Hey all. I have already asked this question in another thread but it might be smart to post it in a separate thread. I have also looked through earlier threads and Googled my eyes out but I really can't find a lot of specific information about this. And since I don't have any experience with different cat breeds, here's my question:

my boyfriend and I decided to get 2 cats. I am leaning towards Bengals, and he is leaning towards Russian Blue, because he is afraid Bengals might be too much of a handful, especially their being active for all of their lives. Me, I love this. I wouldn't want a cat that is playful as a kitten but then sits around staring out the window as they get older. I love the active, playful and crazy nature that Bengals have.

So, what I thought was to get one of each. Do you think generally, this is a good idea, or a bad idea? And why?

actually would love to know that too ! i also like Russian blue a lot - stunning cats and Russian - makes me somewhat proud . Would consider taking that one in the future to add my bengal Simba company.
To be honest after reading about the breed doesn't look like there should be any problems as they are calmer than bengals so should not fight. Here is TICA's post about Russian Blue http://www.tica.org/public/breeds/rb/intro.php

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it's not really a matter of whether or not the bengal and the Russian Blue would fight, it's more a matter of the bengal possibly antagonising the Russian Blue, wanting to play, but the Russian Blue may have a lower energy level and when s/he wants to rest, the Blue might get annoyed. Again, I'd say it depends on the individual personality of the one you decide on and whether the activity level of the Blue will match the bengals. I'd go for getting 2 bengals

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The little monsters 3

Perhaps a Bengal and a Bengal (or any other active breed) are best. but maybe the calmer one will balance the bengal monkey . I mean probably two Bengal are best, but people have normal cats in the households sometimes along with Bengal as well and they seem to be okay too.
So depending on the circumstance, doesn't looks to me that should be a big issue.

I have seen people say that they have both and they get along fine. But I think that will always be a risk... Best would be 2 Bengals but I am not sure that my boyfriend will give up on his wish to have a Russian

It's definitely about matching the energy levels of two cats. If you get a bengal and any cat that's less active, the bengal will not have an adequate playmate and the less active cat will just be really annoyed. You'd probably need to get a cat that matches the bengal's energy level just to solve the problem, and you'd end up with two bengals and a russian blue!

I know a pet owner who has both and they get along very well. Also, there is a breeder in Northumberland who breeds both breeds so I wouldn't think it a problem. I know of bengals with Maine Coons, Russians, Abys, Ragdolls, NFCs, ORientals ... They're a sociable bunch

I have a British Shorthair (Nelson) and a Bengal (Tess). British Shorthairs and Russian Blues are very similar.

Nelson needs his afternoon sleeps whereas Tess will not rest at all during the day. But that's fine because that's when we get to play together just the two of us without feeing like we're neglecting Nelson.

They get on absolutely fine although they don't curl up together they are happy sharing a sofa and our bed. They have mad zooms together which is hysterical since one is a lumpy cobby thing and the other a streak of speed.

The thing to remember with British Shorthairs is that they are prone to obesity. Having a Bengal means he gets plenty of exercise - like it or not!

Nelson is far more outgoing and affectionate - however Tess has picked up on that and discovered the joys of being a lap cat in recent months so actually having two cats of very different temperaments and activity is working out very well for us.

Personally I'd go for getting a Blue and a Bengal. The contrast is great.

Edited to add: I forgot to mention the downside: The British Shorthair has a dense coat and moults a lot! Tess has always had problems with getting furballs although she doesn't shed so much. Now if she washes Nelson, we do get a bit more chundering...

I think it depends. Each cat, not just bengal, is unique. My friend who owns a Russian Blue once came to visit me with her kitten. My bengal boy Bertie who was already an adult showed great interests in the Russian Blue kitten and had been chasing him around non-stop . The kitten was bit scared at the beginning but it didn't take him long to come out of his carrier and occupied Bertie's cat tree. The energy level is something needs to be concerned of though, IMO. Bengals are just so dynamic! So I picked a Somali kitten as playmate for Bertie and I'm happy with the outcome though somali are actually much calmer.

Just wanted to say that my girlfriend and i had the same thoughts a few months ago when we were looking to get a second kitten to keep our Russian Blue (Mia) company. After a lot of thought we decided to get a bengal and i can assure you that it is possible for them to get along; ours are great friends! They play, wrestle and sleep together and are always following each other around. As our bengal (Coco) does have more energy, i believe she has encouraged Mia to be more active. We are very happy with both of our cats and wouldn't change a thing if i could do it over

Here's a few pictures of them together:




Sean

wow they are beautiful, Sean! Lucky you to have both!

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WHOOAAH huge pics can you resize please?

Great kitties though!

Heather

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