It sounds like what he wants is not just company but action. Good, hard cat-wrestling action. He probably gets bored out of his mind while you're at work and then goes bonkers once you get home and literally climbs the walls. (Does he have a cat tree to climb instead?) The squirt gun and timeouts might not be working very well because he needs an outlet for his energy and gets frustrated if he ends up in timeout instead. Being squirted or picked up and thrown out of the room might have become part of the game for him.

Redirecting his energy to more appropriate toys and games might work better because it allows him to relieve more of his play drive. E.g. find out what kind of interactive toys he really likes (Mikesch loves the DaBird toy and goes nuts for it, I'm not sure though if that's something you can buy in Ireland) and have one ready next to where you watch TV to distract him the moment he goes into "attack mode," ideally before he can get at you. Or have a couple of toys at your disposal you can throw for him or at him to chase and attack (e.g. Mikesch loves to chase ping-pong balls). A stuffed animal as a wrestling partner and chew toy might help to distract him from using your hands as such. Over time he might learn to direct his playful energy at those toys instead of attacking you.

The other part of the equation is to refrain from interacting with him when he turns on you. Try to ignore him completely on those occasions, maybe limiting yourself to yelling "ouch" and leaving the room. He wants interaction, but he has to learn that he will only get it when he plays nice and not when he's playing naughty. For example, the interaction he gets when being lifted up and thrown out of the room might already be enough encouragement for him to keep playing that particular game.

Another four-legged playmate to keep him company while you're at work might really do the trick. It doesn't have to be another bengal, but could be any energetic and playful companion. Even a perky dog might work if you don't want another cat.

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~Lisa~

Bella & Leo

Beauty IS the beast...
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Demanding... that is very true. We had researched Bengals before buying one, but even then we were unprepared for their intense personalities. Only after trial and error, and a lot more research and inquiry, did we finally see what WE were doing wrong, and how to adapt to these curious cats. We do have lots of toys for them, and we shower them with attention when they want it (there are times our male will just want to rub our legs, or wants an ear scratch, but neither like to be held or cuddled, and they never sit in our laps - only next to us). The female is the most affectionate - she seems to have "picked" me as her favorite of the household, and will chase me upstairs after a day at the office, and just talk talk talk, roll around and have me rub her belly. Her favorite game (which can go on for 20 mins or so till she's bored) is a paper ball toss. She'll sit and wait for me to toss it to her, and she'll snatch it up in her paws in a flash. Then she falls on her side with it, purring madly, and waits for me to replay the game over and over. It is soooooooo funny and simple, but she adores it. When she's had her fill, she'll leave me to find Leo, and romp around the house with him. Leo is more of a daddy's boy, and he'll curl up between my husband's legs at night, or bite his toes looking to play. He knows the sound of his car, and comes racing to the front door to greet him after work with howls, chirps, and purring.

So, honestly, once you figure out what it'll take to make your Bengal happy, you'll find so much more joy in their company. They really are a treat to watch. hehe

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~Lisa~

Bella & Leo

Beauty IS the beast...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tameeria's advice is so true.

I'm sat in the office with Indy chewing and fighting with my feet. I have just fetched his fishing rod toy and now we are half way through a game hide and chase. In about 10 mins he will lie down too knackered to fight anymore and my feet are now safe as he has a better distraction.

I read somehwhere that a cats favourite activity is hunting/pouncing. If you engage him in this he will be a very happy cat. You have to wear them out

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Buddy's Mama