How Do I Choose a Bengal???

red · **Joined:** Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:30 am **Posts:** 53

I recently lost my cat I had for 22 years. I wasn't sure at first I wanted another cat, but I've been reading about different cat breeds and have decided I want, or should I say I NEED a Bengal. That was the easy part! Now, I have no idea how to choose a kitten. I do know I want a spotted/rosette kitten, but the color and sex are optional. I live in southern Wisconsin so I'd like a kitten I could drive and pick up, so a breeder anywhere in Wisconsin and Illinois would be fine. I've been checking different websites and also plan to go to my first cat show in Illinois to see some of the Bengal breeders and their cats.
Does anyone have advice for me? What should I be looking for?

Gone · **Posted:** Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:32 pm

Depends what you want to do with said Bengal, as that could influence the choice, is it going to be purely a pet or do you want to show or breed?

BTW, welcome to the forums B)

red · **Joined:** Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:30 am **Posts:** 53

Thank you

I just want the Bengal for a pet! I don't plan on breeding or showing.

Gone · **Posted:** Fri Sep 17, 2004 8:43 am

OK, if you're looking for a pet, you should specify this to the breeder, you will normally have to pay much less and you probably won't notice any difference, it will still be a bengal and still be gorgeous

It's important when picking a pet to see how they behave, are they really timid or are they confident, do they take to you straight away?

Tuhina · **Joined:** Mon Sep 20, 2004 10:19 am **Posts:** 10

Hi
You could try Linda she is based in Illinois and a wonderful woman. Her web address is:- www.cazpurrbengals.com
Regards
Dawn

Lazio · **Joined:** Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:44 pm **Posts:** 5

If you are making a decision between bengals try to find these characteristics which are bengal standards.

Physically:
-random horizontally aligned spots with little or no vertical striping
-clarity and contrast between spots and ground colour (evident at around 3-4 weeks of age)
-white tummy with spots
-bridge of nose above eyes
-large oval gold or green eyes, set wide apart
-small ears with rounded tips
-prominant whisker pads
-hind legs slightly longer than front, large paws black pads
-long body and muscular

Personality:
-confident
-attentive
-alert
-non shy
-playfull
-one of the most important things i look for is if they have been socialized by there mother and littermates (been with mother for first 12 weeks of life) this is huge and will teach your bengal kitten all the "cat skills" needed to be well adjusted. Also it is great to have a breeder who handles and allows human contact alot at a young age which will create more of a loveable companion.
Good Luck!

fancidots · **Joined:** Fri May 21, 2004 5:12 am **Posts:** 204

Talk to several breeders.
LOOK at photos --- there are a lot of GOOD breeders out there - and it helps to develop a relationship with someone who has cats/kittens that you like the LOOK of -- and tell them which personality characteristics and "appearance" traits MOST APPEAL TO YOU !!!

I have 4 bengals -- 2 sisters that are a little over a year -- and 2 kittens (brother and sister) who are about 5 months. Their personalities are different, and all of them keep me in stitches with their antics!

Good luck on your search. Ask a LOT of questions... and LOOK, LOOK, LOOK... I'm sure when you see the "perfect" cat... you'll just KNOW it's the one you HAVE to have

Actually, when I went to VISIT the cattery I got the sisters from... ONE of the sisters PICKED ME... while I was there to see the other sister -- so I came home with them BOTH... nothing sweeter than watching them cuddle and wash one another

LaVon

red · **Joined:** Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:30 am **Posts:** 53

Thank you for all your advice - I didn't see some of these replies till now. I ended up going with a cattery called "Baako Bengals" in Minnesota. I saw a picture and that was it, I had to have him! I had seen lots of other kitten pictures, but this one stood out. I have posted pictures of him on other posts here. I still haven't decided on a name but it is only a little over a week and I get to go pick him up! :lol:

red · **Joined:** Thu Sep 16, 2004 1:30 am **Posts:** 53

Naja · **Posted:** Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:00 pm

if it was me, i would pick a male... course Female can be DIVAS!!! Mine i... i can tell you that...

Are you planing to Neuter...??

I would also say, Rember to look at the temp. for the Mamma and Pappa Cat... it can give you an Idea of the temp. your cat i gonna have as an adult... :wink:

I´ll hope you will finde the right Bengal for you... :wink:

AnnC · **Posted:** Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:09 pm

Naja · **Posted:** Fri Nov 30, 2007 1:32 pm

How Do I Choose a Bengal???

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