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A spotted brown Bengal cat sits among crushed pink tulips and scattered petals on a living room floor. 18 / 26

The Bouquet Was on the Table, and a Bengal Was Soon in the Tulips

AI imagebengal cattulipsliving room

A spotted Bengal sits in a pool of pink tulips, and not one of them is standing up. Leopard the brown Bengal holds his ears pulled back and gives a sidelong glance, his golden coat marked with dark rosettes and a dark-ringed face that makes him look like a tiny wildcat. Green stems and petals are scattered all around his paws like confetti. Behind him, a couch with a gray throw, a basket of laundry and a pile of toys give the room a lived-in warmth, and soft sunlight spills across the floor.

Bengals are a high-energy breed developed from crosses between domestic cats and the Asian leopard cat, and they are known for being athletic, intelligent and busy. They love to climb and explore and often need more play than the average cat. Without enough activity, they may find their own entertainment, which can involve flowers. Flowers deserve a safety note, too. Lilies are especially dangerous for cats, and even a little pollen or water from the vase can cause serious problems, while tulips can also upset a cat's stomach. If your cat chews on flowers, call your vet. Keep bouquets out of reach or choose cat-safe plants, and offer cat grass and plenty of climbing space. A Bengal that has an outlet for its energy is far less likely to take it out on the bouquet.

Leopard looks quietly pleased with his new bed. The tulips will be missed, but it is a lovely shade of pink on a spotted coat.

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