I know there are already a couple of threads on this subject and have read them avidly but they are quite old and I thought it would be better to start a new thread than pull out older ones from a year ago. I am only just getting into Bengal breeding but the more research I do, and the more time I spend looking at cats that are around today, the more I feel that I would like to get an EG queen in the future. I am not looking to go out and buy one now, I'm talking about in 2 or 3 years time but I would like to gather as much information as I can from any breeders who currently work with EG cats so I am thoroughly informed and aware of the extra needs and challenges that early generation cats bring. I am specifically looking towards getting either an F2 or F3, she would be with me forever, I would not be wanting to re-home any EG cats I may get. So my questions are:

- I know of a few EG breeders through my research but names of any other UK based catteries who produce healthy good quality F2 and F3 cats would be appreciated.

- Is there a huge difference between the temperament of F2 and F3 cats?

- Is it possible to HCM screen most EG cats or is it just the odd cat that is OK but most get too stressed?

- What should I expect to pay for a good quality F2 or F3 queen (obviously the prices would vary but just an average figure)

- Do F3 queens make better mothers than F2 queens?

- Would an EG queen be able to live happily with other stb queens or would she need a separate living space?

- Do F2 and F3 queens breed with the stb stud boys easily or do they often reject/ attack the studs?

- What is an F2 or an F3 queen like to live with? I have read about the people on the forum who have EG neutered pets and about their behaviours and challenges but is it possible for an entire EG cat to live in the house like those pet EGs do? Or do they always need to be outside?

I'm sure I will think of more questions later

Hi Jenda.
I have just 2 x F2 females here that I breed from. I started with SBT's, then bought an F4 (still SBT), then an F3 and now the F2's.

- Is there a huge difference between the temperament of F2 and F3 cats?
I have found quite a difference between each generation and I am not wanting to go below F2 now.

Is it possible to HCM screen most EG cats or is it just the odd cat that is OK but most get too stressed?
I think a lot of them would get stressed so you may not always get an accurate screening, but if they are sedated it should be possible....and better to do it if you can.

- What should I expect to pay for a good quality F2 or F3 queen (obviously the prices would vary but just an average figure)
Yes...prices vary but an average of £2,500 for F2 and £1,500 for F3 should be a good ball-park figure to go on.

- Do F3 queens make better mothers than F2 queens?
I think it would depend on each female, but I have noticed quite a difference in each (lower) generation so an F3 would be an easier cat all round than an F2 I think.

- Would an EG queen be able to live happily with other stb queens or would she need a separate living space?
My F2's share my home with me and my other cats. They are really sweet natured but tend to get picked on by the SBT's rather than them doing the picking. You need to be sure you have enough space to keep them housed with another gentle female so they don't get bullied.

- Do F2 and F3 queens breed with the stb stud boys easily or do they often reject/ attack the studs?
Some can be a little difficult but mine have never attacked a stud. You must be prepared for an EG female to take longer (often 2 years or more) to mature and breed, though my one girl has bred easily from 1 year old.

- What is an F2 or an F3 queen like to live with? I have read about the people on the forum who have EG neutered pets and about their behaviours and challenges but is it possible for an entire EG cat to live in the house like those pet EGs do? Or do they always need to be outside
As with most/all breeding females, they will spray in the house when in season. Some can have toilet issues too, though I have been lucky with mine and they are clean and use the litter tray ok. My one F2 girl will only eat raw meatwhen she kittens, though she will eat biscuits once they are weaned. (funny girl!)

I am no expert but I hope this will help you as I have mine indoors too.

_________________
Best Wishes,
Karen <UK>
http://www.suntouchedbengals.com
http://www.bengalbreedersunited.co.uk

Thanks for all that info! I am surprised that the prices are so reasonable! I was expecting a much higher figure considering the price of my STB queens Does the HCM screening work when the cats are sedated then? I thought that would be the most likely route but I wasn't sure if the results would be accurate if the cats were sedated. I would not want to go any lower than an F2, although I love the F1 cats I think they are deffinitely a specialist animal for the very experienced breeder and just from looking at some of the fantastic F2 and F3 cats currently being produced I'm confident that I could get everything I needed in an F3 if I can convince a breeder to part with one