Why a Bengal Kitten?
Gorgeous colours and markings. The look and movements of a wild cat with the gentleness of a domestic cat. Just to see a Bengal run up the trunk of a large tree (and down again), or to see them gallop at full speed across your lawn says it all. Look at the Bengal from the rear as he walks, he walks a little different from a household pet, he was built to run. His agility is amazing, leaping and twisting in the air - just for fun. He is as happy doing this in the confines of your home as he is outside on your lawn. I've had someone decide that their home was too small for a Bengal, but after missing him so much, they took him back home along with his sister, they have decided their home is just the right size for 2 Bengals.
So you've decided you would like a Bengal Cat for a pet, consider the following:
The Bengal Cat is intelligent, loving, and very mischievous, who plays a big part in any family's life. He/she gets along well with cats or dogs and loves to play with children, joining in games, especially anything involving fetching something back. A Bengal will often hurl herself into the middle of the games, to the amazement of others. As kittens, they are totally unaware of the ways of the world, often even into their adult life, they don't understand why other animals and people don't understand their sense of fun and adventure.
They have a wonderful sense of humour! They love to play with water, from a puddle, a tap, or a bath, (remember to close the toilet lid). They think nothing of dipping their paws into your glass of water, pop, tea or coffee (if cool enough). Don't get cross with them, look into their face and see their innocence, they just think life is fun. A Bengal needs company, animals or people he doesn't mind. If he is to be on his own during the day, make sure there are things to keep him interested/occupied or he will become frustrated and get into mischief.
A Bengal is a Bengal you may think - in my opinion you would be wrong.
Decide which colour you prefer, I breed, Brown, Snow Bengals with the occasional silver or blue bengal. Don't be shy about asking your breeder to point out shade differences within colours. You also need to decide on the markings you prefer, Spotted or Marbled.
People wishing to adopt a Bengal have come to me totally confused about the pricing system. Ask the questions, your breeder should be able to explain everything to make things clear to you. Whichever you decide on, hold them, they may be shy with you because you are a stranger to them, but when they look up into your eyes you will melt.
Do you wish the energy and arrogance of an early generation?
A wild animal licence is required for an Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) or an F1 from the wild (50% wild blood or more). Wild animal acts are for the protection of the animals. An animal does not have to be vicious in order to require one. Don't consider an F1 for a pet unless you have experience with hybrids. If you do consider an early generation kitten please make sure you can go and visit and handle the kitten.
I sometimes have kittens available from F3 onwards. Very friendly but very energetic and demanding of attention, they have an exciting energy with a mischievous streak.
Early generation kittens need to be loved and handled and they will give you back that love and much, much more. Don't be concerned or confused about "early generation". With regard to Bengals an F3 from the wild, means third generation down from an Asian Leopard Cat. Some early generation cats have more wild cat breeding than others, ask your breeder to explain this to you in order for you to make your decision.
Be aware that sometimes adult early generations come onto the market and should not be kept as pets because they have not been handled correctly. Like any cat born and not handled they do not make lap cats without a lot of work.
As with any cat, their behavior depends on their own experience of life. If a cat (or any other animal) is roughly handled, then that animal will either start to behave roughly towards you or withdraw inside itself. ALWAYS TEACH WITH KINDNESS!
