Well for me and my husband we always wanted a bengal because my husband's cousin had one. So, I did a lot of research on the breed. Since I am a stay at home Mom and that is what most Bengals need we knew we found the right breed. Then we had to decide on what kind of coloring of bengal we would want. I sent out e-mails to all the breeders listed for IA on The International Bengal Cat Society that we were interested in getting a spotted boy kitten around March/April 2009. I got a response from one breeder but she didn't have any available but I got to talking to her about all the questions you need to ask and she was very informative. I then got another e-mail from the breeder of Cooter that she had one spotted boy kitten available and to give her a call if we were interested. Hearing this I told my husband we need to get him. So, we called her and she said that he was the only one left of three and she thought he would be the first one to go. She then sent pictures and right then and there I was totally hooked. I think my husband was too. I asked her a lot of questions about bengals and she asked me some about my house, my family and if we had other pets. I think I was on the phone with her for over two hours. She then said that she was selling him as a pet and that if we wanted him we just needed to put down a deposit. So, after I got of the phone I had the deposit in the mail. So, instead of waiting until March/April 2009 we got Cooter on Oct. 1st, 2008. I went to get Cooter an hour and half drive away from where we live and she showed me his Mom and Dad. She also showed me her other sire and dam. Also she had other bengals that lived in her home. I would buy another bengal from this breeder. She and her husband were very nice and were happy to answer all the questions I had. I send her pictures as much as I can. She was so sad that she was crying when we left. Made me sad that she was sad that he was leaving. I told her that we would definately keep in touch and I would send her lots of pics. That made her feel a little bit better. She said that she was glad that we got him because if he was not sold pretty soon she would get really attached and not be able to sell him. Now we have our new bundle of piss and vinagar and wouldn't give him up for the world! Sorry, this is so long.

Ours was rather spur on the moment which is not like me at all - normally I thoroughly research every breed etc. before getting an animal. Basically, I came home one day and my boyfriend broke it to me that he'd had to have our old cat (not pedigree) put down due to his age. He'd suddenly stopped eating the week before and was very stiff behind.

Anyway, boyfriend had sat on the internet searching for another one (I guess to help soften the blow!) and after he'd told me the sad news, he then said that we were booked in to see some kittens at our "local" bengal breeders! He'd researched bengals particularily as he is allergic to most cats and heard that these arent nearly as bad for allergy sufferers (which TBH has worked out well so far!).

I've never considered paying for a cat! My family have always taken in rescue cases (my mum was in the CPL for many years). When we got to the breeders, there were SO may to choose from. But in the end, it came down to 2: a truly stunning snow spotted boy or a very very friendly and chilled out girl. The boy wasnt nearly as friendly as the girl and thats what did it in the end. She was simply the sweetest natured one. Have only had her about month but we both love her to pieces - she's on my lap sleeping as we speak. Funny thing is, she isnt chilled out at all! She's so energetic, she exhausts us with her playing! Definately chose the right one though, she's perfect.

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Shantra