How to Train a Bengal Cat (Without Losing Your Mind)

Bengal cats are basically the wild jungle cats we all wish we could live with—until they knock over your favorite mug, climb your curtains, and somehow open the fridge. Yes, they’re smart. Yes, they’re beautiful. But training them? That’s where the real adventure begins.

I live with a Bengal named Zuko (yes, like the fire prince). He taught me one thing fast—I wasn’t the boss. Until I figured out how to speak Bengal. And no, it’s not just yelling “No!” ten times in a row while waving your arms like a maniac.

Let me save you from the chaos with the steps that actually worked for me.

Understand the Beast You’re Dealing With

Bengals aren’t your sleepy tabby that lounges all day. They’re:

Super intelligent
Hyperactive
Wildly curious
Prone to boredom tantrums (think: shredded toilet paper)

If you treat a Bengal like any other cat, you’re going to have shredded curtains and an ego in tatters.

By the way, if you're into Bengal stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: Where to Buy a Bengal Cat (Without Getting Scammed)

What You’ll Need to Train a Bengal

Before you start, grab these:

Item	Why You Need It
Treats	Instant bribery for good behavior
Clicker	For clicker training (yes, it works!)
Toys	To channel their energy away from your ankles
Scratching posts	Save your furniture before it’s too late

I tried training without treats once. Zuko stared at me like I owed him rent. Lesson learned.

Oh, and speaking of Bengal, here’s another one you might like: What Is a Bengal Cat Mixed With?

Step 1: Lure Them With Treats (and Praise)

Bengals are food-driven. Use that. Keep training sessions short, around 5–10 minutes. Always reward right after they do what you want.

Start with simple commands like:

“Sit” – Hold a treat above their head. Move it back slowly until their butt touches the ground. The second it does, say “Sit” and give the treat.
“High five” – Hold a treat in your fist. Let them paw at it. Say “High five” the moment they use a paw. Open your hand and treat them.

Zuko picked up “sit” in two days. “Stay,” though? Still a work in progress. Baby steps.

Also, just throwing this in—this Bengal post is a fun read too: How Big Does a Bengal Cat Get?

Step 2: Use Clicker Training

Clickers work because they create a clear sound to mark good behavior.

Here’s how to do it:

Click and give a treat immediately, so they associate the sound with rewards.
Start clicking right when they do the behavior you want.
Be consistent with both the timing and the reward.

I carry a clicker in my pocket now. Yes, I have become that person.

Step 3: Stop Bad Behavior Without a Meltdown

Bengals will:

Jump on counters
Chew cords
Open cabinets
Scream at 3 a.m.

Instead of yelling (which does nothing), do this:

Ignore attention-seeking meows. Don’t give in. Or they’ll meow just to mess with you.
Use double-sided tape or citrus spray on places you want them to avoid.
Redirect – If they’re chewing something bad, offer a toy instead.

I once tried to “scold” Zuko. He looked me dead in the eye and pushed a plant off the shelf. Power move.

Step 4: Leash Train for Outdoor Adventures

Yes, you can walk a Bengal cat. No, you can’t just slap on a leash and hope for the best.

Here’s how I did it:

Get a proper harness – snug but comfy.
Let them wear it indoors first.
Give treats every time they walk with it.
Once they’re used to it, attach the leash.
Start with short backyard walks.

Zuko now struts like a dog with a purpose. The neighborhood dogs are confused, but I live for the drama.

Step 5: Train the Human

This part’s important: you need to stay calm, consistent, and patient.

Don’t expect instant results. Bengals like to test boundaries—a lot. But once they start seeing you as the “smart monkey who brings snacks,” they’ll play along.

What You Should Never Do

Don’t punish them physically. It breaks trust.
Don’t chase them when they misbehave. It becomes a game.
Don’t expect them to act like dogs. They’re not here to please you. They’re here to be fabulous.