We picked up Max from a animal sanctuary last week. He’s a lovely burnt cinnamon leopard marked boy, about 8 years, 7.1 kg and settling for in very well. He was at the cattery for around 3 to 4 months.

When you can’t find him, it’s upstairs and to the bedroom. There’s a lump in the bed and there he is asleep under the duvet.

He starting to have his mad half hour in the mornings, hurtling around, jumping on toys and body sliding across the carpet.

He’s also found the bathroom, demanding we turn on the sink tap so he can drink and also drinking in the shower with his head in the ‘rain’ then padding wet paw prints everywhere.

Lots of leg bunts, cuddles up on the settee or lap and very friendly.

He’s lovely.

I did think he was doing quite a bit of ‘personal grooming’ which was no big deal, but then realised it was a little more than that.

Back legs in the air, toes apart,front paws kneeding what ever he’s resting on, purring and with a certain part of his anatomy extended and in his mouth! This can go on for about 5 mins and short of completely rolling him over, no amount of pushing,shoving or tapping will make him stop. Happens maybe twice a day....

Not that i’m a prude but I’ve never had a cat that’s done this so obviously...is this a Bengal thing or have I just been unaware of it at all?

Could be a talking point...more tea vicar?!

uhh so I think when this happens... it is actually nursing behavior. You could look into triggers, or if he is self soothing/anxious.

Max sounds like a typical bengal. Bengals are very energetic, highly vocal, very social, extremely intelligent cats. Throw everything you know about cats out the window because a bengal is not your ordinary cat. It appears Max has settled in very well with you.

Make sure you play with Max when he is having his energy burst in the morning. Wand toys are especially enticing to bengals.

Get a ceramic or stainless steel water fountain which may eliminate the turning on the faucet for water.

As for the kneading, many cats do this. It can be a sign of contentment. My domestic short hair does this ALL the time.

Congratulations on Max and thank you for rescuing him.

Haha. Good topic ! I too understand your puzzlement. Never experienced it before I adopted 2 bengals. Charlie our first beautiful boy was super confident, ultra male. He would do this when I petted him , exactly like you say legs open and vigorous grooming below, toes quivering and then a relaxed pose. Our current baby is ultra needy and does this when I pet him and also before he lays down on his fleece blanket, along with needing and excessive meowing. I can only share your experience and looking forward to the experts views. I have googled it and the only conclusion is that it is a comforter for them. Funny folk are bengals but gotta ❤️ them.