How to feed a Bengal Cat is as easy as feeding any other cat. Pretty much. That is – after you factor in their often quirky likes and dislikes. Known for being a rather single minded and stubborn breed of cat, once you work out the parameters of what your Bengal will allow you to feed them, you’ll be on the home run.

Feeding your Bengal straight from an average tin of cat food shouldn’t pose you any problems. Providing your cat likes the flavor. If he doesn’t, he simply won’t eat it. And to be perfectly honest, almost any cat is capable of turning their nose up at dyed in the wool canned cat food. Your biggest problem is if you have more than one Bengal Cat. When I ended up with four Bengals, two of them would eat one brand, one of them would eat any brand and the fourth would sit and stare at me as though I was offering him a plate of lettuce – no matter what was inside the can.

In the end, I managed to persuade my boys (and one girl) that of all the cans in all the world, two were especially beneficial to all concerned. Two of them remained unconvinced, though they did eat what appeared in their dishes. Even if they did consume their food in a very condescending manner.

What’s important to remember with a Bengal is how much they need to eat. They can and do require a little more than your average cat and I’ve successfully fed my Bengals on one can per day (each) for many years. And I know that sounds a lot of cat food. It is. But they were (and remain) in the peak of health, up to weight, though not overweight, and content.

Initially, my vet queried the amount that they ate. However, he came to trust my judgement. Bengals are very active cats, often into old age. They remain full of life, particularly when outdoors, and therefore burn off any excess. Factor in the possibility that your Bengal will also take advantage of the local small wild life population – even if they’re well fed by their owners.

My cats have stalked, assassinated and consumed an inordinate amount of birds, mice, fish (yes – even fish) and various other unfortunate mammals. And still come home for dinner. A horrible side to Bengal ownership but also a very real one.

Another thing – Bengals aren’t good with water placed in bowls. I no longer place water down for my cats, and haven’t bothered doing so for years. There is a plentiful supply of water in the immediate area and they prefer to find their own. Alternatively, they love to drink from the faucet. This is indicated by sitting next to one and either staring at it or screeching until their need for a drink is addressed.

However, if your Bengal is an indoor cat, you’d be advised (of course) to provide their water. Though I’m sure that you’ll succumb to simply attending to their faucet-turning-on behaviors.

If you would rather not feed your Bengal from a can, then dry cat-food is fine. But – bear in mind that the breed really does prefer meat over biscuits. Or offer both. All of mine have liked a munch on biscuits, to varying degrees. As a treat, offer them fresh meat. Don’t buy it specially. I’m talking about leftovers or a small piece of steak. Trust me – your cat will adore you all the more after a few tasty morsels of rib-eye.

In short, feed your Bengal Cat as you would any other domestic cat breed. Just bear in mind their silly foibles and attention to detail, coupled with the fact that they’re a hungry breed and do need a little extra in their dishes. Otherwise – feeding a Bengal is as easy as pie.