Taking care of a cat includes meeting its basic needs such as food, water, and shelter. It is also important to ensure the cat’s physical and mental well-being through regular play, grooming, and veterinary care. Creating a safe and engaging environment, along with providing consistent attention and affection, is essential for keeping your feline companion happy and healthy.

Caring for a Bengal or Savannah cat takes some dedication and experience. These lively breeds need plenty of stimulation, lots of vertical space to climb, and both physical and mental exercise to keep boredom—and the naughty behaviors that come with it—at bay. To keep them happy, make sure they have big, interactive cat trees, scratching posts, and a variety of toys. Don’t forget to offer top-notch food and regular grooming. Keep their litter box clean and roomy, and think about building a safe outdoor space like a catio. Bengals and Savannahs love spending time with people and shouldn’t be left alone for too long.

Environment and Enrichment

• Vertical Space: These cats love climbing and perching, so provide large, multi-level cat trees, shelves, and scratching posts.
• Mental Stimulation: Keep their sharp minds busy with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions using positive reinforcement and treats.
• Safe Outdoor Access: A secure outdoor enclosure or “catio” is a great way to let them explore safely. Never let them roam outside unsupervised.

Exercise and Play

• High Activity Needs: These energetic cats need daily playtime to burn off their extra energy.
• Interactive Play: Use chaser toys or a laser pointer for fun, interactive games. Always finish the play session with a treat or a real toy to keep frustration away.

Grooming

• Regular Brushing: Brush their coat weekly to get rid of loose hair, prevent hairballs, and keep their fur healthy.
• Nail Trimming: Trim their nails every couple of weeks to keep them comfortable.

Diet and Health

• High-Quality Food: Both breeds do best on premium cat food, with some preferring high-quality wet or raw diets.
• Regular Vet Care: Keep up with all vaccinations and preventive health treatments just like any other cat.

Training and Socialization

• Positive Reinforcement: Bengals and Savannahs are smart and can learn tricks. They respond really well to positive reinforcement and treats.
• Proper Introductions: When bringing them together with other pets, take it slow. Bengals especially have a strong prey drive and might not get along well with smaller or shy pets.

Key Considerations

• Owner Experience: These breeds are best for experienced cat owners who can keep up with their high energy and special needs.
• Presence and Attention: They’re social cats who thrive on company and can get bored or destructive if left alone too long.
• Water Fascination: Many Bengals and Savannahs love water, so be careful with open aquariums and make sure they’re secure.