If you’ve ever been around a Bengal cat, you know that they can be pretty curious creatures. They often explore every nook and cranny of a room, and sometimes they even howl when there’s nobody else around! So what does this behavior mean?
A Bengal cat howls to communicate its needs to you. For example, your cat may make this noise to tell you that it is hungry, thirsty, or wants some attention from you. In some cases, your feline may be in pain or nursing an underlying illness. Either way, a howl is often a sign that your cat would like some help.
Continue reading to explore the various reasons why your cat may enter an empty room and begin howling. Read about the causes, and learn how to provide your Bengal with everything it needs.
Why Do Bengal Cats Howl In An Empty Room?
There are many reasons why your cat howls when it enters an empty room. Most commonly, a cat howling in an empty room means that they want to lead you in there for some reason.
While you may think that all of your cat’s calls sound the same, it’s essential to learn that they aren’t. The volume and tone of the call can help you understand its meaning. Below are some reasons why your Bengal may be howling.
Your Cat May Howl To Get Your Attention
As a rule, Bengals tend to be relatively high-maintenance cats who demand a significant amount of attention from their human owners. If your cat feels that you are not meeting its need for attention, it may vocalize those needs to you.
A Bengal may also howl to get your attention if it’s stuck somewhere and wants you to rescue it. If you suspect this may be the reason for your cat’s howling, try playing with or petting them.
Your Cat May Howl If It’s In Pain
An injured cat is more likely to stay still and keep its distance from you than howl to get your attention. In addition, wounded cats usually howl when a person is inspecting or touching their injury.
However, if your cat has contracted an illness, they may have symptoms that they’re unable to hide. Plus, an illness can change the appetite of your Bengal, meaning it may be more or less hungry than usual – and they may use a howl to communicate this to you.
Pay attention to your cat’s tone and body language when they howl. If you suspect that they are in any pain, refer them to your vet for a thorough check-up.
Your Cat May Howl If It’s Feeling Lonely
Cats are more independent pets than dogs, but they are still prone to loneliness and can experience separation anxiety if their humans aren’t around. When you leave a cat alone for a long time, it can become anxious and bored; particularly highly sociable cats such as the Bengal.
If your cat howls in an empty room, it may be a sign that it is longing for some company. Try giving attention to your cat and ensuring that they have an environment filled with toys and games that will stimulate them.
Howling May Be A Sign That Your Cat Is Aging
As cats age and their bodily functions start to diminish, your cat may begin to howl more often. Also, when cats get older, their eyesight may begin to weaken; if the room is dark and your cat is alone, they may howl because they feel panicked and want you to comfort them.
If your cat is getting older, try to keep them close by you as your scent and voice can help to soothe them.
Cats May Howl If They Are Feeling Stressed
It’s pretty easy for cats to get stressed out. For example, moving to a new house or having new people (such as a baby) in their environment can cause them stress if they feel a sense of disruption.
If your cat howls following a change in their environment, this could very likely be the cause, and it will subside with time. A significant change can take some getting used to, and they may howl excessively for a while.
Spending time with them and comforting them can help your Bengal adapt to a new situation.
Your Bengal May Want To Spend Some Time Outside
Some Bengals will vocalize when they want to spend time outside. This is particularly likely to happen if they are indoor-outdoor cats or live with a dog who barks when he wants to be let out.
Why Do Bengal Cats Make So Much Noise?
Most cats will meow when they want something from you, but a Bengal cat will meow for anything and everything. From being hungry to feeling bored, a Bengal cat will mew, meow and chatter to you, other animals, or even the fly on the wall.
Bengals are particularly chatty varieties of cats who will always have something to talk to you about. If a Bengal cat wants something, they won’t hesitate to tell everyone listening.
While some Bengals meow and howl to communicate their needs, others do it for attention or just so that they can hear their own voice.
When there’s no particular reason for the noise, it can become annoying for an owner. Still, it’s essential to understand that these vocalizations are a way for your feline to express itself.
How Can I Understand My Bengal Through Its Body Language?
If you’re still unsure why your Bengal is howling, try looking for additional signs in its body language.
When your cat feels frightened, it will try to make itself look as big as possible. It may do this by arching its back to stand up as tall as possible. On the other hand, if your cat feels intimidated, it may do the opposite and try to make itself smaller.
A happy Bengal will tuck its legs up, but when the paws are flat on the floor, it’s a sign that it’s preparing to bolt. On the other hand, if your cat is totally relaxed, it will lie on its back and expose its belly to you.
The eyes and ears of your Bengal can also provide signs of its mood. Dilated pupils can show that your feline is scared, but wide pupils can also signify that your cat is engaged in playtime. If the pupils are constricted, your Bengal is feeling tense or nervous.
If your cat’s ears point upwards, it’s a sign they are interested and alert, but if they flatten backward, your cat is fearful or irritated.
How Can I Stop My Cat From Howling?
There are many reasons for your cat to howl, so preventing this behavior is not always possible. However, you can take steps to minimize howling and ensure that your Bengal is happy.
Keep your cat well fed and entertained. If they meow even when fed, it might mean that they don’t like what you’re giving them. Try a different type of food and see if it makes a difference.
Providing enough stimulation is also important. All cats need spaces to jump and climb along with toys and games to occupy their minds. Interactive play is a great way to bond with your Bengal, and two to three 15 minute sessions a day should suffice.
Make sure you have the correct litter box and litter. This is crucial for ensuring your cat’s comfort and helping to prevent your Bengal from treading clumps of litter around the house.
Plus, Bengals are territorial cats and will like a place to call their own. It doesn’t need to be a whole room – something like a cat tree is the perfect space for you Bengal to dominate.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why a Bengal cat might howl. They may be hungry, want more attention, or want you to play with them. If your cat is howling, look for signs that can help you understand what they are trying to communicate to you.
Once you understand what is going on for your Bengal, you can ensure that you meet all of their needs, which will usually quieten them down.
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- Are Bengal Cats Indoor or Outdoor Cats?
- What Sounds Do Bengal Cats Make?
- What Are Bengal Cats?
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- What Is A Good Age to Get Bengal Cats Spayed and Neutered?
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