Hello everyone!
Some of you might remember me as Finn's mommy. He passed away a few months ago and I am still heart broken. Life just hasn't been the same, and I still cry at the drop of his name if caught at a certain moment. I do however think I am ready to open my home back up to another Bengal. Several reasons; One, I miss the Bengal life that Finn so kindly let me in on. Two, Nala my little house cat misses herself a play buddy and is driving her sister Margie who just wants belly rubs and to be fat and be left alone, insane! Three, I just need to feel whole again.
I know that no other cat will replace Finn. That's not my intention. I just want to provide a home, more like, share my home with another Bengal!
That being said, I have really been doing my research on the F1 Bengals. I love a challenge and I love the wild characteristics they bring to the house... No.. not just the looks, the characteristics as in behaviors. Of course F1's are gorgeous, but they are wild, crazy, energetic, trouble makers, hell raises, stubborn, problematic, unpredictable...etc. But I also love the beautiful rosettes and more developed look a SBT brings to the table...
Finn was a early gen Bengal, if only I knew which gen...but the breeder we got him from was less than reputable (We won't make that mistake this time) but he certainly was early gen. He whined all the time, he peed in the skin and bathtub, he played so rough I thought Nala was going to run and hide from him (she welcomed it and dished it right back though ;]) he played in water like it was no ones business... yes, he dumped his water bowl every time I filled it. He needed my attention 24/7. If he didn't want something to be done to him or with him or around him...you better obey, or else. He did hide himself away when lots of company came around. He had spraying problems until that got settled, but he never did quite realize my bed was not a litter box. He tore into everything. Most importantly the food bag...one day I found him scooping mouthfuls, and when I say scoop I mean he had his whole body weight involved with his mouth wide open, dipping is head forward and back to make sure he got the load, of food out of the bag into a pile he was planning on perhaps sharing with his sisters...either that or stocking up for tough times, maybe the apocalypse..who knows. -.- I should of known he was trouble when the first thing he did when we got him home was chew on everything and anything in my bedroom and he pranced around like he owned the place. But to say the least, he was AWESOME, and with all the challenges came great things too... he loved car rides, he cuddled like no ones business when he wanted to, he was so smart...he knew how to sit, how to follow. He was protective of me. He was so calm at the vets office at any time. He let you give him baths and clip his nails and brush him for hours if you wanted. He let you slip on a cute shirt sometimes, even though he didn't LOVE that. He loved his sister kitties and doggy, and never gave up on fully bonding with Margie although she didn't care for him too much. He was a ton of work every day, but he was my baby, and he was worth every effort and I would do it all over again.
So..yes, I know I could handle an F1. And I also say that each cat is unique in it's own way... I know people with F1's that are calmer and more behaved than their other Bengals or their house cats.
My question isn't around wether or not I am responsible enough or good enough to own an F1 but more so I'd like to hear your stories of your babies and if you had to choose again, would you choose an F1 or a SBT... and health wise, which tend to be less at risk of genetic issues.
Also I wanted to see if anyone had any good recommendations for breeders within the Virginia area. I have two breeders I am currently speaking to, one that I think I may put a deposit down with... but I have seen sooo many of you give such expert advise and bring up good points that I may be missing...so why not ask! ** Also both breeders are not from VA, but both driving distance. NC so 4 hours and Ohio 8 hours...
I know that in the end, whatever choice I make, I will be happy. Finn as amazing, and he was from a breeder who didn't seem reputable, who didn't keep him clean...I met them at a gas station, and felt I rescued Finn rather than buying a fancy pet. I wasn't sure what I was getting or how he would develop, but I didn't really fully care anyhow...he captured my heart. I know that this future little gal or guy will do the same... but to be honest, I didn't plan last time and now my baby is gone and I am heartbroken..I really want to avoid a bit of that this time...as much as I can control anyhow.
Thanks!
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