Commonly Asked Questions about bengals
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"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?". How should we prepare our home for a bengal? WATCH THIS
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"Is it true that bengals are hypoallergenic?"
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Yes, it's true that bengals are hypoallergenic, however keep in mind that "hypoallergenic" simply 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 our 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.
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"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. |
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"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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"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.
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.
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"Is it possible to train my bengal to stay off of our counter tops!?" CLICK HERE to read how.
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"My bengals make SUCH a mess digging and playing in their litter boxes - what can I do?"
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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).
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 |
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"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. More helpful information on raw feeding: Feeding Your Cat: Know the Basics of Feline Nutrition
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Transitioning from commercial food to raw
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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. |
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"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. |
How much should you expect to spend on pet care during the lifespan of your bengal?
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Adoption
Why do you have a wait list?
Nature is one thing we often have very little control over. Having a wait list ensures that even if there is not a steady flow of kittens, there is a steady flow of homes and families waiting for their kittens, and when nature's timing is right, the perfect kitten will arrive for each family that is waiting. If we have no wait list, we won't produce kittens.
How long is the wait list?
Right now the wait list is much shorter than it typically is, so now is a very good time to secure a spot on it. Some things to know about the wait list:
How long will I have to wait for a kitten?
From breeding date to take home date you can calculate 5 months (2 months gestation, and 3 months being raised here by us).
Nature is one thing we often have very little control over. Having a wait list ensures that even if there is not a steady flow of kittens, there is a steady flow of homes and families waiting for their kittens, and when nature's timing is right, the perfect kitten will arrive for each family that is waiting. If we have no wait list, we won't produce kittens.
How long is the wait list?
Right now the wait list is much shorter than it typically is, so now is a very good time to secure a spot on it. Some things to know about the wait list:
- We maintain a wait list throughout the year and the wait time varies, depending on the number and type of kittens we have arriving.
- Your deposit holds your place for as long as we are breeding, so don't worry about it expiring.
- By-pass any litter that comes available and you will continue to move up the list, never down.
- Fill out our Questionnaire.
- Submit a signed copy of the Deposit Agreement.
- Submit your Deposit via e-transfer, PayPal or Mail a Cheque
How long will I have to wait for a kitten?
From breeding date to take home date you can calculate 5 months (2 months gestation, and 3 months being raised here by us).
I'm not sure what type of bengal I like most... what are the different colours and patterns available?
This is a question we get asked so often. A bengal takes approximately two years to fully develop its colour and pattern, so looking at a very young kitten is NOT a good way to choose your favourite colour or pattern. Here is an excellent infographic of bengal cat colours and patterns to help assist you in determining the (adult) colour bengal you would ultimately like (credit: bengalcats.co). Click HERE to see the full and detailed article with descriptions.
Answers to all of your questions about the full adoption procedure can be found here: Adopting a Kitten
This is a question we get asked so often. A bengal takes approximately two years to fully develop its colour and pattern, so looking at a very young kitten is NOT a good way to choose your favourite colour or pattern. Here is an excellent infographic of bengal cat colours and patterns to help assist you in determining the (adult) colour bengal you would ultimately like (credit: bengalcats.co). Click HERE to see the full and detailed article with descriptions.
Answers to all of your questions about the full adoption procedure can be found here: Adopting a Kitten
Preparing for your new arrival!
(click on the links to be redirected throughout our site):
Bringing Your Kitten Home
Introducing Your Kitten to Your Home and Existing Pets
Our Raw Cat Food Recipe
Bengals and Litter Box Training
Basic Harness Training
First Vet Visit
Bringing Your Kitten Home
Introducing Your Kitten to Your Home and Existing Pets
Our Raw Cat Food Recipe
Bengals and Litter Box Training
Basic Harness Training
First Vet Visit
A little bengal background...
Asian Leopard Cat (ALC)
The Bengal cat originates from crossings of the Asian Leopard Cat (felis bengalensis) to the domestic cat.
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Some interesting facts...
The Bengal is a large, sleek and very muscular cat.(Pictured above our F6 stud, Lynxland Helios of Jewelspride). Bengals are strong, intelligent cats who form strong bonds with their owners. An interesting trait of the Bengal is its love of water. They may scoop water with their paws before drinking and love to play in puddles or hop in the shower with you.
They are agile, love to climb and can be vocal with a distinctive voice. They get along well with other pets and people. You will often hear Bengal owners describe their cat as "a dog in a cat's body". Bengals can even be trained to do tricks and play catch in the same way as you would train a dog. Bengals should retain the look of the wild but with the temperament of a well balanced domestic cat. The Bengal is self-assured, affectionate and playful, with the stunning looks of its wild ancestor, the Asian Leopard Cat (ALC). |
