im getting a bengal tomorrow!

djrichard

I'm going over Roscommon tomorrow to choose a Bengal kitten. I'm rather excited, it will be the first pet I've owned. I grew up with plenty of moggies, but its the first I'll own myself.

Any other pet owners got any advice?

Shanao

Think of every single thing you know about cats, and forget it. It wont be much use when dealing with a Bengal:D

Only messing. What age is the kitten going to be and male or female? Have you any other pets in the house at the moment? Also be ready to have every height/shelf/ledge/top of door investigated. These cats are highly curious and love to investigate things. Is it an F1-F3 or an F4 generation kitten?

djrichard

I still have to choose it. I would prefer a boy cat though. I will see tomorrow though.as personality is more important to me. I like crazy cats

I think it will be f4 or maybe f5. There is a 4 generation bloodline thing. Would that make it f5?

Its 13 weeks old and it will be the first pet here, so far...

Shanao

If its a litter of the fourth generation then its an F4 which is good. The further away from the leopard cat the generations get, the better they are as pets. I personally prefer male cats as I've found them more affectionate and eager to please whereas all the females we've had have been more independant and antisocial. But when going to choose a kitten I've found that I always come away with one completely different from the 'ideal' i had in my head.
A good quality kitten food is a must though to ensure proper growth and health in a cat. Plenty of water, and a bit of the wet food now and again to make sure he stays hydrated.
One thing to be careful about is them trying to escape past you outside. Most pedigree breeders will have you sign a contract saying that the cat cannot be outside unless closely supervised, so be careful of open doors and windows as these cats will try to get out.
BTW, if you are going with a male cat, best to get him neutered between five and six months; this way you'll avoid any bad habits like spraying (which stinks!)

Themadhouse

Research the breed, the personality etc.
Make sure kitten is registered, has its papers and that you see at least mommy.
Generation lines can be easily sourced with a google, ie cattery names.
They are beautiul cat with a strong personality. Make sure your kitten is well socialised with the breeders and wiht other pets.
Personally if it is a pet cat you are going for i would go for a male. Get him neutered early. I love my neutered slob boys.

Is the cattery gccfi registered? Or registerd with any other body?

Are your moggies indoor/outdoor?

djrichard

I'm in a rental property at the moment, so don't want to cat proof the garden. I was wondering if I would be able to put a harness on him and when I'm out in the garden, I could have a leash fixed to the ground so that he can wander without being able to reach the fence. I wouldn't ever have him out there unless I was there. The rest of the.time he will be inside.

I was reading that Royal Canin food is good for Bengals. I will ask the breeder what he is eating now.

There is a.non-active register that he will be on.

Do you have one?

Themadhouse

Sorry, i just re read and see you have no other pets. Bengals are highly intelligent and need stimulation so be prepared to play hunting games with them.
He or she should most definitely be kept indoors no question.

Themadhouse

Personally no i dont have one. I have friends that breed them and friends own them and I have handed them at shows for judging.
A secure harness is fine but only while you are outside to ensure their safety.
The breeder should supply a sample of the food and litter to keep you going for a while. Has the breeder not mentioned what food the kitten is eating?

djrichard

http://www.sunstormbengals.com/

This is the website. Have a look at the kittens, what do you think?

I was in petstop buying carrier and bowls etc today.

Themadhouse

They look like lovely cats. Make sure you get your papers when you get the kitten.
Asaik bengals like to play wiht water so you might want to think about a water fountain rather than a bowl of water.

Rochester

Beautiful cats, I wish lots of fun and luck with your chosen kitty and I am more than a little jealous (with apologies to the resident mog).:)

The Sweeper

Kitten's age is a very good start, glad to see them selling at that age!

Bengal's are highly intelligent and interactive. If you've had moggies before, you're in for a very different experience. If you've ever owned a cat like a Maine Coon, siamese or burmese, your experience may be closer to a bengal. You're becoming the owner of a standard sized cat that loves water (like the Coonies) and is intelligent and interactive, like the meezers.

Few tips - if you use in-cistern toilet disinfectant blocks, you need to throw them out. Your loo needs to flush through with clean water, because it won't take long for your bengal to start playing in the toilet and they can be poisoned by the harsh chemicals in disinfectants. (Get used to using toilet duck and a brush once a week and keeping the door closed until that's all flushed away!)

If you don't own a cat tree, you need to buy one. Your bengal lives life forwards, backwards, left and right, plus up high, down low, in, through and under. A cat tree will do a lot to keep them off your curtains, bookshelves, top of the fridge, up high cupboards, warderobes, in drawers, under sofas, so on. And I don't mean a cat tree that's one scratching post with a flat base. You need to get a multi-level tree with posts, platforms, hidey holes and hammocks if possible. You may find cheap and accessible ones on eBay.

Channel your inner dog-lover, and try clicker training your bengal. You'll also need to be extra-consistent with this cat - make your negative noises clear, make your positve noises even clearer, reward often with treats and cuddles.

Above all have a great time as an owner - as others have said, use the litter and food recommended by the breeder, and do not let that cat outdoors unsupervised! (Tethers don't work well with cats by the way - they're far more likely to manage to try strangling themselves with the tether line than a dog would be. Use a harness and leash, or cat-proof your yard, even in a rental.)

EGAR

Rather you than me .

I love cats and have a few myself but the Bengal I had in rescue two years ago was so vocal that I considered felicide or alternatively suicide .

djrichard

I'm on my way there now. In 2 hours I will be picking my kitty! If you were to ask me how excited I am, I would tell you....VERY EXCITED!!!

The Sweeper

Hope you've got a kitty crate on hand! No loose kitties in the car on the way home!

Bullseye1

Beautiful looking cats.

djrichard

The Sweeper wrote: »

Hope you've got a kitty crate on hand! No loose kitties in the car on the way home!

I bought one yesterday. Have it right here. Only thing is....I'm not in a car, I'm on the train as I've only been in Ireland for 2 months. Car will be the next purchase. I wondered if I really needed one, now I know. Its a nightmare using public transport.

I wonder if it will be crying all the way back to Malahide, its sure to be a bit scared and missing its family. I actually feel quite guilty about not taking 2 of them, but I can't afford that much at the moment. Maybe in a couple of months I can find another Bengal so he has a friend to play with.

Themadhouse

Ask the breeder for something to put into the carrier,a tshirt or towel, something that smells like momma or the rest of the litter. Also if you keep th carrier covered it will help keep baby calm. It would be a good idea to maybe look at saving for another or getting a rescue kitten as company. They do need playmates.

Zapperzy

Well are you home yet? Where are the photos?

anniehoo

The Sweeper wrote: »

Channel your inner dog-lover, and try clicker training your bengal. You'll also need to be extra-consistent with this cat - make your negative noises clear, make your positve noises even clearer, reward often with treats and cuddles.

+1 for this. I know someone with 2 adult Bengals now. AMAZING looking cats...but they're not for the feint hearted cat owner i tell ya. She also has a Pointer and they are "top dog" not him. Incredibly independent and dominant animals who need alot of mental stimulation and patience from the owner.

Oh...im with Zapperzy...PICS?!!!!!:D

djrichard

How do I post photos?
I have to say, I'm using my cameraphone and he's nowhere near as dark looking as in the photos. He won't stay still either, he is jumping.about like mad chasing a bit of paper tied to white thread. The smallest things!

The Sweeper

Get an old pair of tights, but into lengths and knot and reknot until you have soft fabric shapes made of knots with no loose edges - cheaper than fabric mice. Buy pingpong balls and try a tennis ball as he grows (they like to shred the fuzz with rear claws). Don't leave him alone with the thread - if he swallows that it could cut his insides.

If you can't afford a cat tree, get a few cardboard boxes and cut paw and cat sized holes in them. He'll wreck them, but you can throw them out and start over.

anniehoo

djrichard wrote: »

How do I post photos?
I have to say, I'm using my cameraphone and he's nowhere near as dark looking as in the photos. He won't stay still either, he is jumping.about like mad chasing a bit of paper tied to white thread. The smallest things!

Upload a photo to here then click on the "direct link to image". In the Boards toolbar theres a yellow/mountain box "insert image" in the post reply box...just copy that link. G'luck!

djrichard

He slept in the bed all night, I put him down to his own bed, but he preffered to sleep in mine. I'll be honest, I spent everynight arguing with my brothers and sisters about who would have the cat sleeping with them, so its great to have him all to myself!

I would put him in another room, but I was advised to keep him in a small room for a few days to give him time to.adjust. I'm amazed how.content he is, you'd think I'd owned him for ages.

anniehoo

If you want to resize your photos (they're huge) you're probably best off using Imageshack as it gives you the option of resizing for "message boards". He looks fab