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BENGAL cats



 
 
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  #11  
Old April 22nd 05, 02:58 AM
Gail
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I love the pix, Cheryl.
Gail
"Cheryl" wrote in message
...
On Thu 21 Apr 2005 10:19:40a, Philip wrote in
rec.pets.cats.health+behav
hlink.net):

Has anyone here owned a good Bengal or ... even a Bengal mix?
I've met some Bengals at Jean Mills cattery in Covina (CA) and
was taken by the handsome markings and their highly active
nature. But I'd like to hear from those who have lived with one
(or more) about their personalities ... specifically where box
training and daily temperment are concerned as a house only cat.

Thanks.




Hi Phillip. I have a pair of 8 month olds that were found as tiny
kittens with 2 others that look and act amazingly like Bengals. The
male more than the female (female cats can have litters with more
than a single mate) When I was told it was likely they are at
least a mix, I was scared. LOL. I've read Orchid's articles and
website, and the energy of these cats seemed like too much for me.
However, its been a blast so far. Yes, both of them are
mischievious (well, most kittens are anyway! ) but they do team
up to get in trouble, too. They play in water and I tried an
experiment with a kitchen sink partially filled with cool water and
waited to see 1) if they'd find it (of course they would. I can't
keep them out of the sink) and 2) what they'd do. Well, they both
got almost completely in the sink playing in it. Got soaked! I
tried this because they always try to get in my shower with me.

Rhett plays fetch and I caught it on a short video:
http://home.comcast.net/~shambondow/P2050008.MOV

I can't keep them off of shelves, even if the shelves are full and
look like they have no place to land; they ALWAYS find a place to
land. In fact, I can't keep them off of anything they want to
jump on.

As far as being affectionate, they both are very affectionate.
Rhett has the loudest rumbly purr I've ever heard and Scarlett is a
total lapcat. But, she's also the most fearless of the two, ready
to investigate anything and always the one getting in my way when I
vaccum.

I have 2 other cats, and when I chose these two from the litter of
four found abandoned (by their mom, or she met with bad fate - she
was apparently either a stray or a feral) I had one of my other two
in mind. He is a wild boy, a bully, and needed a companion who
could keep up with him, and wouldn't be easily frightened by his
nature. These two fit the bill perfectly. Rhett and Shamrock
wrestle and chase each other, while Scarlett tags along. My 4th is
a former feral trapped in my yard and is easily spooked. She has
totally bonded with Rhett, the likely Bengal (mix). I adore all of
them.

Here are pics of the kittens and the second link is an album just
of Rhett that I sent to Orchid who said they (or at least Rhett) is
likely at least part Bengal (I really need to get some new ones
up!):
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shambo...r=1f98&.src=ph
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shambo...r=8768&.src=ph

--
Cheryl

"The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited
breath."
- W.C. Fields



  #12  
Old April 22nd 05, 04:01 AM
kitkat
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Cheryl wrote:

Rhett plays fetch and I caught it on a short video:
http://home.comcast.net/~shambondow/P2050008.MOV



OMG! Thanks for posting that. Gave me a great chuckle...and a MUCH
needed one at that!

Pam
  #13  
Old April 22nd 05, 06:04 AM
Cat Protector
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From what I know about Bengals they are not only energetic cats but also
very needy as well. They need to have their human around on a constant basis
and can be rather a handful and somewhat difficult to discipline. They kind
of remind me of the Japanese Bobtail temperment wise. I have a Bobtail and
he is a handful but also is very sweet at times. Of course Icarus also wants
to be the dominant cat as well. I really suggest people read up on breeds
before getting one.

BTW, why don't you adopt a cat from the shelter? So many cats are needing
good homes right now due to cat and kitten season.

--
Cat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time!
www.catgalaxymedia.com

Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs!
www.panthertekit.com
"Philip" wrote in message
link.net...
Has anyone here owned a good Bengal or ... even a Bengal mix? I've met
some
Bengals at Jean Mills cattery in Covina (CA) and was taken by the handsome
markings and their highly active nature. But I'd like to hear from those
who have lived with one (or more) about their personalities ...
specifically
where box training and daily temperment are concerned as a house only cat.

Thanks.




  #14  
Old April 22nd 05, 06:41 AM
Philip
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Posts: n/a
Default

Have been doing all you suggest. Tours of two local animal shelters is heart
wrenching and yet ... we have to live with what we choose. I saw too many
cats curled up in their own (clean) litter boxes with that look of
resignation on their faces of this being "the end." Not dignified at all.
I did see one young Abby that had been "Owner Surrendered." Very nice
looking cat until I read why the cat was surrendered. I not a therapist for
an hostile feline with a list of "issues."

Cat Protector wrote:
From what I know about Bengals they are not only energetic cats but
also very needy as well. They need to have their human around on a
constant basis and can be rather a handful and somewhat difficult to
discipline. They kind of remind me of the Japanese Bobtail temperment
wise. I have a Bobtail and he is a handful but also is very sweet at
times. Of course Icarus also wants to be the dominant cat as well. I
really suggest people read up on breeds before getting one.

BTW, why don't you adopt a cat from the shelter? So many cats are
needing good homes right now due to cat and kitten season.


Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs!
www.panthertekit.com
"Philip" wrote in message
link.net...
Has anyone here owned a good Bengal or ... even a Bengal mix? I've
met some
Bengals at Jean Mills cattery in Covina (CA) and was taken by the
handsome markings and their highly active nature. But I'd like to
hear from those who have lived with one (or more) about their
personalities ... specifically
where box training and daily temperment are concerned as a house
only cat. Thanks.




  #15  
Old April 22nd 05, 07:23 AM
Brian Link
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Default

On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 14:19:40 GMT, "Philip"
wrote:

Has anyone here owned a good Bengal or ... even a Bengal mix? I've met some
Bengals at Jean Mills cattery in Covina (CA) and was taken by the handsome
markings and their highly active nature. But I'd like to hear from those
who have lived with one (or more) about their personalities ... specifically
where box training and daily temperment are concerned as a house only cat.

Thanks.


We bought a bengal for the express reason that the breed's reported
temperament matched that of our mutt-cat that lost his playmate.

He was neutered very early (as is the custom of many modern breeders),
yet loves making love to our blankets at night.

The reason we bought him has been vindicated - he's extremely active,
and has turned out to be a perfect playmate for our existing cat. They
often sleep together, and groom each other often.

He hasn't taken to playing in water as is often reported for Bengals.
Nonetheless, he definitely gives off more of a wild-cat vibe than a
domestic cat one.

One of his strongest traits is the need to be up high. He has an
amazing ability to climb to the top of the tallest structure in the
room - whether it's the refrigerator, a buffet, or a windowsill. When
leaping up the refrigerator he seems like a spider.

These are definitely the dalmations of cat breeds. Louis is extremely
active, and even though our resident cat gives him lots of activity,
this cat has ten years on him.. so needs to sleep. When Tiger's
asleep, Louis is right with us needing us to toss his ball or mouse.

Bengals are great cats, but expect to spend a lot of time with them.

BLink
  #16  
Old April 22nd 05, 05:23 PM
Philip
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Default

Brian Link wrote:
On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 14:19:40 GMT, "Philip"
wrote:

Has anyone here owned a good Bengal or ... even a Bengal mix? I've
met some Bengals at Jean Mills cattery in Covina (CA) and was taken
by the handsome markings and their highly active nature. But I'd
like to hear from those who have lived with one (or more) about
their personalities ... specifically where box training and daily
temperment are concerned as a house only cat.

Thanks.


We bought a bengal for the express reason that the breed's reported
temperament matched that of our mutt-cat that lost his playmate.

He was neutered very early (as is the custom of many modern breeders),
yet loves making love to our blankets at night.

The reason we bought him has been vindicated - he's extremely active,
and has turned out to be a perfect playmate for our existing cat. They
often sleep together, and groom each other often.

He hasn't taken to playing in water as is often reported for Bengals.
Nonetheless, he definitely gives off more of a wild-cat vibe than a
domestic cat one.

One of his strongest traits is the need to be up high. He has an
amazing ability to climb to the top of the tallest structure in the
room - whether it's the refrigerator, a buffet, or a windowsill. When
leaping up the refrigerator he seems like a spider.

These are definitely the dalmations of cat breeds. Louis is extremely
active, and even though our resident cat gives him lots of activity,
this cat has ten years on him.. so needs to sleep. When Tiger's
asleep, Louis is right with us needing us to toss his ball or mouse.

Bengals are great cats, but expect to spend a lot of time with them.

BLink


Hmmm. There are times when the cat would have to be left to his/her own
amusement for 24 hrs, maybe longer. Not often but still ... Rusty was
okay for 3 days alone in the house but when we return, there was an
aloofness for awhile and that look of "YOU left me ALONE ... you turds!"
But this only happens once a year.



  #17  
Old April 22nd 05, 09:44 PM
Cat Protector
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Default

So seeing cats in a shelter depresses you which is why you are going to a
breeder? Does anyone else find something wrong with this logic? Right now
shelters are filling up with felines that new homes and need to be adopted
into good and loving homes more than ever. It is a shame that you can't open
up your heart to a feline that is looking for a special human to give them
that castle they have been hoping for.

As for the surrendering of animals, it bothers me that some humans will
think of every excuse in the book to turn in or dump an animal to a shelter
such as they're moving, new baby and any of the other week reasons to return
a cat to the shelter. If you are looking for an easy responsibility with
cats and not wanting to do much care, maybe you shouldn't be adopting here.
A cat is not a novelty item nor are they to be tossed out later when the
human simply grows tired of them. Having a cat is a life long commitment not
a short term one. I think maybe you really need to rethink things here
before adopting a cat.

--
Cat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time!
www.catgalaxymedia.com

Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs!
www.panthertekit.com
"Philip" wrote in message
link.net...
Have been doing all you suggest. Tours of two local animal shelters is
heart wrenching and yet ... we have to live with what we choose. I saw too
many cats curled up in their own (clean) litter boxes with that look of
resignation on their faces of this being "the end." Not dignified at all.
I did see one young Abby that had been "Owner Surrendered." Very nice
looking cat until I read why the cat was surrendered. I not a therapist
for an hostile feline with a list of "issues."

Cat Protector wrote:
From what I know about Bengals they are not only energetic cats but
also very needy as well. They need to have their human around on a
constant basis and can be rather a handful and somewhat difficult to
discipline. They kind of remind me of the Japanese Bobtail temperment
wise. I have a Bobtail and he is a handful but also is very sweet at
times. Of course Icarus also wants to be the dominant cat as well. I
really suggest people read up on breeds before getting one.

BTW, why don't you adopt a cat from the shelter? So many cats are
needing good homes right now due to cat and kitten season.


Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs!
www.panthertekit.com
"Philip" wrote in message
link.net...
Has anyone here owned a good Bengal or ... even a Bengal mix? I've
met some
Bengals at Jean Mills cattery in Covina (CA) and was taken by the
handsome markings and their highly active nature. But I'd like to
hear from those who have lived with one (or more) about their
personalities ... specifically
where box training and daily temperment are concerned as a house
only cat. Thanks.






  #18  
Old April 22nd 05, 09:48 PM
Cat Protector
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Default

In what way do they help with the dishes. As for interactive, Bengals aren't
the only breed requiring this. Try having a Japanese Bobtail in your
household. My Icarus requires constant attention unless he is using the
litterbox, eating or sleeping. He is a bit destructive and has a knack for
getting into trouble but he also likes to jump in my lap and lay next to me
when I am at rest. From time to time he also likes to go underneath the bed
covers.

--
Cat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time!
www.catgalaxymedia.com

Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs!
www.panthertekit.com
"Orchid" wrote in message
...
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



  #19  
Old April 22nd 05, 10:11 PM
Orchid
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On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 13:48:10 -0700, "Cat Protector"
wrote:

In what way do they help with the dishes.


*sigh* Please note the quotations around 'help'. Bengals
love to play in water. Therefore, running water would be a great draw
for paws and heads and faces and sometimes entire bodies while the
person is trying to do the dishes. They're 'helping'.

As for interactive, Bengals aren't
the only breed requiring this.


Where, exactly, did I say that only Bengals are interactive?
Any cat can have any of the traits I discuss -- it's just that Bengals
tend to have all of them.



Orchid
See Orchid's Kitties! -- http://nik.ascendancy.net/bengalpage
Want a Purebred Cat? Read This! -- http://nik.ascendancy.net/orchid
  #20  
Old April 22nd 05, 10:15 PM
Cat Protector
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I have no idea what is the big deal with Bengals. They're beautiful cats but
you can find some of the same traits in cats that are awaiting adoption at
the local shelter.

--
Cat Galaxy: All Cats! All The Time!
www.catgalaxymedia.com

Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of Your Computer Needs!
www.panthertekit.com

"Orchid" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 13:48:10 -0700, "Cat Protector"
wrote:

In what way do they help with the dishes.


*sigh* Please note the quotations around 'help'. Bengals
love to play in water. Therefore, running water would be a great draw
for paws and heads and faces and sometimes entire bodies while the
person is trying to do the dishes. They're 'helping'.

As for interactive, Bengals aren't
the only breed requiring this.


Where, exactly, did I say that only Bengals are interactive?
Any cat can have any of the traits I discuss -- it's just that Bengals
tend to have all of them.



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



 




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