Welcome! On this page you will find links to other areas of our website with more detailed information on noted topics related to caring for your bengal. We hope that you find it informative and are able to use it as an ongoing resource while raising your bengal. Have we not touched on something that you were hoping to find? We appreciate your feedback as we consider our website to always be a work in progress and would like to provide as much helpful information as possible. Did you find this page helpful? Please feel free to share any of this information you like, by direct linking to our website.
Thank you - Carmen
Thank you - Carmen
"We're thinking of adopting a bengal - we think they're really pretty, but we don't know much about them. Are they any different from "regular" cats?" WATCH THIS
"Is it true that bengals are hypoallergenic?"
Yes, it's true that bengals are hypoallergenic, however this only means that they are "relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction" in a person not typically allergic to cats. While there is no guarantee you will not have an allergic reaction to a bengal, we do have many clients with cat allergies who are living symptom free with their bengals. There are also many options available now to help people with severe allergies be able to co-exist with their cats even if they are allergic. Feel free to ask us about allergies and how you can co-exist with a cat in your home.
"We live on acreage and plan to let our bengal have the freedom to roam outdoors, as nature intended".
I'm sorry, but you will not be adopting a kitten from us. Not only is this strictly forbidden by the terms of our contract, but we've also signed the Breeder's Code of Ethics with TICA ("The International Cat Association") stating that we will not bring kittens into the world to be put in danger in the homes we place them in - specifically that they not be allowed to free roam out of doors. There are no exceptions to this.
"What are the CO$TS involved in owning a cat for its lifetime?"
I'm sorry, but you will not be adopting a kitten from us. Not only is this strictly forbidden by the terms of our contract, but we've also signed the Breeder's Code of Ethics with TICA ("The International Cat Association") stating that we will not bring kittens into the world to be put in danger in the homes we place them in - specifically that they not be allowed to free roam out of doors. There are no exceptions to this.
"What are the CO$TS involved in owning a cat for its lifetime?"
"We only want one pet, so the bengal will be an only pet in our home - will this be ok?"
Short answer: BENGALS NEED PLAYMATES. Bengals are extremely intelligent animals that thrive on interaction with not only their human companions but also with other animals. We highly recommend that you have a playmate available for your bengal to provide the social stimulation that you are unable to and to help avoid boredom and behavioural issues. A dog or cat is best. If you don't already have a pet before adopting a bengal from us, please consider adopting from a shelter. If you feel that a second bengal is more suited, we do offer a discount on your second kitten - whether purchased at the same time as your first, or at a later date. That said, we do understand that it is not possible in some situations to have a second animal. In these types of situations, we strongly recommend having a cat wheel. It is a lifesaver in terms of burning off your kitten's energy each day and keeping him happy, content, and out of mischief.
Short answer: BENGALS NEED PLAYMATES. Bengals are extremely intelligent animals that thrive on interaction with not only their human companions but also with other animals. We highly recommend that you have a playmate available for your bengal to provide the social stimulation that you are unable to and to help avoid boredom and behavioural issues. A dog or cat is best. If you don't already have a pet before adopting a bengal from us, please consider adopting from a shelter. If you feel that a second bengal is more suited, we do offer a discount on your second kitten - whether purchased at the same time as your first, or at a later date. That said, we do understand that it is not possible in some situations to have a second animal. In these types of situations, we strongly recommend having a cat wheel. It is a lifesaver in terms of burning off your kitten's energy each day and keeping him happy, content, and out of mischief.
"How do I best introduce the new kitten to our existing pets in the home?" Worried about how to smoothly introduce your new kitten to your existing pets? I have written a detailed article with a step by step introduction technique that has worked successfully time and time again for many of our kitten clients. "Introducing Cat Number 2, 3, 4 or more...!"
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"What do I feed my bengal kitten?" - Raw feeding explained by a vet in order to dispell the myths that feeding this way is in any way "dangerous" or "harmful".
Another excellent article written by a vet explaining why a raw diet for your bengal is best:
Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition, by Lisa A. Pierson, DVM |
"My vet doesn't agree with feeding a raw diet... how do I address this?" Here is some helpful information you can provide for your vet when discussing diet options for your new kitten or cat: "Cat Nutrition" and "Open Letter to Veterinarians".
Some interesting facts about the dangers of salmonella poisoning from dry kibble. WET IS ALWAYS BEST.
Some interesting facts about the dangers of salmonella poisoning from dry kibble. WET IS ALWAYS BEST.
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I threw out all our dry and canned food and put out some raw for our cat, but he won't touch it - what do I do?"
"I want to make my own raw food, but don't know where to start!" You're welcome to follow our personal raw cat food recipe HERE. You're also welcome to order your raw cat food directly from us. |
Transitioning from commercial food to raw
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"Is it possible to train my bengal to stay off of our counter tops!?"
"I work full time and don't have time to take my cat out for supervised exercise to the extent that he needs. What can I do to keep him from terrorizing our home??"
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Answer: He needs safe indoor EXERCISE!
Consider purchasing a Ferris Cat Wheel for your bengal... Bengals have more energy to burn than you can imagine and a wheel in your home will promote proper daily exercise and ensure that behavioural issues resulting from boredom and pent up energy will not develop. |
"My bengals make SUCH a mess digging and playing in their litter boxes - what can I do?"
Bengals can make any thing and any place into a "fun zone" and the litter box is no exception! Litter box TIP - we use these 38L/10 gallon Roughneck Rubbermaid containers as litter boxes for those of our bengals who make an "exceptional" mess pawing and digging in our standard sized litter boxes. Not only do they save ANY litter mess from spreading around the box and poorly-aimed pee from going over the sides, but the standard litter boxes also fit neatly INSIDE the bin so that the bin can act as a guard and not have to be cleaned daily like the regular box! We've used big bins in the past, but they were never quite the right height or size (too narrow for a litter box inside, too big and bulky to wash, or so tall the cats were tipping them over). These ones are PERFECT and they are about $7 at Wal-Mart (click on the picture for the link).
Whether you are a kitten client of ours, a cat lover in general, or just thinking about embarking on the joys of life with a cat, one of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to purchase this book! It will be your go-to encyclopedia of the best advice ever regarding your relationship with your cat(s) and how to solve nearly every problem imaginable. It's FREE right now with the download of Audible... worth checking out for sure. You're welcome ;)
If you have any questions that have not been answered on this page, or the links provided, please contact us directly at carmen.klassen@gmail.com. I'm happy to research your question for you if I don't have an answer for you!
How much should you expect to spend on pet care during the lifespan of your bengal?
