Would a kitten that is a Bengal crossed with a domestic shorthair not get on with my domestic shorthair cat?

Question

I know Bengal cats don't typically get on with domestic shorthairs, but what about kittens that have a bengal mother and a domestic dad? Is it still a problem? Does it make any difference if they know each other from kittenhood?

Answer 1

Hi Emmy...Bengals and Bengal crosses are really no different than any other domestic cat if Bengal breeders socialized the kittens early on and the introductions to new cats are done gradually. Although, Bengal cats are very hyperactive cats they do actually benefit from the company of other active cat breeds so they are not lonely and bored. Bengals fair much better with the company of other cats or dogs if their human families are busy away from home much of the time as they can become quite destructive looking for ways to entertain themselves if no one is there to play with them.

Answer 2

Bengals are specifically bred to be gentle. This was a result of the breeders breeding out the wild cat in them. I have NEVER heard of a case of Bengals not getting along with domestic shorthairs, and I have met a few bengal breeders. Their only suggestion was to make them indoor, not indoor/outdoor.

Both my sisters have a bengal mix (with siamese), and the cats are VERY playful, and get along very well with the other kitties in the house. They both even play with dogs.

Cats are more likely to get along better if they know each other from kittenhood, but if introduced right (keeping them in separate rooms for about a week) you should be fine.