Hi Sheryl
A reputable breeder would not let her kittens go at 9 weeks old - they do not receive their second set of vacs until they are 12 weeks and even then most breeders keep them for a further week to ensure they are ok. Therefore 13 weeks is the minimum age for homing a pedigree cat. If the breeder is registered (and a reputable breeder will be) with TICA/GCCF or Fife etc then they will be breaking the conditions of their registration by homing at 9 weeks and this is a reportable offence. The breeder can be fined and if a repeat offence struck of the registration list.
In terms of breeding snows to marbles etc, there are no rules of what types of bengals should be bred to what, thats down to the individual breeder and their aspirations re improving the breed. Some say you should not breed silvers to snows as this produces as really washed out bengal but thats just opinion rather than a rule. The main thing I would look for in the pedigree of my bengals would be too much interbreeding of the same line (this will be obvious as you should receive at least a 3 generation pedigree certificate and you will be able to check back the lines).
I have no personal issues with bengals being sold for breeding purposes, indeed it happens with all pedigrees, so long as it is to another reputable breeder. There are some good breeders out there and in all honesty if this lady is willing to sell you a bengal kitten at 9 weeks then I would not class her in this category.
In terms of the actual breed itself, please please do your homework before purchasing one of these babies. Yes they are absolutely stunning to look at however as has already been mentioned in this thread they are very demanding (and I do have 5!), require lots of socialisation, crave company and its absolutely essential they have the right environment to exercise off all that high energy. If you are looking for a nice snuggly lapcat, then I would not recommend a bengal for you.
As Littlebobo (Lisa) has already said most people either home them in pairs or get one kitten and rapidly follow this up with another playmate.
Please get in touch with me if you need any further information. I am absolutely passionate about this breed (incase you cannot tell
).
Linda
