I really do appreciate that you mentioned why it is bad to let your cat outside. Even though this idea is unpopular and controversial, cats are one of the most invasive species in the world. They have almost caused as many extinctions as rodents do(cats have caused the species of 63 species; rodents 75.) They are the perfect invasive species not only do they breed prolifically and kill animals at a unsustainable level; they are also loved by humans unlike rats and other invasive animals that live close to humans. :) In other words, cats are fantastic pets as long as they are not being let outside terrorizing the native wildlife and causing mass extinctions. :D
Cats actually are destructive when they spend a lot of time outside, so let's use this opportunity to remember to spay and neuter the cats that live outside (and then release) to protect wild populations in our area.
Cats are amazing pets and also amazingly destructive. So much so it’s actually kinda impressive but equally horrifying. To echo Jackson Galaxy a bit, this is why it’s so important to not only keep your cats inside, but also get them fixed. They reproduce very rapidly and when you consider the number of stray cats out there, and take into consideration how expert they are at hunting, it’s concerning. This is why catch, fix, and release is so important too. I don’t think people realize exactly how bad the stray cat issue is in many places because they don’t actively see stray cats, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Jackson Galaxy has a whole episode on this one issue (My Cat From Hell season 10 ep 12).
In the US each year, domestic cats kill about a _billion_ birds and about twice as many small mammals. Feral cats kill way more, up to about _twenty billion_ mammals. Cats are a disaster.
It’s pretty easy to avoid bites and scratches from a cat. Just like with snakes, you need to learn to read their body language and know what they tend to like and not like. From there is can be a lot easier to know how to interact with them
You're 100% right. Building a solid relationship of trust is vitally important as well. The more your cat knows and trusts you, the less likely you are to be scratched or bitten. None of the cat's I've had have ever bitten me.
They're a four for handleability for me. Any scratches you might get are easily avoided by finding a calm and friendly rescue. Play scratches are the harder thing to avoid and comes with the territory getting a kitten. If you have to interact with a scared cat for some reason you're getting messed up though. That's a disqualification from a 5
@@caribougoo349 4.6 for me-- because we can learn cat body language easily but we'll never speak it natively, and that means the occasional whack with the claws. (My tuxie likes to nurse on my chin, and sometimes she gets enthusiastic in a ouch bite ouch way.) They miss a perfect 5 because that same tuxie is a nightmare to get into the cat bag for vet trips.
I've never understood why people say cats are unpredicatable and will lash out at you at any given moment. Cats give _plenty_ of warning when they're agitated. Hell, you ever see two cats _really_ fight each other? They'll stare each other down hissing and spitting for a good 5 minutes before either one makes the first move! Cats are predators true, but they are in the middle of the food chain, making them prey animals as well. Their inner Raw Cat would much rather avoid conflict altogether, because getting injured in a fight leaves them vulnerable to attack from nearby predators. Also, cats aren't dumb. They _know_ that if (god forbid!) it came down to a life or death situation between a cat or a human...the human is gonna win every time.
@@HaunaMyKiki Right??? Cats give so many warnings, people just tend to ignore them. Tail twitching/lashing is the first sign of irritation. Then you've got trying to pull away/remove themselves, batting at whatever is annoying them, growling and/or hissing, and if you've ignored them to that point you deserve to get bitten tbh.
Yeah people seem to expect them to act like dogs, but they work very differently from dogs. Once you learn how cats communicate it’s pretty easy to interact with them
The human and the cat are typically failing by equal amounts to communicate. But I'd say the onus to adapt here is on the one that claims to be the dominant sp... ok maybe not the best way to put it. The one that can google it.
I concur. I was not a cat person until my in-laws found an “Abandoned” kitten in their yard. They took it to our local rescue (not pound) then later that night, they heard a kitten crying under their house. My father in law got it out and they called me because I’m the only animal person in the family, and they handed me this two week old kitten. Next thing I know, my husband falls in love with it and I’m the one up every two hours feeding the critter. Well, we ended up going to get his sister from the rescue. She’s much more shy where my Mick (Mad Mick) is very outgoing, inquisitive, assertive and he communicates very, very well with me. So the dog person is now very much in love with her cat. LOL.
Cats are good at giving you boundaries for how much handling they are willing to tolerate! I've got one that loves being carried around everywhere and another that will try to eviscerate you if you pick him up for any length of time. Both are super affectionate and loving but each on their own terms!
How you pick them up can also definitely matter. I know my cat stays calm for much longer if we hold him with both arms and use one to support his back legs versus if we just pick him up by the armpits
I had a Bengal! He was absolutely unreasonable, could not be held and only rarely could be petted but he loved to play, sat, lied down, shook paws, and stayed for treats, and had the most insanely vast vocabulary of chirps, squeaks, and meows of any cat I've ever met.
What generation was he? When I was getting mine I forced myself to stay away from anything generation 3 or lower for the reasons you stated. My 5th and 6th generation are the perfect mix of Bengal and just regular house cat when it comes to personality
I hate to say it but as a science educator I'm getting frustrated. Clint either didn't know or didn't include some really vital information about Bengal cats. Between that and his 'handling' segment this video was really unfortunate. If you look at what experts say about cat emotions and how they display them it becomes extremely easy to not get scratched. I've kept 5 cats, including one feral kitten, and have never been scratched or bitten on purpose by any of them. 'Introverted toddlers with knives' is not what these highly social creatures are.
agree! I think they'd have a really nice score. They're easy to handle, relatively easy to care for, very Hardy if taken care of, available just about everywhere, and have upfront costs that won't break the bank. I love doves/pigeons
Pigeons are in fact the *best pet bird* (I can't have birds because my cats would eat them, and we have a no eating the other pets rule in my household. But if I could have a bird I would have a pigeon.)
@@Grellibe pigeons/doves are great pets as long as you don't have allergies. :) Doves are already dusty enough, pigeons take it to another level. I watched a video from BirdTricks of a interview of a pigeon owner and the owner said that their pigeon is way more dustier than an African grey. So, either get a lot of air purifiers or keep them in a coop outside. :D
@@briananuvattanachai6646 I mean, between dust and a lot of noise, I'll choose dust. Especially knowing how the only bad thing for a pigeon is too much humidity, so you can refresh the air in the house by just keeping doors and windows open (just... Please put bar if you do, homing pigeons are trained to do so)
@@cookie856 doves are less dusty than pigeons are which is why I would recommend doves over pigeons if kept indoors. Also, not all parrots are equally as noisy. Pionus and poicephalus are probably the two most quietest species out there. Cockatiels are also a great option as they mostly whistle but, are dusty(although, not as dusty as pigeons.)
I have two bengals, one is a total pet who follows me everywhere and sits on top of me whenever he can, and the other is much more aloof and lets us know when he feels like being petted. Very strong personalities and very vocal, and real troublemakers if you let them get bored
Saame! I got two Bengal boys myself and one is, as you described, always around me and the other is more independent but enjoys a few good skritches here and there.^^
I think it's a little misunderstood when it's said cats are unpredictable too handle. They have a lot of very communicative body language to let you know there mood. Cats want boundaries and Independence, if it's in there terms being bit or scratched will be very rare.
That's a valid point. But you *do* have to learn the individual cat's 'tells' as it where, so that you can learn those boundries. There's a chance during that process that teeth or claws get involved. My brother's cats also lovepaw, and if their claws haven't been trimmed, I bleed and they're being sweet.
The problem with ocelots is that, according to a documentary I've seen, they spend all their time trying to take over the world with a set of increasingly poorly-thought-out ray gun machines that do strange things. Also, did you know that their natural predator is the platypus?
Huh.. my documentary says that they're proud creatures and spend most of their time spinning guns for no apparent reason, also their natural predator is a snake?
The snow bengals are cute and all but my favorite cat morph is my tortoiseshell 🥰 She might not be fancy, but I think her coat is beautiful and she’s magnetically drawn to my lap at all times, so I think she’s perfect. We’ve had 16 years together so far and I hope there’s plenty more to come
You saying this reminds me of my Sophie, she died about 8 years ago but she loved me so much she would let me wrap her up like a baby and swaddle her and never once tried to bite or scratch me she was a sweet soul and I forgot how my I loved that kitty and im not a big animal person
2:23 can people please stop saying this? Cats don't just magically turn on you, they have warning signs, it just seems that people expect those to be the same as dogs or just think cats are evil enigmas. I could spend a little while with a dog, ignore its warning signs and have it bite me, but it would be unfair to then say the dog just turned on me in a second. Plus this ignores individual differences, I have 3 cats, one doesn't like being touched most of the time, and one has never bitten anyone in anger, and one is in between.
Exactly, cats have fine communication skills, we just need to know their body language. Likewise, I don't know dog body language, which must be entirely different from cats, because they baffle me. It's not the animal's problem, it's our ability to understand their communication.
When I wanted to adopt a cat I was looking for cats who needed to be rehomed and found a dude who wanted to rehome his bengal cat. Curious, I visited the guy. The cat adored him but he wanted to have two other bengals who had the fur pattern he liked the most and so she had to go. I felt awful for the cat and how he treated her like a piece of furniture. These cats get so attached to their human and he was ready to throw her out for not having an interesting enough fur pattern. I decided that keeping one bengal alone was too cruel and I also talked to some other bengal owners and realized this wasn't the type of breed that was right for me and my current life. The guy tried to convince me to adopt her, he texted me and called me several times. He also tried to hit on me several times. I ignored him and someday he texted me that he would keep her! I was so relieved for her because she clearly loved him to death and would have been heartbroken without him. But he still kept on hitting on me lol. So I blocked him. I really hope he is treating her well. I got another cat from a breed that fits my life much better and we are very happy
@@CandiceLemonSharks yes exactly! :( I don't get people who get pets only because they look a certain way (and get rid of them if they find something "better" looking). He seemed to be an awful person overall but the cat just loved him so much
This is why I always hope every time I see someone with a specific breed of cat, that they just happened to find it at a shelter. People who prefer certain breeds and go for it if they have the opportunity are fine. Everyone has their preferences. At least most people do. But people who go out of their way to ENSURE the cat they get is this one specific color... They don't really want a cat, they want a pretty piece of furniture. If you wanted companionship, you'd be ok with anything, but really happy if it happens to look how you want too.
@catpoke9557 actually a lot of people (like me chose a bengal for their unique personality and dog-like nature) a bengal perfectly fits my lifestyle however I also have a rescue cat that I got before so no need to be so judgemental adopt or shop responsibly
Is your cat a bengal? My bengal loves watching other cats, particularly other bengals or tabby cats. I think his favorite is Billi from the "Billi Speaks" channel.
You should puta video of Shawn Woods on and see if your cat likes his videos. A lot of people who watch his channel report that their cats love watching his channel. It's quite possible that it's because he focuses on testing vasrious roeent traps and near the beginning of his videos he'll test (live catch) rat and mouse traps on his pet mice and rats. Then after that, he'll set the trap, both live catch and kill, someewhere on his property and set up a trail cam to ctach the action. So cats are probably drawn the mice and rats, along with the occasional squirrel, mole, and gopher, in his videos.
I generally appreciate and agree with the information presented. However, I do not agree with the care category. They are much more active than a house cat and can have some serious behaviors (scratching, marking, breaking things) that lead to owners dumping them in pounds or abandoning them. Please please please do your research if you are considering adopting or purchasing one. I lost about 3 years of good sleep, money, and my mind (lol) trying to work with a female that I adopted several years ago. Also please consider adopting rather than buying they are always being rehomed for the reasons I mentioned earlier.
I LOVE all the cuts between cats. Clint is talking like its all the same take, but the cat keeps changing as they have enough and want to go run about, cause Cats.
I have significant ethical qualms about hybrid cats. To some degree it is the same as my qualms with pure breed cats- that is, there are shelters full of great cats but here we are breeding more because of looks. But I also worry about abandonment rates of hybrid cats (sanctuaries report getting a LOT of calls about them) and the risk to the domestic cats that are initially bred with wild species.
Completely agree, glad someone mentioned this. There are serious ethical quarms regarding the parental generations and Bengals Have a high rate of ambandonment due to sometimes being more destructive and less house trainable than average. Wild cat sanctuaries I know of in the US are very against them, full of them, and explain the issues in depth. I'm dissapointed Clint didn't go into this.
Same, but it completely extends to deliberately bred "fancy cats" and fancy crosses. There are so many cats who need good homes available at a cost of "free" to "nominal adoption fee" that there really is no ethical way to buy a fancy cat or a hybrid cat. It's like deliberately breeding and selling normal ball pythons when there are already loads and loads out there in danger being euthanized or literally thrown away.
Yeah, I never kept a pure blood cat in my life. Specialy when you can get one free. I had a number of cats, and all of them were feral cats that I tamed and domesticated. Not even rescues. Altho this is also an option - and a lot of people atleast in my country are giving away house cats for free. Ofc it's not a pure blood cat - but a cat is a cat lol. You feed it. And it sleeps. And sometimes plays. And that's it. And if a car runs it over, or it gets strangled by a dog, which some people also leave to free roam arround the farms and countryside ... it's pure blood won't help you much ... Not that you won't do anything to prevent this - but accidents happen - And while it's sad as it is to lose a cat, you don't want to lose hundreds or thousands of $$ in addition to that!
I understand why breeders are necessary- if people stop maintaining the health of the species and the traits of the breeds, we won't have any options to get healthy cats with sound temperaments. But I agree that unless you need specific traits from a cat, the average person can find a great pet from a shelter! Always check shelters first. But breeding isn't inherently evil. I do have mixed feelings on breeding wild hybrids though.
@@xMJJMoonwalker that's true for breeding within designer breeds to prevent things like inbreeding, but not true of the species as a whole. When it comes to both dogs and cats the mixed breeds one finds at a shelter have a much lower chance of having genetic problems than designer breeds because designer breeds come from what is essentially a genetic echo chamber. Anyway, that may be what you meant, but thought I would elaborate.
the best pet mammal is the one you currently have. the 2nd best pet mammal is the one sitting in a rescue facility waiting to be adopted. then it becomes the best pet mammal when it goes home with you.
my dad adopted a kitten through our local shelter in august 2021 and turns out that it was a bengal cat! she is extremely smart and also quite the diva! she is absolutely the sweetest!
Oh there are few things in life as wonderful as having a kitten on your person (and having zero allergy issues with it). Also a good moment to note you can find rescue Bengals, as well as every other type of cat in existence.
My Norwegian Forest cat vehemently disagrees the Bengal is the prettiest. Only he can be the most beautiful cat in the world. (His handleability will also score higher).
Actually believe it or not there is a purely domestic cat out there that does have wild colorations called the ocicat. And if that wasn't enough, there's also another hybrid cat out there that arguably puts even the bangle to shame in terms of size (and just considered the biggest domestic house cat in general) call the Savannah that can trace its wild lineage all the way back to the African serval. And another fun fact that really would have been a kick to mention is that these little mutants are also one of the few cats that actually love water, go figure!
I love this channel, and I know the intentions were good, but to be completely honest, as someone with extensive cat experience this came off as a misleading ad for a specific breed rather than a good representation, so I will add some details for those seriously looking for pet cat. I very much enjoyed the genetics talk about how they started as a hybrid, but I feel that emphasizing that you want to get one as far removed from the original cross as possible was not pushed enough, nor were the differences between earlier level hybrids and the fully fertile breed that resulted. I expect your Texas trip will cover that, but am concerned about over interest in the breed from this video. I have seen some very very mentally disturbed bengals (not as many as savannahs mind you) and it all comes down to owner experience and expectations and the first few generations of crosses can be somewhat unpredictable. I'd also like to note that cats do not "randomly" freak out and go from nice to mean, that is always a failure on the humans part to read the body language and communicate with the cat. I may look random until you learn you communicate with your cat, but it is not and most behavior problems can be corrected through education, dedication and training. Additionally, the discussion of differing needs from other cats and the needs of cats in general were not discussed enough. Again, I love the channel, but if you are going to go through cats and recent wild domestic hybrids and speciality breeds, you really need to get into more detail about behavioral expectations and talk to people who are NOT breeders, (still talk to breeders, but also talk to the rescue workers) not just the breeders. Breeders are experienced, incentivized to sell animals and can lose site of how beginners respond. Bengals need more than exercise, they need mental stimulation and extensive training on par with dogs and the average owner is not going to be prepared for that (exceptions exists, temperment testing can tell you what you will get). For a cat expert, a bengal is incredible, but for a person who is brand new to cats, they can be total nightmares. However, of all the modern hybrid backcrosses in domesticated cats, they and the pixie bob are the most reasonable. I also really appreciate the genetic disease discussion, the best temperamented bangles I have met have all died to the heart condition and were also all rescued from owners that could not handle them with the exception of one that was owned by a retired breeder and trainer, so a lot of it comes down to the person involved. Looking forward to the follow up. I suggest going to some shelters and going over the various "types" that are generally found on the street. If for no other reason, purebred cats should be avoided simply because there are tens of thousands of homeless kittens born every year of mixed genetics in need of homes, but if someone has their heart set on a hybrid, guess what? If you don't mind an adult, there are bengal rescues and hybrids show up in the homeless kittens too. In north america you get pixibobs and even bangles sometimes. You can imagine my surprise the first time I ran into a pixibob! I was 12 and training barn kittens to help them find homes. I thought he was a maine coon type until he grew up in his new home and was not only weird looking, but would jump into the washing machine and bathtub (partially my fault, I did bath training for the new owners) Which brings me to the north american "type" called a maine coon type (not to be confused with the breed) that is also behaviorally and visually more wild like, though they are from lines that are very very old. Last I heard, it was thought they originated as shipyard cats. If you want a big, high energy dog like cat, look for one of those. But I digress. This video is great for reptile owners with experience with dogs, they will have no issues adapting to the needs of bengals and I suspect that is going to be most of your audience. My comments are just for the people who wander in looking for a first time cat as a first pet. And to them, I implore. Learn temperment testing and use that technique to find your perfect individual cat, don't go based on breed or genetics, you will be much better off. If you want a specific breed, cool, just temperament test until you find "the one", you'll be glad you do. I love this channel, but I confess I cringe a bit whenever you cover species outside of your expertise and so I can only recommend that you talk to more people when covering such animals because I have noticed that in each cringe case, you have gotten your information from a single source, and I appreciate you making note of that in the video, but definitely consider talking to a larger cross section of people experienced with each animal before covering domesticated animals with multiple breeds just to make sure you have your behaviour information and vocab correct and don't accidentally over generalize the whole species. :) Looking forward to the next video, as always. Perhaps a redo or more extensive coverage of the best pet dinosaur, chickens? Breed matters a lot in them and they are under rated as house pets (yes, there are breeds for that). And a domesticated cat video that goes over health and diet would be great, way too many people think standard cat food is okay and don't realise it can shave 10+ years off their lifespan. Modern whole raw prey with vitamin and taurine supplements and 0 plant material is available now and does wonders for their long term wellbeing. Many companies to choose from.
This was a great comment. I agree with all of your points. I’d also like to add on at the end when he was grabbing all of the kittens over and over by their scruff, that isn’t necessary and stresses the cats out a lot when done like that. They were trying to get away from Clint and seemed upset, maybe things like this are why the cats go from upset to mad “randomly”
This is a very good and important comment. I love Clint's videos and I love Bengals (been obsessed with them since I was a kid) but, yeah, I similarly feel a bit uncomfortable with this video.
Thank you for posting your comment- I'm also concerned with how this video will influence the greater audience. In general, I don't support these hybrid breeds because the wild parents will come from... the wild. Or maybe since demand is going up, like from exposure to this video, the wild type parents are probably being bred in captivity and that's never a good idea. So, many of these hybrids end up in bad situations because the closer they are genetically to the wild parents, the more trouble they are to keep. Imagine having basically a wild, large cat in your house that pees everywhere... and can really do you damage if it's mad. The lucky cats end up at big cat rescues/sanctuaries.
@@cmastea5 there are enough bengals put there at this point that in only in very rare cases are breeders starting at F1. Its almost always Bengal + Bengal. Most are F10+ at this point.
I agree. I complained myself. A bit about his 'handling' section but a great deal about his blasé attitude about wild-content pets. I agree with all of your points and have an additional concern: the ethics of these wild content cat breeds. Taking a wildcat into private ownership and breeding it with a housecat seems irresponsible on two levels; reducing the wild population of a species already in trouble, and putting a domestic cat in an extremely unsafe situation. NGL as cool as ocelots are I'm not comfortable with the idea of them being presented as a theoretical pet even if Clint is clear its a bad idea and gives them a low rating. Hopefully if that video comes it won't be that sort of video. (And we only recently learned and were able to switch our cats to a good raw food diet. I deeply wish I had been able to learn about that from the beginning with my rescue cats, we recently had to put our calico baby down and of course it was awful but I'm just crushed I could have offered her a better longer life if I had only known from the beginning.)
There are ethical issues regarding these cats and while I think your videos are usually superbly informative, I think some of the more problematic things with Bengals were not talked about. Both wild cat sanctuary and big cat rescue, fantastic organizations that save wild cats from abuse, abandonment and exploitation in the US, are very against the breeding of hybrid cats, in part due to being inundated with them. Hybrid cats on average are more likely to be destructive, aggressive, and not as litter box trainable than a regular cat. This may be down to poor breeding, but sadly there are novice breeders making huge amount of money and not knowing what they're doing because standards are not moderated. Regardless of the reason, hybrid cat abandonment is worryingly high and it shouldn't be implied they will on average be as easy as a regular house cat. Secondly, the Asian leopard cats and early hybrid generations certainly are very wild. They often end up in rescues as the unwanted by products of breeding, taking up valuable charity resources. The needs of wild cats are very difficult to meet in captivity and I don't see this is fair to them.
@@bengalboypaco7327 perhaps in your anecdotal experience. The two wild cat rescues I mentioned on the other hand have extensive experience with these cats and say otherwise, hence the term 'on average'. Any cat can be destructive, aggressive or bad with a litter box, the point is not that all hybrids have these issues but that these occur more frequently in hybrid breeds, resulting in them being over represented in rescues.
Bengals are not appropriate for a newbie cat owner. You should get some really good experience with a house cat first and review all of the Jackson Galaxy videos on how to entertain your cat. And remember no animal is destructive there's simply very aggressive product testers
I think it would be neat to do an episode on hybrids/ethics of keeping them. Like Cyclura lewisi hybrids or Borneo Bateaters. Should we strive to maintain accurate species or, given the history of life (grizzly bears and polar bears interbreeding in the wild, red wolves, genetic evidence of Neanderthal/human and mammoth/Asian elephant introgression) is that ideal of species false to begin with?
I didn't even know there was an ethics problem with hybrids. Why would we worry about maintaining accurate species in captivity at all considering we have already domesticated the animal? I don't see where breeding an undomesticated species with a domesticated species is doing any more harm than the domesticated species already does to the species.
@@abonynge Generally I agree for that reason. One of the arguments for keeping though is that it’s a reservoir. That doesn’t work well when the ones we keep are so far from wild forms. For example, most privately kept tigers are hybrids. Most modern bison are mixed with domestic cattle as the initial population kept as a reservoir was done so to make a food animal. But largely I agree with you. We do this for fun and not conservation
@@williamwomble3148 In the context of conservations I think the Bengal is a no brainer. The domestic cat is an invasive species, many Bengals are sterile, if anything the hybrid is better.
@@abonynge It would be cool to get first generation hybrid. Would probably exibit some wild cat traits. But more and more people now a days are sterilyzing their cats. It's a good option to keep it safe, and keep it's instincts in check anyways. Otherwise if male, they will get torn up in fights with other cats, and can get serious disease - I lost 2 cats like that in the past. And if female, you might end up with some unexpected "reinforcements" one day ... So now with my latest cat, I decided to keep - and having it steralized was a no brainer. Can't tell you how old my cats are tho - all of them were domesticated ferals and strays I tamed.
I have a F3 Bengal. She is my joy. Super chill personality, spends most of the day sleeping on my desk while I work. Only scratches me when she jumps on my back to lay down on my shoulders. Thanks for making this video! ^_^
Bengals are stunning, and their color genetics are also so fascinating! My favorites are the silver snows and charcoal snows. I happen to be more allergic to Bengals compared to regular domestic cats, but that didn't stop me from taking my wonderful girl home. They are not for everyone, and I never dreamed of owning one because they are typically very high energy and require so much more stimulation than the regular domestic cat. They are generally friendly and fearless (which can get them into trouble) and they can become incredibly destructive if you are not mindful of their needs. They WILL become frustrated and exhibit unwanted behaviors if you cannot keep them entertained. If you want a cat that lounges around, this is not the cat for you. So many are rehomed or brought to shelters because people don't realize what it takes to keep one happy, and I wish this was emphasized more. If you are considering getting one, please do your research. Go visit some reputable breeders to get an idea of what you are in for. Talk to them and ask what they do to meet their cats' needs. I highly recommend getting two if possible - most that I've met absolutely hate being alone, although there are exceptions. Another thing! They are chatty. Mine will yowl if there's no one within her sight. And she will meow and chirp as you walk down the hallway. She is LOUD, and she will make sure everyone knows that she wants me with her, right that instant. I never would have ended up with one if I hadn't come across a Bengal that needed to be rehomed because of the opposite problem - she was incredibly shy. She ran from everyone and jumped at even the slightest noise. The Asian Leopard Cat is known to be a shy and cautious creature, and her personality is definitely closer to the wild side. Bengals were also bred with Egyptian Maus in the earlier generations, a cat known to select one person in a family and ignore everyone else. It took her three days to leave her hiding place when I first brought her home. Even now, she still vastly prefers me to everyone else in the family. She's low energy for a Bengal - but still the most active by far compared to my other cats despite being the oldest and a senior kitty now. I was told she may do best as an only cat because she didn't do well with the other cats. Turns out, she just didn't like them and I ended up carefully choosing a kitten to keep her company because she really needed someone with her 24 hours a day. They bonded and are now inseparable. It took her almost two years to even walk down the hallway from her safe room without me by her side, but now she sprints up and down it while chasing her favorite toys, and no longer runs away from strangers. I don't know if I'll ever get another one, but she has been the most rewarding cat to work with by far.
Thank you so much for saying what a bad idea it is to keep your cat outside. It’s not only bad for the wildlife, but it’s devastating for a cat. Cats are no where near as hardy outside as people think they are. The slightest cut can kill them. An indoor cat lives approximately 10-20 years, whereas an out door cat’s lifespan is cut in half. Also, I understand the beauty of “pure bred” cats, but there are so many sweet kitties in shelters that need loving homes.
I love this channel so much and it’s so informative and Clint is such an amazing man who is so knowledgeable 🙂 I love how it breaks everything down and gives you a fully informed video that truly helps when choosing the pet best for you. I also love that Clint covers a multitude of animals from reptiles to amphibians to mammals. It also made me realise I own a pet that could be very complex and potentially extremely difficult I own a border collie.
I feel like I have a weird superpower. Once I started healing a bit from losing my 18 year old cat, all the nasty neighborhood strays warmed to me and I used to spend time hanging out with them (yes I knew that was a bad idea even at the time, but I was going through a lot). Eventually ran away out the rural west and most people around here who own cats don't understand that a cat is not a dog and call them horrible, vicious, unsocial animals. I can usually turn them into affectionate lap cats within a few hours or days, the two worst ones that I lived with out here took two weeks or so but I'd fistfight god for those precious floofs. Dogs get credit for hounding you at the door when you come home from work, but my true joy was always watching the evil nasty cats slowly saunter towards me with optional meows, repeatedly headbutting me while their owner stares at me like I'm a witch. I really want to have my own cat again. I've been eyeing bengals and savannahs for years, wanted to get one and then adopt a shelter cat but I refuse to do it without enough savings to take care of them in case SHTF, but I just lost all my savings. Some day...
I love this. Have you thought of fostering cats for a local rescue or shelter? I have fostered off and on for the past 14 years and there are ALWAYS tons of ferals that other people are scared to take on (especially adults). You're right, it is so rewarding to turn them into love bug purr monsters lol
I loved the video, but it made me uncomfortable at 11:11 when you holding up the kittens body weight by their scruff. It’s potentially painful for them and clearly made those cats want to get off of your lap. Making uncomfortable cats to come back to you like that may make them more distant or just stress them out needlessly. Usually, the best way to pick up a cat is from under with two hands, one supporting each set of legs weight :)
I have a snow Bengal. GIANT eyes, softest fur ever. Super smart. But they are still partially wild. While its not the exact same thing, its like getting a Lynx. Its a lot like a cat, but its not a cat. And while it wont attack the other cats, she isnt playing with them and she barks at them if they get too close. Oh and what they dont tell you is that IT TALKS ALL THE TIME !!!!!! Its the cat version of the Husky.
Loved the video, and I always love to see more "exotic" animals that aren't reptiles (as much as I love my 5 reptiles at home)! Having grown up around cat shows and cat breeding, I would love to see more videos on cats like these, like the savannah cat, or even other more wild "feeling" cats like the Maine Coon and their big snow paws. Great work as always!
I own a savannah cat myself, and it's funny to see the comparisons in behaviour. My Savannah loves playing fetch too. (He especially likes tennis balls.)
I have a bengal, the wildest cat I ever had… always alert, she is quite skittish and tends to be very loud, especially at 5 am 🙉, very very active, overly loves to hide in bags and boxes and climbs everywhere. She is quite sweet when she want, usually at bed time and has a special bond with my husband (he had her before we met), she let him get away with almost everything, but usually doing her thing which doesn’t involve human contact. Never aggressive nor in a bad mood. But as I said very loud miao… 🐆
We had two of these, brother and sister. We still have the sister 15 years later, and one of the most personable cats I have had. Very talkative and high energy cats.
i really want one because i adore jaguars, i have one tattooed on me, and bengals have those beautiful rosettes on their back. my uncle has two and they are the spunkiest little cats i've even met. the younger one climbs him like a tree and is an excellent hunter of invading rats. the older one has a lot of stranger anxiety though.
It's too bad I'm in Texas, not Utah, because my little calico cat vehemently disagrees with the handleability score of cats. If you pay attention to cat body language, a LOT of cat behavior that is attributed to being mean or antisocial is actually your cat being playful. Example: knocking things off a shelf. Cat's thoughts are "Oh! A toy! I wonder what it does?" Some cats are very food motivated, which makes them very trainable, though not as easily as dogs since dogs have been domesticated longer. Possibly like mink. And cats ARE domesticated! They are much more social than their wildcat ancestors and in groups where there is enough food and shelter, like your house, will watch out for kittens that are not their own and they enjoy social grooming as bonding, like some apes do.
My cat is almost as needy as a dog. She loves to play and wants a lot of love. She has a routine that she doesn't like to deviate from, so I usually know when it's time for bed or time to play because she'll run up and headbutt me or sit on my computer mouse. She usually sleeps right next to me. Unlike MANY cats, which can be aggressive to unfamiliar cats, mine is very tolerant of strange cats, and she's had a few temporary housemates over the years.
Love, Love, Love! I'd wondered about Bengal generations and breeding. Would you consider doing a feature on Abyssinian cats - the best pet non Bengal mountain lion? Have you ever seen one in person? ( that's fawn Abyssinian Annabeth Chase on my head)
my rescue cat has similar patterns to the snow bengals just with more brown in a few places but she's a regular house cat. she's not as cool looking but I wouldn't trade her for anything.
I adopted a bengal, so that's always an option. He will not be picked up and he will not sit on a human for more than 5 seconds. He will walk all over you, but that's different. He has a secret kung fu ability, sort of like Judo, where he can sense when you are thinking about picking him up and he leaps out just out of reach, and purrs while doing so. But overall he is very social and very much a normal cat.
Totally makes sense knowing someone from Texas that has an Ocelot. I know a lot of people who own Bobcats and Servals as pets. Both have become real popular in Texas. Yea… we crazy down here in the Lone Star State.
I had two Bengals. One was the sweetest and most patient cat in the world. The other was very sweet but didn't like small children at all. Both were very active and constantly wrestling. For years, they required play a couple of times a day just to keep them sane. One of them turned out to be a lemon--a ton of health problems. The second developed an auto-immune disease. I had to put both of them down before they reached 13 years old. I loved those two, but I wouldn't do a Bengal again.
My great aunt had an ocelot. He was very loving and friendly toward humans, but he occasionally got out of the house. She had to give him up when it was discovered that he'd been killing and eating the neighborhood dogs.
I have seen a story about an ocelot in a park shredding dogs who came up to it. Dogs were supposed to be kept on leash. The cop the dog owners complained to said, "But it's a cat." Everything I've read on ocelots indicated that they really really crave attention, so not for people who work out of the house or who can't take the ocelot with them while working.
In short-no. These are not something that should ever be impulsed bought/rescued. Thanks for spotlighting this gorgeous subspecies/hybrids! It seems a lot of people just get these for eye candy and dont realize are a lot more than people expect. You have your easy going ragdolls/persians. Then you get these. You cant just dangle a bit of string for a minute or so and fulfill your ego that you think played with your cat and call it done. They have way too much energy and need a good long and hard play session. These are one of the few cats that probably really aught to be walked like dogs-and not just walked-RAN and people actually do that. They make cat exercise wheels for alternatives. Your not getting a cat, your getting a high performance athlete. Of course everyones an individual, but in general. I have a friend who found a bangle in a local shelter and her mom adopted it because-its a bangle and she knows the breed. The previous person dropped a lot of money on a kitten from a good breeder and couldn't handle it and surrendered it. Breeders were tracked down and notified and were horrified. The cat was supposed to be brought back to them if it didint work out and they had tried to do a good job interviewing. But now its in a good home. The shelter said it was neurological and scared and needed meds. It was fine, just stressed at being in a noisy shelter and needed out of there and is a happy cat. No meds. Ironically they just found another "bangle" in the shelter and got that too. this one I suspect was from a backyard breeder. Its so important to understand and know the animal you potentially want and where it comes from and what you are capable of handling.
I agree with this. Though I'd say 'don't buy/rescue on impulse' applies to everything. If more people took that advice, we wouldn't have so many critters in rescues.
My bengal’s breeder (a felinologist to boot!) outright said that a bengal isn’t the type of cat that likes to be held in hands. That’s their thing, they despise being smooshed. But in all other aspects (and as promised by the breed’s temperament) he’s more of a dog, than a cat. Super-social, super friendly, never bit or scratched me, loves being petted, loves to cuddle up when you lie or sit down, playful to the max - and yeah, he loves playing fetch. So if you don’t mind not being able to carry your cat in your arms around for more than a couple of minutes, but want an actually social, alert and attentive companion, bengal’s the answer. And it’s a cat that NEEDS social interaction, which puts it in the small category along with oriental shorthairs, rexes and sphinxes. It’s not the aloof and “independent” type of cat that would just sleep all day and do it’s thing, they require you being there for em.
I had a bengal cat, his name was Jeppeto and my parents got him from an adoption center when I was in kindergarten. When we got him he was an ornery adult cat whom nobody seemed to want. His owners before us had declawed him and it made it painful on his paws for him to use the litter box. He was a lovely cat who who never bit me even when I was an annoying little 7 year old who held him like a teddy bear. He loved climbing up our shoulders and running around the house at 3 am. He lived 14 years and was a lovely cat. RIP Jeppeto
As always I didn’t hear a word you said cos I was too busy watching the animals in your hands. Too cute. I’m allergic to cats very much so but bengals are definitely my favorite 😻
that would be an interesting one. There are *very* few of those in the States (I'm guessing less then 100. Most pet foxes are from the fur trade, and while they're more tame then their wild counterparts, aren't in the same league as the Bryevlev foxes are). He'd have to search for quite a while to find one to show. Showing fur farm ones, though? There are a number of rescues/sanctuaries for them that have RUclips channels that might well do a Collab (and would be brutally honest as to what's involved in keeping them, even the Russian ones).
The best way to get a cat that is suited to your handling needs and comfort needs is to go to the shelter. Ask the volunteers there for the sweetest cuddliest cat if you want one of those or if there's some cat but just wants to be left alone all the time and that's what you want they will advise you accordingly. That is the best way to get a cat go to the shelter because they know the personalities of the cats that they have in their stock. I do rescue work and I only adopt animals that are special needs and no one else wants. That's also a good way to adopt a pet If you are highly experienced with cats dogs and birds
I really enjoy your videos and have been a fan for a while. Would it be possible to ever see a video of your breeding projects? I also noticed that you tend to stay away from care guide style videos as you never mention numbers in regards to sizes if enclosures, or temperatures and humidity. I respect that as I know it can lead to heated debates. However, would you ever consider doing care guide style videos of specific species where you do go over that? We are up to 16 reptiles that are across the spectrum, 2 tegus, a dumerils boa, false water cobra, various species of gecko, ackie monitor, blue tongue skink, etc. I research the heck out of a species before I get it and typically lean toward reptifiles and/or snake discovery the majority of the time. However, it would be nice to hear your take on it as well.
I've had 2 blue eyed snow Bengal (mother) X Siamese (father) cats. I call them Bengalese when asked what breed they are. They have both been very vocal like Siamese and destructive if they want food or to exit the house. The colouring isn't as pronounced as full Bengals obviously but both have won amatuer shows for non pedigree cats. I would describe them as extremely handleable when they desire it. They don't like being carried around but will sleep on your lap as soon as you sit or lay down. I would say they are very loyal to a single person as my partner gets very little attention from either cat.
I disagree that cats have poor communication skills and ocassionally express themselves through violence. Cats actually tend to go out of their way to learn to communicate with you in a way you can understand. Also, they're VERY predictable. Though some might reach their breaking points quicker than the others, they always give some kind of warning. They aren't always violent with how they lash out too. My cat for example bites me lightly when i don't stop doing something he doesn't like quickly enough, like he's correcting a kitten. He's also VERY CLEAR when he wants to be fed. He'll sit next to his bowl and look at me and meow to get my attention, then look at the bowl and back at me. He makes a funny face too. 😆 Though i agree not every cat is very handleable. Mine is very chill with cuddling anytime(even at vet he's pretty calm) but i've had cats that didn't like to be picked up or cuddled too much. You just gotta get your head out of your ass and respect the boundaries set by an animal. It's the easiest way to avoid being scratched and bitten. Also i agree cats should stay inside only, not just bc they're invasive but they can also get easily hurt and killed. It's maddening for me that so many people don't understand that.
I love your videos partly because I can tell u love animals the same way I do. I also have been bittin by a bull mastiff dog when I was a little kid in the face and head and almost lost my life. Keep making great videos!
We had a domestic cat which would often claw or even bite you pretty violently for petting it longer than 4 seconds. Yet my Dad's workplace had a stray or feral one that would always give you attention and would let you carry it around like a baby and could balance soda cans on it's head while you take photos, and never attacked anyone no matter what silliness they subjected it to. It eventually became the office cat.
Please - never get a cat or dog from a pet store unless that store is working with a rescue. No ethical breeder is going to sell their puppies or kittens through a pet store, ever.
I think this line of thinking works for products in a supermarket: don’t buy products that have unethical sources to de-incentivize the store buying from that seller. However in the case of pet stores I 100% agree adoption from a shelter is always the best option the animals in pet stores have to go somewhere and if people stopped getting them it will just cause suffering for them. Regulation for breeders in my opinion is the best option
I have a Bengal, his name is Clyde. He's really great with our children, loves to play. He brings in mice, birds, rabbits.. but you cannot keep a cat like this indoors so don't get one unless you are in the countryside! He chirps and squaks when he wants attention and he can be very affectionate in small doses. You never mentioned the special diet, Clyde can't eat regular cat food, he has a raw food diet that my wife prepares in batches and freezes (a ground up mix of liver, chicken wings, pilchards, egg, turkey mince). He has a supersoft coat and is very muscular and solid and with big powerful hind legs. They make great pets but they have special needs compared to other breeds that you need to provide (major one being a safe outdoor enviroment) and the raw food diet is expensive.
My mother is allergic to cats. After a lot of trial and error we discovered she wasn’t allergic to Bengal cats. She wanted a melanistic kitten and went through a breeder. Turns out the mother cat (5) had a difficult delivery and had to be desexed after the c-section, so she was offered to us. We brought them both home and love them both, she had never been bathed or played with, it was a difficult process getting her used to a collar and she’s incredibly picky when it comes to food. But they’re curious and definitely jumpers and explorers. We walk them both on harnesses for 10-20 minutes daily, they get stimulation but never hunt animals. They’re not the most loving cuddly cats but they certainly have their moments. They’re smart and cheeky and I’m so glad we get to love them every day. It’s been about 4 months since we got the mother, 3 since we got the son and they’re already so apart of the family.
It’s also important to note neither of them are aggressive at all towards us, they’ll express their unhappiness and maybe poke you a little with their claws if they want to be put down. The son is very active and wants to play a lot, leading in accidental scratches.
I watch this with my Bengal boy sleeping on my lap. Out of the 3 cats I have the Bengal is the most demanding and aggressive. Sometimes he has a stand-off with me when he gets over excited and that always leads to me getting cut up. And when I say stand-off I’m not joking! Bengal’s are also extremely vocal! Bengals need hell of a lot attention and a very good raw diet
I love bengals. They are so social, intelligent and cool. I have a Toyger (perhaps you could do a video on this breed? How they came about is a fascinating story) which is a cross between a bengal and a tabby cat. She loves to sit on your lap and purr, but she hates being picked up. She is also a little food grubber and will gobble up anything you might not be closely monitoring for ten seconds. So far she has munched upon- -naan bread -ice cream (fortunately only vanilla, as chocolate can be very bad for them) -melon -whipped cream from my hot chocolate
Personally i think that Savanah cats and Maine Coons are the best looking and coolest cats. Not to mention they are typically very docile and love attention.
I love Bengals. Not only are they gorgeous, but their personality is so incredible. Bengals are a very curious, active breed of cat and probably require more interaction than most other breeds. They are my dream breed and I hope to own one someday (preferably through adoption).
Is getting bitten/scratched by cats that common? I’ve been bitten ONCE by a cat who had just survived a car crash and was severely injured. Besides that, I’ve never been bitten or scratched by a cat (not counting the playful nips). I have 2 and they’ve never had any kind of violent outburst or angry behavior. I was under the impression that 99% of cats were really chill.
Yeah I’ve been around cats for over 20 years now and haven’t been attacked by one since I was a child and that was my fault because I was bothering it when it clearly wanted space
Good video, beautiful cats. But I did not appreciate the joke about a cat getting run over by a car. I definitely had to pause the video and give my cat a cuddle for a few minutes. (Also, I agree that house cats should be indoor cats.)
OK, now that you've mentioned the ocelot, and after having watched the entire Honey West series - she had a pet ocelot named Bruce - you really need to do a "The Best Pet" on ocelots. Please!
I own a F4 bengal who’s a rescue from being dumped by a breeder who didn’t want her anymore, while I was adopting another rescue, and ended up adopting her as well. She doesn’t like to be handle her at all but loves pets, terrified of outside, needs a consistent schedule, she always follows me and is extremely lazy. My other rescue and her are best friends.
I would imagine at least part of that comes from how the breeder handled her. I've seen that combo of traits in other cats of other breeds dumped by breeders all too often. How old was she when you got her? I have noticed they calm down a lot by the time they are 5... but not always, lol. I think getting a bengal from a rescue is the way to go, too many people get them and can't handle them or they get dumped by breeders who were only in it for the money (a chronic issue in newer breeds and hybrid lines).
@@darcieclements4880 We got her when she was 3 or 4 if I remember correctly. The breeder apparently kept her for breeding but she wouldn't raise any kittens and was unwanted. She can't be around most other cats aside our tuxedo rescue he is very calm/patient I think due to not being socialized around other cats properly. She's definitely the dominant over the 2. She's 11 now for our tuxedo is unknown but is roughly same age.
My bengal of 14 years just passed away. He was the most amazing pet and I will miss him forever. He did render bluebirds and rabbits extinct in our neighborhood though
Would love to see a video on Egyptian Maus! I had a cat that was a mau tabby mix and he was the best cat ive ever had. He was vocal, smart- as in practically puzzle solving, could hold grudges, it even felt like he could adapt all those vocalizations to make me understand him. In fact he was hyper attached to me and quite chatty. He also had the densest, softest fur ive ever felt on a mainstream house pet. Like, chinchilla lite. He passed sadly, but he was, imo, the *best* pet cat a person could ask for.
When I saw this video my heart sank, Clint & Team. With all of the downsides of hybrid cats, this should've been a psa against them, like some other videos you've done. Definitely a missed opportunity to help the wild parents & support adopting cats in shelters. There are also hybrid breed rescues for people who can't be told no. This video needed more expertise & research and worry about the long term affects from this exposure.
Not to mention that there's no need to breed cats, period. There's already enough in shelters as it is! And the way he handled them was also kiiiiinda bad but most people don't know how to interact with them properly
I get where you're going there, but there are so many cats in shelters (or out in the wild now because whoo boy do they breed) that making this a PSA against hybrids (which are niche to begin with) would have been pointless. Like trying to inflate the Goodyear Blimp with one's mouth as they would a pool float. The only way humanity's ever putting that genie back in it's bottle is with a Gene Drive or some other tailored pathogen at this point. And despite how good that'd be for native wildlife, people would loose their minds. It's better that he give an honest assessment about them so folks can at least be informed. He did go out of his way to tell people to keep cats indoors, and very few bother doing that. As for shelter-cats? I've never had one. All of mine just... showed up and decided to make me feed them.....
I'm also really bothered. You can't ethically breed F1 domestic/wild animals. You take (in this case) an ocelot from the wild into private ownership, and then make a housecat try to get lucky with it. Many of these domestics will be attacked by their potential ocelot partners. (Obviously more skilled breeders can reduce risk and try to interfere, but the risk will always be there.) As you might guess this usually leads to severe injuries or death on the part of the domestic cat. (I'm pro-shelter cats and chose them for myself, but there will always be people wanting specific cat breeds and therefore cat breeders. But they're extremely expensive and that does a great job encouraging shelter adoptions instead while letting the fancy cats exist and people enjoy them.)
@@batfurs3001 There is definitely a need for cat breeders if we want to have any hope of maintaining the health of the species. Different breeds of cats have different traits, and it's valid for someone to want a certain kind of cat for the traits it has. That said, pet owners need to stop letting their cats breed. All cats should be spayed or neutered unless you're a licensed breeder producing more animals for the sole purpose of improving the breed. If pet owners would stop letting their intact cats outside, there wouldn't be nearly so many cats in shelters.
@@xMJJMoonwalker i fully understand the different traits thing but the health of the species argument is just flat out wrong. Trash can kitties as I like to call them are almost always much much healthier in the genetic department, since there's not the ridiculous amount of "line breeding" (aka inbreeding) that's so common in purebreds going on. If you want a healthy cat (or dog for that matter), get a stray Full agree on the spaying thing, it's mandatory at the shelter we got our kitties from
I really do appreciate that you mentioned why it is bad to let your cat outside. Even though this idea is unpopular and controversial, cats are one of the most invasive species in the world. They have almost caused as many extinctions as rodents do(cats have caused the species of 63 species; rodents 75.) They are the perfect invasive species not only do they breed prolifically and kill animals at a unsustainable level; they are also loved by humans unlike rats and other invasive animals that live close to humans. :) In other words, cats are fantastic pets as long as they are not being let outside terrorizing the native wildlife and causing mass extinctions. :D
Exactly! I'm very happy he included that and am royally pissed that more people don't agree.
Cats actually are destructive when they spend a lot of time outside, so let's use this opportunity to remember to spay and neuter the cats that live outside (and then release) to protect wild populations in our area.
"Born to Kill" - Cats
Cats are amazing pets and also amazingly destructive. So much so it’s actually kinda impressive but equally horrifying. To echo Jackson Galaxy a bit, this is why it’s so important to not only keep your cats inside, but also get them fixed. They reproduce very rapidly and when you consider the number of stray cats out there, and take into consideration how expert they are at hunting, it’s concerning.
This is why catch, fix, and release is so important too. I don’t think people realize exactly how bad the stray cat issue is in many places because they don’t actively see stray cats, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Jackson Galaxy has a whole episode on this one issue (My Cat From Hell season 10 ep 12).
In the US each year, domestic cats kill about a _billion_ birds and about twice as many small mammals. Feral cats kill way more, up to about _twenty billion_ mammals. Cats are a disaster.
It’s pretty easy to avoid bites and scratches from a cat. Just like with snakes, you need to learn to read their body language and know what they tend to like and not like. From there is can be a lot easier to know how to interact with them
You're 100% right. Building a solid relationship of trust is vitally important as well. The more your cat knows and trusts you, the less likely you are to be scratched or bitten. None of the cat's I've had have ever bitten me.
They're a four for handleability for me. Any scratches you might get are easily avoided by finding a calm and friendly rescue. Play scratches are the harder thing to avoid and comes with the territory getting a kitten.
If you have to interact with a scared cat for some reason you're getting messed up though. That's a disqualification from a 5
@@caribougoo349 4.6 for me-- because we can learn cat body language easily but we'll never speak it natively, and that means the occasional whack with the claws. (My tuxie likes to nurse on my chin, and sometimes she gets enthusiastic in a ouch bite ouch way.)
They miss a perfect 5 because that same tuxie is a nightmare to get into the cat bag for vet trips.
I've never understood why people say cats are unpredicatable and will lash out at you at any given moment. Cats give _plenty_ of warning when they're agitated. Hell, you ever see two cats _really_ fight each other? They'll stare each other down hissing and spitting for a good 5 minutes before either one makes the first move! Cats are predators true, but they are in the middle of the food chain, making them prey animals as well. Their inner Raw Cat would much rather avoid conflict altogether, because getting injured in a fight leaves them vulnerable to attack from nearby predators.
Also, cats aren't dumb. They _know_ that if (god forbid!) it came down to a life or death situation between a cat or a human...the human is gonna win every time.
@@HaunaMyKiki Right??? Cats give so many warnings, people just tend to ignore them. Tail twitching/lashing is the first sign of irritation. Then you've got trying to pull away/remove themselves, batting at whatever is annoying them, growling and/or hissing, and if you've ignored them to that point you deserve to get bitten tbh.
I don't think cats have poor communication skills, I think they just communicate in a way most people misinterpret or just overlook entirely
Yeah people seem to expect them to act like dogs, but they work very differently from dogs. Once you learn how cats communicate it’s pretty easy to interact with them
Yep.
The human and the cat are typically failing by equal amounts to communicate. But I'd say the onus to adapt here is on the one that claims to be the dominant sp... ok maybe not the best way to put it. The one that can google it.
EXACTLY! Cats are great communicators! You just have to learn how to listen.
I concur. I was not a cat person until my in-laws found an “Abandoned” kitten in their yard. They took it to our local rescue (not pound) then later that night, they heard a kitten crying under their house. My father in law got it out and they called me because I’m the only animal person in the family, and they handed me this two week old kitten. Next thing I know, my husband falls in love with it and I’m the one up every two hours feeding the critter. Well, we ended up going to get his sister from the rescue. She’s much more shy where my Mick (Mad Mick) is very outgoing, inquisitive, assertive and he communicates very, very well with me. So the dog person is now very much in love with her cat. LOL.
Cats are good at giving you boundaries for how much handling they are willing to tolerate! I've got one that loves being carried around everywhere and another that will try to eviscerate you if you pick him up for any length of time. Both are super affectionate and loving but each on their own terms!
Yeah, if you complain that your cat is constantly injuring you, then you don't know how to read your cat.
How you pick them up can also definitely matter. I know my cat stays calm for much longer if we hold him with both arms and use one to support his back legs versus if we just pick him up by the armpits
I had a Bengal! He was absolutely unreasonable, could not be held and only rarely could be petted but he loved to play, sat, lied down, shook paws, and stayed for treats, and had the most insanely vast vocabulary of chirps, squeaks, and meows of any cat I've ever met.
What generation was he? When I was getting mine I forced myself to stay away from anything generation 3 or lower for the reasons you stated. My 5th and 6th generation are the perfect mix of Bengal and just regular house cat when it comes to personality
@@AdventuresWithV my bengal is generation 3 pro Max ... Yours ?
Mine is a lap cat 😆
It's always a treat whenever Clint makes videos about invertebrates or mamals
Agreed
or fish and birds
I hate to say it but as a science educator I'm getting frustrated. Clint either didn't know or didn't include some really vital information about Bengal cats.
Between that and his 'handling' segment this video was really unfortunate. If you look at what experts say about cat emotions and how they display them it becomes extremely easy to not get scratched. I've kept 5 cats, including one feral kitten, and have never been scratched or bitten on purpose by any of them. 'Introverted toddlers with knives' is not what these highly social creatures are.
His name is reptiles tho
Clint, please let the world know how good of pets doves and pigeons are. They need your representation
agree! I think they'd have a really nice score. They're easy to handle, relatively easy to care for, very Hardy if taken care of, available just about everywhere, and have upfront costs that won't break the bank.
I love doves/pigeons
Pigeons are in fact the *best pet bird* (I can't have birds because my cats would eat them, and we have a no eating the other pets rule in my household. But if I could have a bird I would have a pigeon.)
@@Grellibe pigeons/doves are great pets as long as you don't have allergies. :) Doves are already dusty enough, pigeons take it to another level. I watched a video from BirdTricks of a interview of a pigeon owner and the owner said that their pigeon is way more dustier than an African grey. So, either get a lot of air purifiers or keep them in a coop outside. :D
@@briananuvattanachai6646 I mean, between dust and a lot of noise, I'll choose dust. Especially knowing how the only bad thing for a pigeon is too much humidity, so you can refresh the air in the house by just keeping doors and windows open (just... Please put bar if you do, homing pigeons are trained to do so)
@@cookie856 doves are less dusty than pigeons are which is why I would recommend doves over pigeons if kept indoors. Also, not all parrots are equally as noisy. Pionus and poicephalus are probably the two most quietest species out there. Cockatiels are also a great option as they mostly whistle but, are dusty(although, not as dusty as pigeons.)
I have two bengals, one is a total pet who follows me everywhere and sits on top of me whenever he can, and the other is much more aloof and lets us know when he feels like being petted.
Very strong personalities and very vocal, and real troublemakers if you let them get bored
Saame! I got two Bengal boys myself and one is, as you described, always around me and the other is more independent but enjoys a few good skritches here and there.^^
Bengals are beautiful! I wasn't expecting to see another cat feature, but I'm certainly not disappointed! Next up, Lykoi? 🐺
Savannah
I think it's a little misunderstood when it's said cats are unpredictable too handle. They have a lot of very communicative body language to let you know there mood. Cats want boundaries and Independence, if it's in there terms being bit or scratched will be very rare.
That's a valid point. But you *do* have to learn the individual cat's 'tells' as it where, so that you can learn those boundries. There's a chance during that process that teeth or claws get involved. My brother's cats also lovepaw, and if their claws haven't been trimmed, I bleed and they're being sweet.
The problem with ocelots is that, according to a documentary I've seen, they spend all their time trying to take over the world with a set of increasingly poorly-thought-out ray gun machines that do strange things. Also, did you know that their natural predator is the platypus?
Huh.. my documentary says that they're proud creatures and spend most of their time spinning guns for no apparent reason, also their natural predator is a snake?
@@JTSquirrel I've heard that ocelots are surprisingly tolerant, cooperative even, of certain liqu- err, water snakes~
What reference am I missing that would make this thread hilarious instead of confusing?
@@lachlanbell8390 Metal gear solid
Also Phineas and Ferb.
The snow bengals are cute and all but my favorite cat morph is my tortoiseshell 🥰 She might not be fancy, but I think her coat is beautiful and she’s magnetically drawn to my lap at all times, so I think she’s perfect. We’ve had 16 years together so far and I hope there’s plenty more to come
Torties are gorgeous and I think they have a sort of unique attitude. One of my favs too.
You saying this reminds me of my Sophie, she died about 8 years ago but she loved me so much she would let me wrap her up like a baby and swaddle her and never once tried to bite or scratch me she was a sweet soul and I forgot how my I loved that kitty and im not a big animal person
2:23 can people please stop saying this? Cats don't just magically turn on you, they have warning signs, it just seems that people expect those to be the same as dogs or just think cats are evil enigmas. I could spend a little while with a dog, ignore its warning signs and have it bite me, but it would be unfair to then say the dog just turned on me in a second. Plus this ignores individual differences, I have 3 cats, one doesn't like being touched most of the time, and one has never bitten anyone in anger, and one is in between.
No...... 😈=😸
Amen. Its a huge pet peeve of mine when non cat people say this. You're just not respecting their boundaries
Exactly, cats have fine communication skills, we just need to know their body language. Likewise, I don't know dog body language, which must be entirely different from cats, because they baffle me. It's not the animal's problem, it's our ability to understand their communication.
When I wanted to adopt a cat I was looking for cats who needed to be rehomed and found a dude who wanted to rehome his bengal cat. Curious, I visited the guy. The cat adored him but he wanted to have two other bengals who had the fur pattern he liked the most and so she had to go. I felt awful for the cat and how he treated her like a piece of furniture. These cats get so attached to their human and he was ready to throw her out for not having an interesting enough fur pattern. I decided that keeping one bengal alone was too cruel and I also talked to some other bengal owners and realized this wasn't the type of breed that was right for me and my current life. The guy tried to convince me to adopt her, he texted me and called me several times. He also tried to hit on me several times. I ignored him and someday he texted me that he would keep her! I was so relieved for her because she clearly loved him to death and would have been heartbroken without him. But he still kept on hitting on me lol. So I blocked him. I really hope he is treating her well. I got another cat from a breed that fits my life much better and we are very happy
Good gravy, I want to punch that guy. You'd have to rip my arms off to take either of my mutt cats away
@@CandiceLemonSharks yes exactly! :( I don't get people who get pets only because they look a certain way (and get rid of them if they find something "better" looking). He seemed to be an awful person overall but the cat just loved him so much
This is why I always hope every time I see someone with a specific breed of cat, that they just happened to find it at a shelter. People who prefer certain breeds and go for it if they have the opportunity are fine. Everyone has their preferences. At least most people do. But people who go out of their way to ENSURE the cat they get is this one specific color... They don't really want a cat, they want a pretty piece of furniture. If you wanted companionship, you'd be ok with anything, but really happy if it happens to look how you want too.
@catpoke9557 actually a lot of people (like me chose a bengal for their unique personality and dog-like nature) a bengal perfectly fits my lifestyle however I also have a rescue cat that I got before so no need to be so judgemental adopt or shop responsibly
That bit at the end with you juggling 4 kittens and the mama cat grooming her baby is the most heartwarming thing
My cat really enjoyed this video. I've never seen her actually "watch" tv before but her eyes were glued to the screen for the entire thing.
Is your cat a bengal? My bengal loves watching other cats, particularly other bengals or tabby cats. I think his favorite is Billi from the "Billi Speaks" channel.
@@fredygump5578 nope. She's a ginger tabby and a PITA. 🤣
You should puta video of Shawn Woods on and see if your cat likes his videos. A lot of people who watch his channel report that their cats love watching his channel. It's quite possible that it's because he focuses on testing vasrious roeent traps and near the beginning of his videos he'll test (live catch) rat and mouse traps on his pet mice and rats. Then after that, he'll set the trap, both live catch and kill, someewhere on his property and set up a trail cam to ctach the action. So cats are probably drawn the mice and rats, along with the occasional squirrel, mole, and gopher, in his videos.
@@Riceball01 thanks. I'll have to check that out and let you know.
I generally appreciate and agree with the information presented. However, I do not agree with the care category. They are much more active than a house cat and can have some serious behaviors (scratching, marking, breaking things) that lead to owners dumping them in pounds or abandoning them. Please please please do your research if you are considering adopting or purchasing one. I lost about 3 years of good sleep, money, and my mind (lol) trying to work with a female that I adopted several years ago. Also please consider adopting rather than buying they are always being rehomed for the reasons I mentioned earlier.
I LOVE all the cuts between cats. Clint is talking like its all the same take, but the cat keeps changing as they have enough and want to go run about, cause Cats.
In Swedish, the word "galning" means lunatic or madman. We call Bengals "Bengalningar" for fun.
I have significant ethical qualms about hybrid cats. To some degree it is the same as my qualms with pure breed cats- that is, there are shelters full of great cats but here we are breeding more because of looks. But I also worry about abandonment rates of hybrid cats (sanctuaries report getting a LOT of calls about them) and the risk to the domestic cats that are initially bred with wild species.
Completely agree, glad someone mentioned this. There are serious ethical quarms regarding the parental generations and Bengals Have a high rate of ambandonment due to sometimes being more destructive and less house trainable than average. Wild cat sanctuaries I know of in the US are very against them, full of them, and explain the issues in depth. I'm dissapointed Clint didn't go into this.
Same, but it completely extends to deliberately bred "fancy cats" and fancy crosses.
There are so many cats who need good homes available at a cost of "free" to "nominal adoption fee" that there really is no ethical way to buy a fancy cat or a hybrid cat.
It's like deliberately breeding and selling normal ball pythons when there are already loads and loads out there in danger being euthanized or literally thrown away.
Yeah, I never kept a pure blood cat in my life. Specialy when you can get one free. I had a number of cats, and all of them were feral cats that I tamed and domesticated. Not even rescues. Altho this is also an option - and a lot of people atleast in my country are giving away house cats for free. Ofc it's not a pure blood cat - but a cat is a cat lol. You feed it. And it sleeps. And sometimes plays. And that's it. And if a car runs it over, or it gets strangled by a dog, which some people also leave to free roam arround the farms and countryside ... it's pure blood won't help you much ... Not that you won't do anything to prevent this - but accidents happen - And while it's sad as it is to lose a cat, you don't want to lose hundreds or thousands of $$ in addition to that!
I understand why breeders are necessary- if people stop maintaining the health of the species and the traits of the breeds, we won't have any options to get healthy cats with sound temperaments. But I agree that unless you need specific traits from a cat, the average person can find a great pet from a shelter! Always check shelters first. But breeding isn't inherently evil. I do have mixed feelings on breeding wild hybrids though.
@@xMJJMoonwalker that's true for breeding within designer breeds to prevent things like inbreeding, but not true of the species as a whole. When it comes to both dogs and cats the mixed breeds one finds at a shelter have a much lower chance of having genetic problems than designer breeds because designer breeds come from what is essentially a genetic echo chamber. Anyway, that may be what you meant, but thought I would elaborate.
hmmm I've got to wonder if there is a correlation between Clint having Bengal cats on a video and the giant band-aid on his left hand....🤔
That was actually from a bike crash. The Bengals were a delight.
Thanks!
the best pet mammal is the one you currently have. the 2nd best pet mammal is the one sitting in a rescue facility waiting to be adopted. then it becomes the best pet mammal when it goes home with you.
my dad adopted a kitten through our local shelter in august 2021 and turns out that it was a bengal cat! she is extremely smart and also quite the diva! she is absolutely the sweetest!
Oh there are few things in life as wonderful as having a kitten on your person (and having zero allergy issues with it). Also a good moment to note you can find rescue Bengals, as well as every other type of cat in existence.
My Norwegian Forest cat vehemently disagrees the Bengal is the prettiest. Only he can be the most beautiful cat in the world. (His handleability will also score higher).
Agreed we are getting a kitten Norwegian forest cat soon!!
@@queeny5613 they are brilliant! It changes from cat to cat, but mine are incredibly cuddly, I can walk one of them and they are very nice to kids.
My two mutt cats s
Also disagree that the Bengal is the prettiest
My cat knows he's not the prettiest. But no other cat dares to say this to his face!
House cats look cool, and they're adorable.
Actually believe it or not there is a purely domestic cat out there that does have wild colorations called the ocicat. And if that wasn't enough, there's also another hybrid cat out there that arguably puts even the bangle to shame in terms of size (and just considered the biggest domestic house cat in general) call the Savannah that can trace its wild lineage all the way back to the African serval. And another fun fact that really would have been a kick to mention is that these little mutants are also one of the few cats that actually love water, go figure!
Eh. My cat loves water and doesn't have this breed in it.
@@Tearakan , these breeds just tend to be the most famous for it, that's all.
Yes! In general I prefer shelter cats to pure breeds, but if someone absolutely must have a cat that looks wild, this is a great way to go!
I’d like to see a video on savannah cats
''All the way back'' might be an exageration given it's not unfrequent to see T3-T4.
I love this channel, and I know the intentions were good, but to be completely honest, as someone with extensive cat experience this came off as a misleading ad for a specific breed rather than a good representation, so I will add some details for those seriously looking for pet cat. I very much enjoyed the genetics talk about how they started as a hybrid, but I feel that emphasizing that you want to get one as far removed from the original cross as possible was not pushed enough, nor were the differences between earlier level hybrids and the fully fertile breed that resulted. I expect your Texas trip will cover that, but am concerned about over interest in the breed from this video. I have seen some very very mentally disturbed bengals (not as many as savannahs mind you) and it all comes down to owner experience and expectations and the first few generations of crosses can be somewhat unpredictable. I'd also like to note that cats do not "randomly" freak out and go from nice to mean, that is always a failure on the humans part to read the body language and communicate with the cat. I may look random until you learn you communicate with your cat, but it is not and most behavior problems can be corrected through education, dedication and training.
Additionally, the discussion of differing needs from other cats and the needs of cats in general were not discussed enough. Again, I love the channel, but if you are going to go through cats and recent wild domestic hybrids and speciality breeds, you really need to get into more detail about behavioral expectations and talk to people who are NOT breeders, (still talk to breeders, but also talk to the rescue workers) not just the breeders. Breeders are experienced, incentivized to sell animals and can lose site of how beginners respond. Bengals need more than exercise, they need mental stimulation and extensive training on par with dogs and the average owner is not going to be prepared for that (exceptions exists, temperment testing can tell you what you will get). For a cat expert, a bengal is incredible, but for a person who is brand new to cats, they can be total nightmares. However, of all the modern hybrid backcrosses in domesticated cats, they and the pixie bob are the most reasonable. I also really appreciate the genetic disease discussion, the best temperamented bangles I have met have all died to the heart condition and were also all rescued from owners that could not handle them with the exception of one that was owned by a retired breeder and trainer, so a lot of it comes down to the person involved.
Looking forward to the follow up. I suggest going to some shelters and going over the various "types" that are generally found on the street. If for no other reason, purebred cats should be avoided simply because there are tens of thousands of homeless kittens born every year of mixed genetics in need of homes, but if someone has their heart set on a hybrid, guess what? If you don't mind an adult, there are bengal rescues and hybrids show up in the homeless kittens too. In north america you get pixibobs and even bangles sometimes. You can imagine my surprise the first time I ran into a pixibob! I was 12 and training barn kittens to help them find homes. I thought he was a maine coon type until he grew up in his new home and was not only weird looking, but would jump into the washing machine and bathtub (partially my fault, I did bath training for the new owners) Which brings me to the north american "type" called a maine coon type (not to be confused with the breed) that is also behaviorally and visually more wild like, though they are from lines that are very very old. Last I heard, it was thought they originated as shipyard cats. If you want a big, high energy dog like cat, look for one of those. But I digress. This video is great for reptile owners with experience with dogs, they will have no issues adapting to the needs of bengals and I suspect that is going to be most of your audience. My comments are just for the people who wander in looking for a first time cat as a first pet. And to them, I implore. Learn temperment testing and use that technique to find your perfect individual cat, don't go based on breed or genetics, you will be much better off. If you want a specific breed, cool, just temperament test until you find "the one", you'll be glad you do.
I love this channel, but I confess I cringe a bit whenever you cover species outside of your expertise and so I can only recommend that you talk to more people when covering such animals because I have noticed that in each cringe case, you have gotten your information from a single source, and I appreciate you making note of that in the video, but definitely consider talking to a larger cross section of people experienced with each animal before covering domesticated animals with multiple breeds just to make sure you have your behaviour information and vocab correct and don't accidentally over generalize the whole species. :) Looking forward to the next video, as always. Perhaps a redo or more extensive coverage of the best pet dinosaur, chickens? Breed matters a lot in them and they are under rated as house pets (yes, there are breeds for that). And a domesticated cat video that goes over health and diet would be great, way too many people think standard cat food is okay and don't realise it can shave 10+ years off their lifespan. Modern whole raw prey with vitamin and taurine supplements and 0 plant material is available now and does wonders for their long term wellbeing. Many companies to choose from.
This was a great comment. I agree with all of your points. I’d also like to add on at the end when he was grabbing all of the kittens over and over by their scruff, that isn’t necessary and stresses the cats out a lot when done like that. They were trying to get away from Clint and seemed upset, maybe things like this are why the cats go from upset to mad “randomly”
This is a very good and important comment. I love Clint's videos and I love Bengals (been obsessed with them since I was a kid) but, yeah, I similarly feel a bit uncomfortable with this video.
Thank you for posting your comment- I'm also concerned with how this video will influence the greater audience. In general, I don't support these hybrid breeds because the wild parents will come from... the wild. Or maybe since demand is going up, like from exposure to this video, the wild type parents are probably being bred in captivity and that's never a good idea. So, many of these hybrids end up in bad situations because the closer they are genetically to the wild parents, the more trouble they are to keep. Imagine having basically a wild, large cat in your house that pees everywhere... and can really do you damage if it's mad. The lucky cats end up at big cat rescues/sanctuaries.
@@cmastea5 there are enough bengals put there at this point that in only in very rare cases are breeders starting at F1. Its almost always Bengal + Bengal. Most are F10+ at this point.
I agree. I complained myself. A bit about his 'handling' section but a great deal about his blasé attitude about wild-content pets. I agree with all of your points and have an additional concern: the ethics of these wild content cat breeds. Taking a wildcat into private ownership and breeding it with a housecat seems irresponsible on two levels; reducing the wild population of a species already in trouble, and putting a domestic cat in an extremely unsafe situation.
NGL as cool as ocelots are I'm not comfortable with the idea of them being presented as a theoretical pet even if Clint is clear its a bad idea and gives them a low rating. Hopefully if that video comes it won't be that sort of video.
(And we only recently learned and were able to switch our cats to a good raw food diet. I deeply wish I had been able to learn about that from the beginning with my rescue cats, we recently had to put our calico baby down and of course it was awful but I'm just crushed I could have offered her a better longer life if I had only known from the beginning.)
There are ethical issues regarding these cats and while I think your videos are usually superbly informative, I think some of the more problematic things with Bengals were not talked about.
Both wild cat sanctuary and big cat rescue, fantastic organizations that save wild cats from abuse, abandonment and exploitation in the US, are very against the breeding of hybrid cats, in part due to being inundated with them.
Hybrid cats on average are more likely to be destructive, aggressive, and not as litter box trainable than a regular cat. This may be down to poor breeding, but sadly there are novice breeders making huge amount of money and not knowing what they're doing because standards are not moderated. Regardless of the reason, hybrid cat abandonment is worryingly high and it shouldn't be implied they will on average be as easy as a regular house cat.
Secondly, the Asian leopard cats and early hybrid generations certainly are very wild. They often end up in rescues as the unwanted by products of breeding, taking up valuable charity resources. The needs of wild cats are very difficult to meet in captivity and I don't see this is fair to them.
You really dragging it bengals are find with litter boxes and arent aggressive
@@bengalboypaco7327 perhaps in your anecdotal experience. The two wild cat rescues I mentioned on the other hand have extensive experience with these cats and say otherwise, hence the term 'on average'.
Any cat can be destructive, aggressive or bad with a litter box, the point is not that all hybrids have these issues but that these occur more frequently in hybrid breeds, resulting in them being over represented in rescues.
Bengals are not appropriate for a newbie cat owner. You should get some really good experience with a house cat first and review all of the Jackson Galaxy videos on how to entertain your cat. And remember no animal is destructive there's simply very aggressive product testers
I just got a Bengal. It's a cat bro ... It's literally a cat with a cooler pattern
@@cooliipie I completely agree. Most people I know that have bengals have no problems with them and they act just like a another lazy house cat
I think it would be neat to do an episode on hybrids/ethics of keeping them. Like Cyclura lewisi hybrids or Borneo Bateaters. Should we strive to maintain accurate species or, given the history of life (grizzly bears and polar bears interbreeding in the wild, red wolves, genetic evidence of Neanderthal/human and mammoth/Asian elephant introgression) is that ideal of species false to begin with?
I didn't even know there was an ethics problem with hybrids. Why would we worry about maintaining accurate species in captivity at all considering we have already domesticated the animal? I don't see where breeding an undomesticated species with a domesticated species is doing any more harm than the domesticated species already does to the species.
@@abonynge Generally I agree for that reason. One of the arguments for keeping though is that it’s a reservoir. That doesn’t work well when the ones we keep are so far from wild forms. For example, most privately kept tigers are hybrids. Most modern bison are mixed with domestic cattle as the initial population kept as a reservoir was done so to make a food animal. But largely I agree with you. We do this for fun and not conservation
@@williamwomble3148 In the context of conservations I think the Bengal is a no brainer. The domestic cat is an invasive species, many Bengals are sterile, if anything the hybrid is better.
@@abonynge It would be cool to get first generation hybrid. Would probably exibit some wild cat traits. But more and more people now a days are sterilyzing their cats. It's a good option to keep it safe, and keep it's instincts in check anyways. Otherwise if male, they will get torn up in fights with other cats, and can get serious disease - I lost 2 cats like that in the past. And if female, you might end up with some unexpected "reinforcements" one day ... So now with my latest cat, I decided to keep - and having it steralized was a no brainer. Can't tell you how old my cats are tho - all of them were domesticated ferals and strays I tamed.
Love the way you say Bengal! Also good to see some our regional animals featured. A video on the Bengal Tiger next?
I have a F3 Bengal. She is my joy. Super chill personality, spends most of the day sleeping on my desk while I work. Only scratches me when she jumps on my back to lay down on my shoulders. Thanks for making this video! ^_^
Bengals are stunning, and their color genetics are also so fascinating! My favorites are the silver snows and charcoal snows. I happen to be more allergic to Bengals compared to regular domestic cats, but that didn't stop me from taking my wonderful girl home. They are not for everyone, and I never dreamed of owning one because they are typically very high energy and require so much more stimulation than the regular domestic cat. They are generally friendly and fearless (which can get them into trouble) and they can become incredibly destructive if you are not mindful of their needs. They WILL become frustrated and exhibit unwanted behaviors if you cannot keep them entertained. If you want a cat that lounges around, this is not the cat for you.
So many are rehomed or brought to shelters because people don't realize what it takes to keep one happy, and I wish this was emphasized more. If you are considering getting one, please do your research. Go visit some reputable breeders to get an idea of what you are in for. Talk to them and ask what they do to meet their cats' needs. I highly recommend getting two if possible - most that I've met absolutely hate being alone, although there are exceptions. Another thing! They are chatty. Mine will yowl if there's no one within her sight. And she will meow and chirp as you walk down the hallway. She is LOUD, and she will make sure everyone knows that she wants me with her, right that instant.
I never would have ended up with one if I hadn't come across a Bengal that needed to be rehomed because of the opposite problem - she was incredibly shy. She ran from everyone and jumped at even the slightest noise. The Asian Leopard Cat is known to be a shy and cautious creature, and her personality is definitely closer to the wild side. Bengals were also bred with Egyptian Maus in the earlier generations, a cat known to select one person in a family and ignore everyone else. It took her three days to leave her hiding place when I first brought her home. Even now, she still vastly prefers me to everyone else in the family. She's low energy for a Bengal - but still the most active by far compared to my other cats despite being the oldest and a senior kitty now. I was told she may do best as an only cat because she didn't do well with the other cats. Turns out, she just didn't like them and I ended up carefully choosing a kitten to keep her company because she really needed someone with her 24 hours a day. They bonded and are now inseparable. It took her almost two years to even walk down the hallway from her safe room without me by her side, but now she sprints up and down it while chasing her favorite toys, and no longer runs away from strangers. I don't know if I'll ever get another one, but she has been the most rewarding cat to work with by far.
Thank you so much for saying what a bad idea it is to keep your cat outside. It’s not only bad for the wildlife, but it’s devastating for a cat. Cats are no where near as hardy outside as people think they are. The slightest cut can kill them. An indoor cat lives approximately 10-20 years, whereas an out door cat’s lifespan is cut in half. Also, I understand the beauty of “pure bred” cats, but there are so many sweet kitties in shelters that need loving homes.
Clint and Bengal kittens. I don't think there is a better way to start a Saturday. Another wonderful video!
5:25...My cat didn't appreciate that sound effect lol.
I love this channel so much and it’s so informative and Clint is such an amazing man who is so knowledgeable 🙂 I love how it breaks everything down and gives you a fully informed video that truly helps when choosing the pet best for you. I also love that Clint covers a multitude of animals from reptiles to amphibians to mammals. It also made me realise I own a pet that could be very complex and potentially extremely difficult I own a border collie.
I feel like I have a weird superpower. Once I started healing a bit from losing my 18 year old cat, all the nasty neighborhood strays warmed to me and I used to spend time hanging out with them (yes I knew that was a bad idea even at the time, but I was going through a lot).
Eventually ran away out the rural west and most people around here who own cats don't understand that a cat is not a dog and call them horrible, vicious, unsocial animals. I can usually turn them into affectionate lap cats within a few hours or days, the two worst ones that I lived with out here took two weeks or so but I'd fistfight god for those precious floofs.
Dogs get credit for hounding you at the door when you come home from work, but my true joy was always watching the evil nasty cats slowly saunter towards me with optional meows, repeatedly headbutting me while their owner stares at me like I'm a witch.
I really want to have my own cat again. I've been eyeing bengals and savannahs for years, wanted to get one and then adopt a shelter cat but I refuse to do it without enough savings to take care of them in case SHTF, but I just lost all my savings. Some day...
I love this. Have you thought of fostering cats for a local rescue or shelter? I have fostered off and on for the past 14 years and there are ALWAYS tons of ferals that other people are scared to take on (especially adults). You're right, it is so rewarding to turn them into love bug purr monsters lol
I loved the video, but it made me uncomfortable at 11:11 when you holding up the kittens body weight by their scruff. It’s potentially painful for them and clearly made those cats want to get off of your lap. Making uncomfortable cats to come back to you like that may make them more distant or just stress them out needlessly.
Usually, the best way to pick up a cat is from under with two hands, one supporting each set of legs weight :)
Great Video:). I knew Clint about 10 years ago. He was kind to me, he didn’t have to be, but he was. Clint’s a good man
I have a snow Bengal. GIANT eyes, softest fur ever. Super smart. But they are still partially wild. While its not the exact same thing, its like getting a Lynx. Its a lot like a cat, but its not a cat. And while it wont attack the other cats, she isnt playing with them and she barks at them if they get too close.
Oh and what they dont tell you is that IT TALKS ALL THE TIME !!!!!! Its the cat version of the Husky.
Loved the video, and I always love to see more "exotic" animals that aren't reptiles (as much as I love my 5 reptiles at home)! Having grown up around cat shows and cat breeding, I would love to see more videos on cats like these, like the savannah cat, or even other more wild "feeling" cats like the Maine Coon and their big snow paws. Great work as always!
I own a savannah cat myself, and it's funny to see the comparisons in behaviour. My Savannah loves playing fetch too. (He especially likes tennis balls.)
I have a bengal, the wildest cat I ever had… always alert, she is quite skittish and tends to be very loud, especially at 5 am 🙉, very very active, overly loves to hide in bags and boxes and climbs everywhere. She is quite sweet when she want, usually at bed time and has a special bond with my husband (he had her before we met), she let him get away with almost everything, but usually doing her thing which doesn’t involve human contact. Never aggressive nor in a bad mood. But as I said very loud miao… 🐆
We had two of these, brother and sister. We still have the sister 15 years later, and one of the most personable cats I have had. Very talkative and high energy cats.
i really want one because i adore jaguars, i have one tattooed on me, and bengals have those beautiful rosettes on their back.
my uncle has two and they are the spunkiest little cats i've even met. the younger one climbs him like a tree and is an excellent hunter of invading rats. the older one has a lot of stranger anxiety though.
It's too bad I'm in Texas, not Utah, because my little calico cat vehemently disagrees with the handleability score of cats. If you pay attention to cat body language, a LOT of cat behavior that is attributed to being mean or antisocial is actually your cat being playful. Example: knocking things off a shelf. Cat's thoughts are "Oh! A toy! I wonder what it does?" Some cats are very food motivated, which makes them very trainable, though not as easily as dogs since dogs have been domesticated longer. Possibly like mink. And cats ARE domesticated! They are much more social than their wildcat ancestors and in groups where there is enough food and shelter, like your house, will watch out for kittens that are not their own and they enjoy social grooming as bonding, like some apes do.
My cat is almost as needy as a dog. She loves to play and wants a lot of love. She has a routine that she doesn't like to deviate from, so I usually know when it's time for bed or time to play because she'll run up and headbutt me or sit on my computer mouse. She usually sleeps right next to me. Unlike MANY cats, which can be aggressive to unfamiliar cats, mine is very tolerant of strange cats, and she's had a few temporary housemates over the years.
Hi there Clint happy Easter 🐣
Savannah and Serval also deserve something , there’s not that much you can find online . ❤️
Love, Love, Love! I'd wondered about Bengal generations and breeding. Would you consider doing a feature on Abyssinian cats - the best pet non Bengal mountain lion? Have you ever seen one in person? ( that's fawn Abyssinian Annabeth Chase on my head)
My favourite is the charcoal brown and charcoal snow. Love all the blue color variants and the sheeted marble pattern too.
my rescue cat has similar patterns to the snow bengals just with more brown in a few places but she's a regular house cat. she's not as cool looking but I wouldn't trade her for anything.
Did you gene test her? There might be some snow bengal inside.
This has to be your funniest video ever 😅. I like the way you describe cats 🤣
"... a 2 year old with an X-acto knife and poor communication skills." ROFL 😂😂😂
I adopted a bengal, so that's always an option. He will not be picked up and he will not sit on a human for more than 5 seconds. He will walk all over you, but that's different. He has a secret kung fu ability, sort of like Judo, where he can sense when you are thinking about picking him up and he leaps out just out of reach, and purrs while doing so. But overall he is very social and very much a normal cat.
Totally makes sense knowing someone from Texas that has an Ocelot. I know a lot of people who own Bobcats and Servals as pets. Both have become real popular in Texas. Yea… we crazy down here in the Lone Star State.
I had two Bengals. One was the sweetest and most patient cat in the world. The other was very sweet but didn't like small children at all. Both were very active and constantly wrestling. For years, they required play a couple of times a day just to keep them sane. One of them turned out to be a lemon--a ton of health problems. The second developed an auto-immune disease. I had to put both of them down before they reached 13 years old. I loved those two, but I wouldn't do a Bengal again.
My great aunt had an ocelot. He was very loving and friendly toward humans, but he occasionally got out of the house. She had to give him up when it was discovered that he'd been killing and eating the neighborhood dogs.
I have seen a story about an ocelot in a park shredding dogs who came up to it. Dogs were supposed to be kept on leash. The cop the dog owners complained to said, "But it's a cat." Everything I've read on ocelots indicated that they really really crave attention, so not for people who work out of the house or who can't take the ocelot with them while working.
In short-no. These are not something that should ever be impulsed bought/rescued. Thanks for spotlighting this gorgeous subspecies/hybrids! It seems a lot of people just get these for eye candy and dont realize are a lot more than people expect. You have your easy going ragdolls/persians. Then you get these. You cant just dangle a bit of string for a minute or so and fulfill your ego that you think played with your cat and call it done. They have way too much energy and need a good long and hard play session. These are one of the few cats that probably really aught to be walked like dogs-and not just walked-RAN and people actually do that. They make cat exercise wheels for alternatives. Your not getting a cat, your getting a high performance athlete. Of course everyones an individual, but in general. I have a friend who found a bangle in a local shelter and her mom adopted it because-its a bangle and she knows the breed. The previous person dropped a lot of money on a kitten from a good breeder and couldn't handle it and surrendered it. Breeders were tracked down and notified and were horrified. The cat was supposed to be brought back to them if it didint work out and they had tried to do a good job interviewing. But now its in a good home. The shelter said it was neurological and scared and needed meds. It was fine, just stressed at being in a noisy shelter and needed out of there and is a happy cat. No meds. Ironically they just found another "bangle" in the shelter and got that too. this one I suspect was from a backyard breeder. Its so important to understand and know the animal you potentially want and where it comes from and what you are capable of handling.
I agree with this. Though I'd say 'don't buy/rescue on impulse' applies to everything. If more people took that advice, we wouldn't have so many critters in rescues.
@@DFX2KX Agreed
My bengal’s breeder (a felinologist to boot!) outright said that a bengal isn’t the type of cat that likes to be held in hands. That’s their thing, they despise being smooshed. But in all other aspects (and as promised by the breed’s temperament) he’s more of a dog, than a cat. Super-social, super friendly, never bit or scratched me, loves being petted, loves to cuddle up when you lie or sit down, playful to the max - and yeah, he loves playing fetch. So if you don’t mind not being able to carry your cat in your arms around for more than a couple of minutes, but want an actually social, alert and attentive companion, bengal’s the answer.
And it’s a cat that NEEDS social interaction, which puts it in the small category along with oriental shorthairs, rexes and sphinxes. It’s not the aloof and “independent” type of cat that would just sleep all day and do it’s thing, they require you being there for em.
I had a bengal cat, his name was Jeppeto and my parents got him from an adoption center when I was in kindergarten. When we got him he was an ornery adult cat whom nobody seemed to want. His owners before us had declawed him and it made it painful on his paws for him to use the litter box. He was a lovely cat who who never bit me even when I was an annoying little 7 year old who held him like a teddy bear. He loved climbing up our shoulders and running around the house at 3 am. He lived 14 years and was a lovely cat. RIP Jeppeto
As always I didn’t hear a word you said cos I was too busy watching the animals in your hands. Too cute. I’m allergic to cats very much so but bengals are definitely my favorite 😻
Do you think you'd ever be able to do a video on the Russian domesticated foxes?
that would be an interesting one.
There are *very* few of those in the States (I'm guessing less then 100. Most pet foxes are from the fur trade, and while they're more tame then their wild counterparts, aren't in the same league as the Bryevlev foxes are). He'd have to search for quite a while to find one to show. Showing fur farm ones, though? There are a number of rescues/sanctuaries for them that have RUclips channels that might well do a Collab (and would be brutally honest as to what's involved in keeping them, even the Russian ones).
The ocelot has to happen. I used to know someone that had one. Super sweet and insanley intelligent. Cant wait for this.
The best way to get a cat that is suited to your handling needs and comfort needs is to go to the shelter. Ask the volunteers there for the sweetest cuddliest cat if you want one of those or if there's some cat but just wants to be left alone all the time and that's what you want they will advise you accordingly. That is the best way to get a cat go to the shelter because they know the personalities of the cats that they have in their stock. I do rescue work and I only adopt animals that are special needs and no one else wants. That's also a good way to adopt a pet If you are highly experienced with cats dogs and birds
I really enjoy your videos and have been a fan for a while. Would it be possible to ever see a video of your breeding projects? I also noticed that you tend to stay away from care guide style videos as you never mention numbers in regards to sizes if enclosures, or temperatures and humidity. I respect that as I know it can lead to heated debates. However, would you ever consider doing care guide style videos of specific species where you do go over that? We are up to 16 reptiles that are across the spectrum, 2 tegus, a dumerils boa, false water cobra, various species of gecko, ackie monitor, blue tongue skink, etc. I research the heck out of a species before I get it and typically lean toward reptifiles and/or snake discovery the majority of the time. However, it would be nice to hear your take on it as well.
I'll tell you what the best pet mammal is: the stray that was dumped at my uni campus and followed me from class to the car.
Keep it up with the more complicated editing. It adds a lot to the content
I have a Bengal and Snow Bengal and absolutely love them!
I've had 2 blue eyed snow Bengal (mother) X Siamese (father) cats. I call them Bengalese when asked what breed they are.
They have both been very vocal like Siamese and destructive if they want food or to exit the house. The colouring isn't as pronounced as full Bengals obviously but both have won amatuer shows for non pedigree cats.
I would describe them as extremely handleable when they desire it. They don't like being carried around but will sleep on your lap as soon as you sit or lay down. I would say they are very loyal to a single person as my partner gets very little attention from either cat.
Our cat plays fetch also, it’s pretty hilarious. She matches most/all of the characteristics of Bombay cats, but we got her as a stray, so who knows.
I think some of the best kitties come from the pound or a rescue service, but the Bengal sure is beautiful.
I disagree that cats have poor communication skills and ocassionally express themselves through violence. Cats actually tend to go out of their way to learn to communicate with you in a way you can understand. Also, they're VERY predictable. Though some might reach their breaking points quicker than the others, they always give some kind of warning. They aren't always violent with how they lash out too. My cat for example bites me lightly when i don't stop doing something he doesn't like quickly enough, like he's correcting a kitten. He's also VERY CLEAR when he wants to be fed. He'll sit next to his bowl and look at me and meow to get my attention, then look at the bowl and back at me. He makes a funny face too. 😆
Though i agree not every cat is very handleable. Mine is very chill with cuddling anytime(even at vet he's pretty calm) but i've had cats that didn't like to be picked up or cuddled too much. You just gotta get your head out of your ass and respect the boundaries set by an animal. It's the easiest way to avoid being scratched and bitten.
Also i agree cats should stay inside only, not just bc they're invasive but they can also get easily hurt and killed. It's maddening for me that so many people don't understand that.
I love your videos partly because I can tell u love animals the same way I do. I also have been bittin by a bull mastiff dog when I was a little kid in the face and head and almost lost my life. Keep making great videos!
We had a domestic cat which would often claw or even bite you pretty violently for petting it longer than 4 seconds. Yet my Dad's workplace had a stray or feral one that would always give you attention and would let you carry it around like a baby and could balance soda cans on it's head while you take photos, and never attacked anyone no matter what silliness they subjected it to. It eventually became the office cat.
I feel you on wanting an Ocelot Clint, I really would love a Cheetah lol
Please - never get a cat or dog from a pet store unless that store is working with a rescue. No ethical breeder is going to sell their puppies or kittens through a pet store, ever.
I think this line of thinking works for products in a supermarket: don’t buy products that have unethical sources to de-incentivize the store buying from that seller. However in the case of pet stores I 100% agree adoption from a shelter is always the best option the animals in pet stores have to go somewhere and if people stopped getting them it will just cause suffering for them. Regulation for breeders in my opinion is the best option
I had a bengal years ago and he was awesome. Super smart, loved water, fearless and yes, he fetched toy mice too.
I have a Bengal, his name is Clyde. He's really great with our children, loves to play. He brings in mice, birds, rabbits.. but you cannot keep a cat like this indoors so don't get one unless you are in the countryside! He chirps and squaks when he wants attention and he can be very affectionate in small doses. You never mentioned the special diet, Clyde can't eat regular cat food, he has a raw food diet that my wife prepares in batches and freezes (a ground up mix of liver, chicken wings, pilchards, egg, turkey mince). He has a supersoft coat and is very muscular and solid and with big powerful hind legs. They make great pets but they have special needs compared to other breeds that you need to provide (major one being a safe outdoor enviroment) and the raw food diet is expensive.
My mother is allergic to cats. After a lot of trial and error we discovered she wasn’t allergic to Bengal cats. She wanted a melanistic kitten and went through a breeder. Turns out the mother cat (5) had a difficult delivery and had to be desexed after the c-section, so she was offered to us. We brought them both home and love them both, she had never been bathed or played with, it was a difficult process getting her used to a collar and she’s incredibly picky when it comes to food. But they’re curious and definitely jumpers and explorers. We walk them both on harnesses for 10-20 minutes daily, they get stimulation but never hunt animals. They’re not the most loving cuddly cats but they certainly have their moments. They’re smart and cheeky and I’m so glad we get to love them every day. It’s been about 4 months since we got the mother, 3 since we got the son and they’re already so apart of the family.
It’s also important to note neither of them are aggressive at all towards us, they’ll express their unhappiness and maybe poke you a little with their claws if they want to be put down. The son is very active and wants to play a lot, leading in accidental scratches.
I watch this with my Bengal boy sleeping on my lap. Out of the 3 cats I have the Bengal is the most demanding and aggressive. Sometimes he has a stand-off with me when he gets over excited and that always leads to me getting cut up. And when I say stand-off I’m not joking! Bengal’s are also extremely vocal! Bengals need hell of a lot attention and a very good raw diet
I miss my boy he passed in may hurts so bad im in such a dark place
They're ocelittle. And cute. But at my energy level I should probably get a tortoise.
I love bengals. They are so social, intelligent and cool. I have a Toyger (perhaps you could do a video on this breed? How they came about is a fascinating story) which is a cross between a bengal and a tabby cat. She loves to sit on your lap and purr, but she hates being picked up. She is also a little food grubber and will gobble up anything you might not be closely monitoring for ten seconds. So far she has munched upon-
-naan bread
-ice cream (fortunately only vanilla, as chocolate can be very bad for them)
-melon
-whipped cream from my hot chocolate
Personally i think that Savanah cats and Maine Coons are the best looking and coolest cats. Not to mention they are typically very docile and love attention.
I love Bengals. Not only are they gorgeous, but their personality is so incredible. Bengals are a very curious, active breed of cat and probably require more interaction than most other breeds. They are my dream breed and I hope to own one someday (preferably through adoption).
Is getting bitten/scratched by cats that common? I’ve been bitten ONCE by a cat who had just survived a car crash and was severely injured. Besides that, I’ve never been bitten or scratched by a cat (not counting the playful nips). I have 2 and they’ve never had any kind of violent outburst or angry behavior. I was under the impression that 99% of cats were really chill.
Yeah I’ve been around cats for over 20 years now and haven’t been attacked by one since I was a child and that was my fault because I was bothering it when it clearly wanted space
Good video, beautiful cats. But I did not appreciate the joke about a cat getting run over by a car. I definitely had to pause the video and give my cat a cuddle for a few minutes. (Also, I agree that house cats should be indoor cats.)
I was hoping to see melanistic Bengals in the video. Those are hands down my favorites but my snow Bengal is pretty cool too
"poor communication skills" 😆 still surprised you can read snakes but not cats 😛
Look how relaxed thar cat is in your arms!
OK, now that you've mentioned the ocelot, and after having watched the entire Honey West series - she had a pet ocelot named Bruce - you really need to do a "The Best Pet" on ocelots. Please!
3:30 possibly the most Clint speech ever done to date
I own a F4 bengal who’s a rescue from being dumped by a breeder who didn’t want her anymore, while I was adopting another rescue, and ended up adopting her as well. She doesn’t like to be handle her at all but loves pets, terrified of outside, needs a consistent schedule, she always follows me and is extremely lazy. My other rescue and her are best friends.
I would imagine at least part of that comes from how the breeder handled her. I've seen that combo of traits in other cats of other breeds dumped by breeders all too often. How old was she when you got her? I have noticed they calm down a lot by the time they are 5... but not always, lol. I think getting a bengal from a rescue is the way to go, too many people get them and can't handle them or they get dumped by breeders who were only in it for the money (a chronic issue in newer breeds and hybrid lines).
@@darcieclements4880 We got her when she was 3 or 4 if I remember correctly. The breeder apparently kept her for breeding but she wouldn't raise any kittens and was unwanted. She can't be around most other cats aside our tuxedo rescue he is very calm/patient I think due to not being socialized around other cats properly. She's definitely the dominant over the 2. She's 11 now for our tuxedo is unknown but is roughly same age.
Ocicats are very cool looking house cats. Look into them. They were bred to resemble ocelots.
I love these type of videos!!!
Clint sitting there with red eyes talking about how they're so worth it is pretty epic.
Have you considered the ocicat?
Similar color, but completely domestic cat.
My bengal of 14 years just passed away. He was the most amazing pet and I will miss him forever. He did render bluebirds and rabbits extinct in our neighborhood though
Would love to see a video on Egyptian Maus! I had a cat that was a mau tabby mix and he was the best cat ive ever had. He was vocal, smart- as in practically puzzle solving, could hold grudges, it even felt like he could adapt all those vocalizations to make me understand him. In fact he was hyper attached to me and quite chatty. He also had the densest, softest fur ive ever felt on a mainstream house pet. Like, chinchilla lite.
He passed sadly, but he was, imo, the *best* pet cat a person could ask for.
Do ragdoll cats next time! I feel like they overall are the best family cats (to have if you have small children).
When I saw this video my heart sank, Clint & Team. With all of the downsides of hybrid cats, this should've been a psa against them, like some other videos you've done. Definitely a missed opportunity to help the wild parents & support adopting cats in shelters. There are also hybrid breed rescues for people who can't be told no. This video needed more expertise & research and worry about the long term affects from this exposure.
Not to mention that there's no need to breed cats, period. There's already enough in shelters as it is!
And the way he handled them was also kiiiiinda bad but most people don't know how to interact with them properly
I get where you're going there, but there are so many cats in shelters (or out in the wild now because whoo boy do they breed) that making this a PSA against hybrids (which are niche to begin with) would have been pointless. Like trying to inflate the Goodyear Blimp with one's mouth as they would a pool float. The only way humanity's ever putting that genie back in it's bottle is with a Gene Drive or some other tailored pathogen at this point. And despite how good that'd be for native wildlife, people would loose their minds. It's better that he give an honest assessment about them so folks can at least be informed. He did go out of his way to tell people to keep cats indoors, and very few bother doing that.
As for shelter-cats? I've never had one. All of mine just... showed up and decided to make me feed them.....
I'm also really bothered. You can't ethically breed F1 domestic/wild animals. You take (in this case) an ocelot from the wild into private ownership, and then make a housecat try to get lucky with it. Many of these domestics will be attacked by their potential ocelot partners. (Obviously more skilled breeders can reduce risk and try to interfere, but the risk will always be there.) As you might guess this usually leads to severe injuries or death on the part of the domestic cat.
(I'm pro-shelter cats and chose them for myself, but there will always be people wanting specific cat breeds and therefore cat breeders. But they're extremely expensive and that does a great job encouraging shelter adoptions instead while letting the fancy cats exist and people enjoy them.)
@@batfurs3001 There is definitely a need for cat breeders if we want to have any hope of maintaining the health of the species. Different breeds of cats have different traits, and it's valid for someone to want a certain kind of cat for the traits it has. That said, pet owners need to stop letting their cats breed. All cats should be spayed or neutered unless you're a licensed breeder producing more animals for the sole purpose of improving the breed. If pet owners would stop letting their intact cats outside, there wouldn't be nearly so many cats in shelters.
@@xMJJMoonwalker i fully understand the different traits thing but the health of the species argument is just flat out wrong. Trash can kitties as I like to call them are almost always much much healthier in the genetic department, since there's not the ridiculous amount of "line breeding" (aka inbreeding) that's so common in purebreds going on. If you want a healthy cat (or dog for that matter), get a stray
Full agree on the spaying thing, it's mandatory at the shelter we got our kitties from