Topic: Bengal / kitten advice Please (Read 10761 times)

sheryl · « **Reply #47 on:** May 19, 2007, 21:12:29 PM »

Thanks for the suggestions Helen - I like the first one

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #46 on:** May 19, 2007, 20:05:39 PM »

How about Kali (pronounced ca*cat without the T*-lee)? That was Lucas' name before he was outed as a boy

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #45 on:** May 19, 2007, 19:43:45 PM »

Well I'll throw in my suggestion for a female name - the same name I suggest every time someone has a female cat needing a name!

I don't have and never have had a female cat but I'm saving it for when I do! Safina - it means beautiful one I think, in swahhili. Could be Saffy for short. There was an article in a cat magazine about a lion cub named Safina and I really liked it.

sheryl · « **Reply #44 on:** May 19, 2007, 18:50:46 PM »

Evening all, thanks so much for all your input. Im still trying to think of names for my little girl and have so far come up with Purdita and Candika
but neither seem quite right.

We are still thinking about the little boy and I will let you know what we decide.

OH has got some photos on his mobile so I will get him to download them, Ive got a video clip on my mobile but would not have a clue how to
show it off on here.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #43 on:** May 18, 2007, 22:04:22 PM »

Sheryl - sorry to hear about your bad experience with spaying. I dont know of any vets that do key hole surgery, but it is very rare to have problems with spaying, I have had 6 females spayed with no probs, and as a rescue we only had one with an issue last year, and even if we had a straight 50/50 split of cats, which we didn't, that is still about 60 cats being spayed, and only one had an issue, so it is quite low risk. Good luck in your decision.

Linda (Bengalbabe) · « **Reply #42 on:** May 18, 2007, 21:25:03 PM »

Hi Sheryl

So glad you found the little girl you like and cannot wait to see the pics

Jacky is spot on and most breeders dont or wont home bengals without any other cats living in the home. I have a moggy as well as my 5 bengals and for me it has worked out well having the bengals together as my moggy's energy levels just do not match these cats and to be honest she likes a bit of peace and quiet to which she is well entitled

You say you have 2 high energy young cats in your home so this sounds a bit different to my situation. That said its my experience that bengals get on best with other bengals and other high energy breeds.

In terms of bonding, your option is to either try and bring home the little girl on her own and see how it goes or bite the bullet and reserve the little boy now. I must say that one of the best experiences I have ever had was bringing home Loki and Lenny as siblings together.

sheryl · « **Reply #41 on:** May 18, 2007, 20:26:02 PM »

Thanks Susanne - Jacky didnt say it would happen just that it might happen, it wouldnt be a problem if the kittens stuck together I would just like if they all played together

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #40 on:** May 18, 2007, 20:20:09 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 18, 2007, 19:36:51 PM

We went to see the kittens again last night and we have reserved one of Lolas little girls - she is so stunning - I have fallen in love with one of her brothers aswell but Jacky said that if we take 2 at the same time they might bond so closely that they may not integrate with my other cats so Im not sure what to do now.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that. I mean, I'm sure Jacky knows more about bengals in general and her cats in particular than me, but I would have thought that how well a kitten or kittens bond with existing cats depends more on their individual personalities etc than whether there is another kitten around. And would it be such a bad thing if you got 2 kittens and they spent most of their time together and less with your existing cats? I do think that kittens do best when they have another kitten to play with if possible. I got a single kitten with an existing cat because I just can't fit more than 2 cats in my small flat. Things are working out ok but it is very exhausting having to entertain Mosi and I've had only a handful of nights when he's not woken me up (I've had him just over a year). It would certainly have been less exhausting for me if I'd had another kitten for him to play with. My existing cat does play with him but he doesn't have that kitten energy!

sheryl · « **Reply #39 on:** May 18, 2007, 19:47:34 PM »

Thanks Desley, I would really appreciate their advice because I am still very tempted to reserve the little boy aswell.

Another question - does any know of a vets in Lincolnshire that can spay a cat using key hole surgery - 3 of may cats we done this way in Germany with 1 stitch and no problems at all - Tiggy nearly died as a result of spaying and Im really nervous about it now

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #38 on:** May 18, 2007, 19:38:21 PM »

Good luck, and I hope her breeder is right. Gail and Linda have both adopted a pair of Bengals with resident cats, they should be able to share experiences.

sheryl · « **Reply #37 on:** May 18, 2007, 19:36:51 PM »

Hello

We went to see the kittens again last night and we have reserved one of Lolas little girls - she is so stunning - I have fallen in love with one of her brothers aswell but Jacky said that if we take 2 at the same time they might bond so closely that they may not integrate with my other cats so Im not sure what to do now.
Jacky tries not to let her Bengals go to homes where they will be the only cat.

I realise that she will be hyper but my 2 youngest cats - Tiggy aged 3 and Charlie aged 2 and a half are total loonies anyway.

It was not as hard as I thought it would be to chose because the little one sat on my knee cuddling and singing her head of and looking at me as if to say "Im the one"

It so hard to think of a name for her so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

We can pick her up on 24th June - it seems like such a long time away but she will definately be worth the wait

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #36 on:** May 18, 2007, 19:23:11 PM »

i know Gail, but they wanted another one to help keep her occupied as they were struggling, and that is the sad side to the breed, too many people seem to be able to get them with no warning of their energy levels.

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #35 on:** May 18, 2007, 10:53:27 AM »

Des Bengal's are hyper fullstop

. - Zubin is EXTRA hyper he never stops, he has to be entertained else he starts getting to things he shouldn't. Zeb is a good boy and gets in his bed and goe to sleep, but he loves nothing more than to run from the garden, through the house- up the stairs - round the bedroom - back down -then back into the garden. All in the space of 30 seconds.
It's fun to wathc but dam noisey when the pair of them get going

.

Having one Bengal is like having 3 DSH's

. Think my next one will be a rescue or a ex- queen or stud. But not for a long while yet.

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #34 on:** May 18, 2007, 08:37:37 AM »

Ahh - that spotty bengly is gorgeous, Jules

Sheryl - I'd definitely go for 2 kittens if you have room and can afford 2. All kittens are lively and bengals particularly so - Charlie might be in for a rough time if he's sole play mate!

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #33 on:** May 18, 2007, 08:13:06 AM »

Jules - there are a couple at the back of me who bought a female Bengal kitten, and she is so hyper they have just had to go and buy a male kitten (they had her spayed first) to keep her company as they can't cope with just her. I Wonder if their breeder told them somethign similar. I do think it is better for most kittens to go in pairs though.

Linda (Bengalbabe) · « **Reply #32 on:** May 16, 2007, 22:48:41 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 16, 2007, 19:53:10 PM

I think it will only be 1 , we are looking at Lolas babies but also the marbled kitten and now OH has said that he likes the silver marbled little boy so at the moment I cant make my mind up because they are all so lovely

We are being pulled towards a girl because we have got a male tabby (Charlie) who adopted us last summer and we are worried incase they
have dominace issues, Charlie is neutered and the kitten will be when old enough.

My girls welcome anything with open paws,

Name wise I am looking for something unusual, but I suppose it would help if we knew what sex we are getting , we are going over tomorrow night to pay and chose the little one so i will let you all know which one is going to be my new fur baby

Does anyone have any advice re male/female

Hi Sheryl

I have seen the silver marbles on Jacky's site - they are fab

Assuming your bengal will be coming as a pet and will be neutered, the sex does not matter to much to be honest. I think the issues of cats getting along are down to the individual cat. Am sure someone on her can advise.

Hope your visit goes well and please let us know how you get on

Linda (Bengalbabe) · « **Reply #31 on:** May 16, 2007, 22:43:32 PM »

Jules

Thanks for your post. I think you only need to take a look at the profile of this breed, the experience of a number of breeders (not just one) and additionally the number that are turning up in rescue at the moment to get an understanding that bengals are not for everyone. Yes of course they have placid times however having 5 currently I can vouch through experience that they do need a lot more attention and are high energy. If you look at the recommendations of reputable breeders, even for some on their websites, they do recommend pairs and from my wide network of bengal owner and breeders I can vouch this is the route that many go down, if not initially then later.

I have read some horror stories on the destruction that bengals have caused because their environment is wrong and additionally helped many people out when this has happened through good sound advice.

Of course everyone has an opinion, and your breeder has hers, as do you . The bengal cat rescue have an interesting fact sheet entitled "Is a bengal cat for me" which you might find of some interest. You can access this through the link attached.

http://www.bengalcatrescue.org.uk/

I think your new silver spotty baby is absolutely gorgeous. Good luck with your new addition.

Jules_s · « **Reply #30 on:** May 16, 2007, 22:30:05 PM »

Hello Sheryl,

It's good to hear you have got this sorted out...as you might have read (kitten ears thread) we get ours on friday when he is 13ish weeks old (IIRC the wait has been soooooo long)

Quote from: Linda (Bengalbabe) on May 13, 2007, 20:35:47 PM

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

Linda,

Whilst Im not questioning you Bengal knowledge, a couple of things spring to mind concerning that post....

Firstly, we met our kittens parents (along with 'teoh'....his name now) and they were VERY placid...his mum 'princess' is very loving and is quite happy to be picked up and cuddled...indeed she sat on my lap in the garden for ages whilst her kittens were picked up and given attention all around......

All of her nine kittens have been brought up in the same environment....with young kids about, and a dog...and the kittens seem perfectly normal in 'cat terms'.....they get handled by the hour and seem to be very balanced.

Our breeders advice was that single bengal pets integrate into a human family better than pairs or multiples...as they lose their 'pack animal' instincts easier and bond to their 'human' housemates.

Sorry if that contradicts what you have posted.....Im hopeful that we have spent enough time with Teoh to (hopefully) think he will be different to your opinion...

He loves being cuddled......purrs.....plays...then is quite happy to sleep like a 'lap cat'

I guess he must be a little happy/sleepy?

Even when he wakes up and plays he comes back for more cuddles:

Ah well...im hopeful he will be an affectionate kitten/cat

sheryl · « **Reply #29 on:** May 16, 2007, 19:53:10 PM »

I think it will only be 1

, we are looking at Lolas babies but also the marbled kitten and now OH has said that he likes the silver marbled little boy so at the moment I cant make my mind up because they are all so lovely

We are being pulled towards a girl because we have got a male tabby (Charlie) who adopted us last summer and we are worried incase they
have dominace issues, Charlie is neutered and the kitten will be when old enough.

My girls welcome anything with open paws,

Name wise I am looking for something unusual, but I suppose it would help if we knew what sex we are getting

, we are going over tomorrow night to pay and chose the little one so i will let you all know which one is going to be my new fur baby

Does anyone have any advice re male/female

Liz · « **Reply #28 on:** May 16, 2007, 19:35:14 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 16, 2007, 18:14:42 PM

Yes Tiigys Mum that is the place

Jacky is a lovely person and the cats are breattaking - we are in a bit of a quandry at moment because we cant decide between a marble girl or a spotted girl - oh dear decisions decisions.

The little one is going to be my birthday present so I will be bugging you all for advice - this will be fur baby number 5.

So thats that dliemma sorted out one of each - god love our OH's thats why we have 36 with us and I keep looking at Raggies and then think the Bengals would like it here so am just humming along at the mo!

They are gorgous and you are lucky to be getting them

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #27 on:** May 16, 2007, 18:54:21 PM »

You lucky, lucky thing

Just had a look at her website, those kittens are too cute for words

Is it Lola's babies that you might be getting? Do you think you might get two then? If you are then I will be double jealous!

What sort of names do you like? Pet names or human type names?

sheryl · « **Reply #26 on:** May 16, 2007, 18:23:24 PM »

OMG I really need to sort my spelling out - the cats are breathtaking is what I should have typed

I am soooooooo excited - I have to laugh because when we had 3 cats OH said "No more cats" then it was 4 and it will soon be 5 - and last night he said "we could get 2 if you want"

Ive been watching the babies on the Purebliss web cam today and they are so cute, trying to think of names at the moment - If anyone has any ideas Id be grateful, the name will start with Purebliss.

sheryl · « **Reply #25 on:** May 16, 2007, 18:14:42 PM »

Yes Tiigys Mum that is the place

Jacky is a lovely person and the cats are breattaking - we are in a bit of a quandry at moment because we cant decide between a marble girl or a spotted girl - oh dear decisions decisions.

The little one is going to be my birthday present so I will be bugging you all for advice - this will be fur baby number 5.

Linda (Bengalbabe) · « **Reply #24 on:** May 16, 2007, 16:51:47 PM »

Thats great Sheryl, I have not personally spoken to Jacky at Purebliss but am aware of her reputation which is fab. The other breeders I know speak very highly too

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #23 on:** May 16, 2007, 16:06:55 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 15, 2007, 19:36:56 PM

Her cats and kittens are fantastic and she will not let a kitten be rehomed before 13/14 weeks and she said that of all cat breeds Bengals are more at risk of suffering a reaction to the jabs.

Yes there is one jab that can cause them probs. Think it's the FLV, My breeder advised me not to let them have it till they had celebrated their first birthday. When Zubin did have it - he was a tad off colour for a couple of days but he has been ok ever since.

Good luck with you Bengal kitten - they are superb little things so full of energy & mischief

- I Love bengals - I have 2 of my own -
Or I should say I am owned by two.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #22 on:** May 16, 2007, 15:50:41 PM »

Thats good to hear sheryl
Is this them?
http://www.pureblissbengals.co.uk/index.html

sheryl · « **Reply #21 on:** May 15, 2007, 19:36:56 PM »

Thank you all so much for your replies, we went to see a fantastic breeder last night called Purebliss, Ive told her about this other "breeder" and I think she is going to do the reporting for me.

Her cats and kittens are fantastic and she will not let a kitten be rehomed before 13/14 weeks and she said that of all cat breeds Bengals are more at risk of suffering a reaction to the jabs.

We are going back over at the weekend to have another little look at the kittens.

Reynard · « **Reply #20 on:** May 14, 2007, 16:46:44 PM »

OK, lifted from the Breeders' Code of Ethics on the GCCF website:

"The GCCF strongly recommends that no kitten should be permitted to go to a new home before 13 weeks of age. At least seven days prior to this, the kitten should have completed a full course of vaccinations, including a health check, given by a Veterinary Surgeon or by a listed Veterinary Nurse under the direction of a Veterinary Surgeon. The breeder should ensure that kittens are house-trained, inoculated and in good general health."

No idea what the other governing bodies in the UK say, but I would imagine that it'd be something along similar lines. If the breeder is registered with GCCF, TICA or FB, then selling kittens that young will land them in some serious hot water.

Unfortunately, this does not apply to unregulated breeders who are free to get away with just about anything. And the trouble is, where you have popular breeds and a potential buck to be made, there the unregulated breeders abound. All they care about is a fast turnaround of cats and kittens and the money they make, especially where demand outstrips supply. Any breeder worth their salt will actually only be braking even with each kitten or even make a loss, once you account for stud fees, blood tests, paperwork, food, vaccs, chipping etc.

Sheryl, if you are looking to acquire a Bengal (or any breed of pedigree cat for that matter) your best bet is to go through the relevant breed clubs who will point you to their kitten list and a reputable breeder.

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #19 on:** May 14, 2007, 15:46:24 PM »

I thought registered breeders are NOT allowed to sell kittens before there 12th week or even 15th on the ground.

As for Marble Mum Snow Dad - it's how they get the different colours and pattening - also - if Mum has silver lines from her parents then she can produce a silver kitten.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2007, 15:29:25 PM »

Theres alot more of them ending up in rescue too, as unprepared people find out what task they have taken on! Legit breeders wouldnt have sold to these people in the first place

Linda (Bengalbabe) · « **Reply #17 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:22:54 PM »

Nicely put Lottie and Suzanne!

Actually I have been receiving an increasing number of requests for information on bengal kittens (not just this forum) and have to say I am really angry at the moment with these so called breeders selling kittens on at 8/9 weeks

. The governing bodies would do well to focus on this issue as well as current reputable breeders educating the public. The only way to stop these breeders is to have people not buy these kittens (as hard as this seems).

Anyone aware of registered breeders doing this but not wanting to report them, pass the names to me. I'll happily contact the governing body.

Lottie (Team Svartalfheim's) · « **Reply #16 on:** May 14, 2007, 12:06:31 PM »

Lol no that makes sense Susanne. Yes exactly. A breeder might have a whole litter of breeding quality cats and sell them all as pets or show neuters. Most breeders sell very very few breeding cats compared to pet cats. I had to wait until Miss Boopy 14-15 weeks old to be told that she would definately be mine.

I really hope this bengal breeder gets reported (provided they are actually a registered breeder!) as it's not fair on the kittens she is selling to sell them that young, unvaccinated and no doubt unmicrochipped never mind against the rules and as you say they'll no doubt go to backyard breeders who'll breed from them every chance they can. Poor kittens

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #15 on:** May 14, 2007, 11:30:23 AM »

Quote from: Team Svartalfheim's on May 14, 2007, 11:23:57 AM

If a queen with very good old lines is retiring and the lines will end with that cat then a breeder might sell 3 kittens from the same litter to different breeders to keep the lines going (provided the cats are of good enough quality). Miss Boopy's mum had 4 in her last litter and Miss Boopy and another girl have gone as queens so on that basis 50% of the litter went for breeding.

Yeh - I didnt' make myself clear. What I really meant was not that there might not be 3 kittens suitable to go on as breeding queens/stud cats, but that just because kittens are breeding quality (and like you say, can't always tell at 9 weeks) doesn't mean they have to be sold as breeding cats if there aren't 3 reputable breeders wanting them or the breeder doesn't want to keep them. The chances are this "breeder" is just letting them go to anyone who wants one, or even if they are good enough is still letting anyone have one without doing sufficient checks etc. Quite often where there are several breeding or show quality kittens in a litter the breeder will keep them until they're a bit older to see how they develop or how they do in the show ring.

Actualy, I think i've still not explained it well

Team Svartalfheims · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2007, 11:23:57 AM »

If a queen with very good old lines is retiring and the lines will end with that cat then a breeder might sell 3 kittens from the same litter to different breeders to keep the lines going (provided the cats are of good enough quality). Miss Boopy's mum had 4 in her last litter and Miss Boopy and another girl have gone as queens so on that basis 50% of the litter went for breeding.

However this Bengal 'breeder' is not a responsible breeder and so is probably just selling to anyone who says they want a breeding girl rather than thoroughly quizzing them about why they want to breed, why they want a cat from those particular lines, stud plans, about their breeding ethics, how they keep their current cats, getting references etc before deciding whether to let someone have the cat. Also many breeders will not make a decision as to whether or not a cat will go for breeding by 9 weeks.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #13 on:** May 14, 2007, 07:44:27 AM »

Good luck in your decision, and I do hope that you decide against getting one from her, she is letting them go too early - out of interest, what price was she asking? I would think that three breeding cats in one litter is a lot.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2007, 22:35:43 PM »

gnite and dont worry

sheryl · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2007, 22:28:36 PM »

Sorry rally = really - time for bed I think - nite all

sheryl · « **Reply #10 on:** May 13, 2007, 22:21:01 PM »

Thank you all so much for your comments - I really am tempted to report this woman and Im going to look into it tomorrow. I just feel rally sorry for the babies

Susanne (urbantigers) · « **Reply #9 on:** May 13, 2007, 22:03:43 PM »

I don't know much about bengals so can't give you any specific advice except to add to what Linda has said re the age. Please don't buy from this "breeder". I know it's hard when you've fallen in love with a kitten, but it's really important not to support breeders like this. I'm sure you'll be able to find a reputable breeder who won't let them go before 13 weeks. Unfortunately many backyard breeders are realising that bengals are becoming popular and jumping on the bandwagon. If they're prepared to let them go before 13 weeks I'd guess they aren't doing everything else properly either. It's fine to sell kittens as breeding cats but I'd be surprised to find 3 in a litter going as breeding cats. I could be wrong and they may be going to reputable breeders, but it sounds like the breeder may be giving a cat to use in breeding to anyone who asks. I doubt a reputable breeder would do business with someone who is prepared to let kittens go that early.

sheryl · « **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2007, 20:44:24 PM »

Thanks so much for your reply Linda, I will contact you if we need further info.

Author Topic: Bengal / kitten advice Please (Read 10761 times)