On 10 Mar 2006 21:32:19 -0800, "Lalee" wrote:

He just happened to fall in love with a picture of a Bengal cat for
sale on Craigslist! I caught him many times looking at the kitten's
picture the week after, and doing online research about this breed...

check out these picture, isn't it the cutest kitten in the world?

http://www.craigslist.org/sby/for/139085485.html


Woudn't it be the most amazing gift? Of course we both know what a
serious commitment it is, and I want to make sure that we are both
ready to welcome a kitten ...

Get him a book about Bengal cats, read it with him, and then discuss
it. Seriously. I implore you. These things are more like miniature
leopards than housecats. They're beautiful, they're exotic, and they
will destroy your house. They are also prone to illnesses that don't
affect regular cats. They only make sense for serious hobbiests who
have experience, disposable income for special veterinary needs
together with the judgement to choose the right vet, and a willingness
to arrange their lives around the care of an animal. Last year, we
had a lady in this group who posted the saddest story you can imagine,
about getting a couple of Bengal kittens and having them die. They
became paralyzed from a vaccination that would have been fine for
ordinary cats, and the vet probably didn't know any better because so
few people have Bengals.

I am not talking down to you, by the way. I include myself with the
vast majority of people who would be begging for trouble by getting a
Bengal as a pet. I know just enough about them to know I couldn't
handle one.

If you both study up and decide you are willing to make the commitment
and lifestyle changes necessary, it should be a thoughtful decision,
planned and discussed ahead of time.

Charlie