensure that the sand remains inside the box, regardless of how much digging your feline makes, purchase a high-sided litter box. Besides, even Bengal kittens can easily jump in and out of a tall litter box.
7. Flea control treatment
Cats that spend time outdoors can suffer from tick and flea problems. But this does not mean that indoor cats are spared from having such because you can bring in fleas through your clothes or contact with other outdoor pets. So make sure to invest in a flea treatment that is safe for felines. Choose one that can kill fleas and ticks as soon as you apply it on your cat, and continue to keep your feline flea-free for up to five weeks.
To safely use flea treatments, make sure to read the product packaging and usage instructions before application.
Bengal cats can be a great addition to your household if you have an active lifestyle. But before bringing them home, make sure to purchase all these basic cat care supplies for them to adapt to their new home happily.
AUTHOR BIO
Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet's Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.
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