Wondering if anyone could offer advice about whether male or female bengals are a better choice for this kind of set up please? We adore Bengal cats and lost our precious boy in a road accident some time ago. As a result we feel we could never take that risk again even though I have always felt that cats like to roam and many cope with that. Our boy was daring and we live on a quiet cup de sac but with a variably busy main road not far away which was the issue. While we are still mourning his loss the house feels so empty without a cat and at some point we would like another. We are planning to build an outside area which is caged off and directly links to the cat flap. Do any of you have any advice about:
- whether females have less of a need for running and the outside or whether gender makes no difference. Our boy used to want to run after a string in the garden with us for half an hour at a time which he used to pester us to do. With the enclosure, while it should be a few metres it is unlikely to allow that level of us running with a cat.
- any features of an enclosure which would help a new cat to exercise and be happy.
- any advice on the time that is best to leave between losing a cat and getting another. Our boy can never be replaced so we don’t want to project our feeling for him in to a new cat... but there is an empty space in this house.
Thank you

Welcome. In general when it comes to regular domestic cats, the males travel farther than the females. But that doesn't mean that a female can get into less trouble. If there is a car driving down the street, it can run over a male or female directly in front of your house. So, it really shouldn't and doesn't matter whether you get a male or female. I only have experience with a male bengal who has a 12'x12' enclosure on our deck and gets two walks daily. All cats love the outdoors and fresh air and, as you have discovered, there are dangers out there. I'm so sorry you lost your other bengal. Keeping your new baby safe is your first priority and an enclosure is perfect.

There is never a required amount of time between losing and getting a cat. Whatever you are comfortable with. Doesn't mean you loved your previous kitty any less. When feel you are ready for another kitty, get another kitty and do not feel guilty.

Cats don't need "runs" like dogs do. Some cats get by with an extension out a window which is only a 1'x3' area. Size is going to depend on how much room you have an the amount of money you want to spend on an enclosure. Make it tall enough to be able to climbing shelves, a fake tree or outdoor cat tree. We have a translucent roof on ours so we have a cat tree out there except in the winter time.

If you really want your cat to get exercise, consider training on a harness and leash and go for walks. It will be more exercise for your cat than you ... but it's a great time for spending time together.

If you Google "cat enclosures" or "catios," You will find an array of ideas and something that will work for you. They can be elaborate or not. It's great if you are handy and can construct it yourself. Just make sure it is completely escape proof. There are other options on the market that you just have to put together.

I don't have too much to say, other than: "good for you!". That's a great way for your cat to have the best of both worlds. What I've noticed is that "catios" are really starting to "become a thing" now. There's even local places that I've found that specialize in them!

http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/ ... tland.html
https://www.catssafeathome.org/catio/
https://www.facebook.com/CatioSpaces/


P.S. I'm totally going to go to the next catio tour!

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The little monsters 3

Thank you to both of you! I enjoyed seeing the pictures of the catios. I will get planning.

I'm so glad that Sherry and Brian have responded. I wanted to, but don't have as much knowledge as these two. If either of them said jump, I'd simply ask "how high".

We made a small enclosure, with external (from the enclosure) but inside, shelves for our boys and they love it.
Also have a cat wheel for Bryan (Max the DSH, is too lazy to go near it).
They do get to go out for an afternoon walk each afternoon in the back yard. Bryan (Bengal) is on a harness and leash. I'm way too scared to take them out of the yard.
They seem happy.

Aw look at that gorgeous smile! I miss that. Yes I guess we could walk him round our garden to but maybe worse for our potential new one to know he can but not be able to get to it when he wants to so I think we may just keep him in a catio and the house. The risk would be a child or my partner leaving the front door open to 'nip to the car' or when someone comes to the front door we would have to have a notice to shut the porch. We have far too many dogs in the local area for us to walk a cat far on a harness in public. Ravi, our old boy, used to take himself where he wanted but I'm sure he would have kept away from dogs. And it will be a plus not to have the worry that we used to if he came in late or hadn't been seen for a few hours.

Bengals are amazing escape artists. Mine will time my walking out the door and slip between my legs and be outside in an instant. However, he gets out there and stops for a second before walking off crying. I shut him in the bedroom when I need to make multiple trips outside and don't want to have to worry about him. Others and children don't really pay attention when opening doors, so be extra careful.

There is an array of ideas online for a catio -- something for every space and budget. You can also make sure you catify your home with lots of climbing spaces or cat trees. Incorporate them in an enclosure as well. It would be nice if you had access to the enclosure as well to spend time in there. Your baby may enjoy it more if you can be out there with the kitty. Ours currently has four chairs in there and we put a regular security door for me to go in and out.