Hi there, this is my first post! In two weeks, I'm going to be taking home a beautiful 1.5-year-old bengal girl. I'm adopting her from a family who has cared very well for her, but unfortunately, their second bengal (from a different litter) is twice her size and has been a real brute with her. He bullies her and outcompetes her for food, affection, attention, and plays too rough for her liking. So the owners decided she'd be better off in a home where she is the only pet. As a result she's rather skittish and timid, and not especially cuddly, though she IS very friendly and wants to be around you at all times. I've paid her a few visits and she's very welcoming despite all this, so I have the feeling that she will flourish in a home where she isn't bullied and anxious due to another cat.
I'm currently trying to set up my home to best welcome her, and make the transition as good as it can be. One thing to note, is that she is toilet trained, and I hope she will immediately take to using my toilet... I want to form an affectionate bond with her as soon as possible, but of course within reason of her comfort level. How can I best approach that? Engage in lots of play, sure, what what kind? How can I encourage her to be close to me, and to teach her that cuddles are a good thing? Or even just getting her comfortable with sleeping on my bed?
Any tips on how to start off a great bond and getting he to be comfortable with me would be great. I've had cats before, but never a bengal, and they've all been kittens when introduced, so this is a bit new for me. Also, would using Feliway be a good idea when I introduce get to my home?
Thanks you so much for your time, and I can't wait to share the progress of my adventures with her when she joins me!
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