On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 19:15:23 GMT, "Philip"
wrote:


Orchid: Thank you for your response. I will check alt.cats for your post
and "'Top Ten Reasons You Don't Want A Bengal'. I'm NOT looking primarily
for a handsome cat. I am looking for another *interactive* indoor only cat.

Heh. Bengals certainly are interactive. They are great
helpers around the house. Especially when one is doing dishes. They
*love* helping then.

My last tabby of 14 yrs passed on recently due to an enlarged heart.

I'm terribly sorry.

Wondering if Bengals keep their claws retracted when playing around with
adult people,

If taught to do so. Bengals, like any other cat, dog, or
other pet, need to be taught bite and claw inhibition. My boys have
never deliberately scratched anyone. They keep claws in (though there
are the occasional accidents) and bite gently (we taught inhibition,
not aversion though Bengals learn either equally well).

is rather bold with visitors,

The welcoming committee of my house is two 13 pound Bengals
and an almost 7 pound moggy who thinks he's a Bengal. They have never
met a stranger -- everyone is simply their new best friend.
My boys are also therapy cats, and go to nursing homes and
hospitals.

reasonably vocal,

That's something I keep meaning to add to the list. Bengals
are talkative and have very distinctive voices. They are happy to
carry on a conversation with you.

and possess robust health.

Responsible breeders are starting to test for HCM because it
has shown up in the breed. Not in overwhelming numbers, but enough
that good breeders are being careful. Other than that, it is a
remarkably robust breed.


I'll look for your Top Ten ...

Please note that all of the traits I am talking about appear
in well bred, well socialised Bengals. You *must* do your research
and you *must* use a responsible breeder to get these traits. It's
best to use a breeder who lives near enough to you that you can visit
them and meet their cats.

Read my Guide to Finding a Responsible Breeder too, and follow
it. (it's in my .sig) Get on Bengals-L and start talking to people.
I'll be glad to give you a hand too if you still decide you want one
after reading the reasons why you wouldn't.

If you're not dead set on a kitten, seriously consider Bengal
Rescue or a retired show/breeding cat.




Orchid
See Orchid's Kitties! -- http://nik.ascendancy.net/bengalpage
Want a Purebred Cat? Read This! -- http://nik.ascendancy.net/orchid