CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT BENGALS
We are very pleased that you are considering being owned by one of our Bengal's, however not everyone is suited
to live with this particular breed. As responsible breeders, I feel it is essential that I make people aware of
exactly what they are getting, should they choose a Bengal for their companion. Please take the time to read the
following facts and think about how adding a Bengal to the mix in your home will realistically work out.
A Bengal kitten is usually very energetic, curious, playful, cuddly, talkative, and most of them also have a touch of
Velcro talkers in their genes. This means you will probably have a new shadow once your bring your kitten home, and it can be very persistent about having your full attention.
This breed of cat is drawn to water and high places, most likely due to their wild ancestry where the Leopard cats
lived near water and very tall trees. This means your kitten or cat may like to help with the dishes, test your bath
water for you, (may have to totally immerse to do so), sometimes test your cold drinks for your with one or both front
paws, and occasionally will tip the glass just to make sure thee's nothing unusual at the bottom.
A shower reminds them of a tropical rain and they find the downpour quite refreshing. They will make hood use of
an open toilet as they enjoy washing their paws in the cool water. They will always be within an inch of your face
when you brush your teeth, just making sure you don't miss anything. (Dental floss is very dangerous and should be
discarded in a safe place where your cat will not be able to retrieve it!)
Their love of high places may cause some difficulty, depending on whether you are open to making some changes
in your home, which may or may not be necessary-depending on what your place the most value on. If your have a
house full of priceless items adorning the top of China cabinets, T.V. display units, other out of reach shelving or
display cases, please be advised that they may no longer be quite as out of reach as they were before yourÂ
Bengal arrived.
These cats are absolutely unique and make devoted companions for the right people. They are also very stubborn
and extremely intelligent. If you intend to put something away and don't want your Bengal to find it, do not let the cat
see you put it away! Just because there's a lid on Something, for example a container of "Pounce" cat treats
doesn't mean it's safe. I have witnessed my cats holding the container with their front feet and opening the lid
either with their teeth or their back feet!
Bengal's are very active cats and if you are looking for a strictly "lap cat" please choose a more suitable breed.
Typically these cats prefer to decide when they should be on someone's lap, and it isn't usually a long lasting
activity when they are young and full of energy.
If your cringe at the thought of a cat walking across the back of your couch and nuzzling your hair, this may not be
the breed for you. Sleeping on the very top of the kitchen cupboards is not unusual, nor is it unusual to see a
Bengal open a cupboard just to check out what's inside. I put "childproof" locks on doors that I do not want
the cats to open.
Although you are now aware of the height jumping capabilities of these cats, please be advised that they are also
very adept at jumping across a room. They may easily jump 5 feet from one surface to another, and can knock
things over/off in the process. Any damage would be accidental, but the natural jumping and climbing instincts of
these beautiful animals must be taken into consideration before bringing one home. If you want the look of the
wild, there are some idiosyncrasies that come with it. Of course as they get older they do calm down a bit, but
healthy, happy Bengal's love to display their prowess in many types of activities.
If a fly or other small moving object should find its way into your home, you may rest assured the your Bengal will
hunt it down and eat it, even if it has to jump and climb over every inch of your house!
Not everyone will find this type of behavior endearing. If your have any doubts about your ability or desire to live
with such an enthusiastic, playful, bundle of fur and fun, please make the decision not to bring a Bengal home in
the first place, rather than returning the kitten/cat after a few days/weeks.
If your are not terribly upset by these antics, and can perhaps even find humor in them-that is definitely a good sign.
