Expert: Shanti Zinzi - 1/18/2011

Question
I have a 10 month old neutered bangal mix kitty that I got from a family that said he was "just to hyper for their family"(I've had him for 4 months). He seems like he is doing everything he can to get into trouble. He jumps on the counter and kitchen table, the other day he ate an avocado, scratches on everything but the scratching post and other scratching items, and literally climbs the walls(I have claw marks all over the corners or walls and door jams) and when either my husband or myself even move or walk in the room he runs as fast as he can to hide, knowing he's wrong. I've tried loud noises, telling him no, spraying him with water, I even tried compressed air, and nothing seems to work he's just getting worse. On top of all that my husband and I are Combat Vets with PTSD and I'm pregnant. I'm at my wits end things were fine for a while it recently he has gotten worse. Please help I really don't want to have to get rid of him but I cant keep going like this.

Answer
Hi Rene,

Well, first you need to realize what his needs are. He is a kitten still- a teenager and stimulation and exercise are of extreme importance. He is exploring the world just like a child would and needs play, play, play. The world is full of exciting discovery and this is his view of the world.

Bengals are active, intelligient and inquisitve and remain that way for life. How much are you playing with him? He needs long fun play sessions.
He is a curious, intelligent animal and deserves to have those needs entertained.
If you want a lap cat, a cat over 10 years of age  might be a better match. Also, a cat that is not of Bengal origin.
Older cats make wonderful affectionate companions especially for those with a low stress threshold that need the relaxation and love a cat provides. Many cats live easily until 18-20 with proper care and diet.

Cats NEED to climb so he is jumping all over your counters.
It sounds like you are extremely stressed and not enjoying this magnificent animal. You can redirect him with wand toys and fun cat games to climb tall cat trees-provide many of them.
Cats are not dogs and do not respond to "obedience training" Also, he doesn't know he did "wrong" but is responding to your body language  and energy when you come into the room angry at him. This is why he is running to hide not because he "knows he did wrong."
How could a curious animal of another species knows it is wrong to express its natural inclinations? This is an err in judgement that is not fair to him.

Cats need to scratch- this is instinct. You must provide plenty of things that he finds enjoyable to scratch such as wood logs, carpeted cat trees and those serrated cardboard cat scratchers that one adds catnip.

He also at this age is honing instinctual hunting skills- which he would be doing with a littermate -tossing and tumbling, ambushing and jumping.

I am sorry to hear about the PTSD, but this is no fault of the cat- you might want to reframe your mental state to improve your relationship with such a creature of curiosity and spontaneity and how you witness him and marvel at his lack of inhibition and spontaneity since PTSD naturally inhibits one dramatically. Watch his joy and unrestrained expression. This is natural state that unfortunately- gets conditioned out of us through painful experiences and breaks in rearing or traumatic circumstances.

I don't believe in keeping cats trapped to indoors as they develop neurosis, boredom and obesity. If a safe area is accessible for him to explore and he has his wits about him - I would allow him access to the outside. This is a process and not something to be done in one day-but training and supervision are required before we find out is he knows his way home. Bengals in particular might be overly curious, so proper outdoor circumstances and training is a must.
If this is not possible, I would train him to walk on a harness and take him for safe walks with lots of green and a peaceful natural setting. This would do you enormous good to and ground some of those traumatized responses you are unfortunately feeling.
If you are too overwhelmed, the best thing to do is to find him a safe, loving home with someone who is fully screened and  experienced with young cats and Bengal backgrounds and can happily provide for his needs. You can contact a Bengal rescue for tips. Not any old person who loves cats will do. Since you are pregnant, it does not sound like you can focus on him and meet his attention and stimulation needs.
Best of luck,
Shanti