Hi there!
Here's a little of back story to our situation ... Last month, my husband and I lost our 3 year old feral rescue cat and it was utterly devastating. I'm still mourning his loss and my heart aches. He was the kitty love of my life and I feel a huge deal of anxiety without him. So, my husband suggested we get another kitten to help cope. I've always been interested in bengals, since I've had friends and family (hubby's mom) who own them and rave about what an incredible breed they are. Also, I had looked into adopting a singapura last year but they were a bit out of our price range.
Now, my husband suggested adopting a singapura since I was so interested before, and perhaps having a purebred cat would be healthier than our feral rescue? The cost of a singapura still daunting, I checked local Bengal breeders as well to see what the options were. That's when I came across silver bengals. How beautiful! Little snow leopards! And less expensive than a singapura! Not to mention, the singapura breeder highly recommended 2 cats as we both work full time. While we do have a 10 year old shiba inu, they would likely not have a very strong bond.
Anyway! Studying both breeds intensively, I decided the temperament and nature of the singapura suited me better in spite of my preference to the bengals appearance. A couple days later, my mother in law (the current owner and lover of a Bengal) sent us a link to a TICA registered Bengal kitten at a very low price. He was a silver sheet marble Bengal, primarily charcoal colouring on his sides, but beautiful stripes and spots on his belly and legs. I was interested in meeting him to get a feel for what bengals are really like.
So, the next day my hubby called up the breeder and we went to meet him. He was 14 weeks old, very playful and energetic but also incredibly affectionate. He let me hold and snuggle him after only meeting him for a few minutes! Also, he had no interest in climbing at all and loved being carried around. He was unlike the other kittens there as they all hid and watched us from afar (my only experience with bengals ever really) and he wanted to be with us the whole time.
This breeder is relatively new (3.5 years he said) and since this kittens markings aren't as desired, h and was selling him for much lower than he normally would. This kitten seemed very well socialized and had a temperament unlike what I read about bengals. Still, I am not sure I'm ready to decide and we tell him well think about it.
I give it some thought and decide maybe it wouldn't be the best idea; after all, it's the markings why I'd choose the Bengal over the singapura, and this kitten has mostly black sheet marble markings. His personality is very charming though. I leave it up to my husband since my anxiety makes it impossible to make decisions at times.
Surprise!! Two days later, my husband brought the little Bengal kitten home! Truthfully, as excited as I was when he did this, I've been going back and forth with emotions. He's very hyper and crazy. He won't snuggle with me on the bed, but is constantly sleeping on my husbands lap when we're lounging around. I wanted a singapura for the cuddly affectionate nature, and if I were to have chosen a Bengal, it would be snow or silver with large rosettes. Instead I have a Bengal kitten who won't cuddle me and doesn't have the nicest markings, from a relatively new breeder.
So I'm wondering about also getting a singapura? Would these two breeds do ok together? I'm having such a hard time emotionally here and I know my husband had only the bet of intentions, but I really feel stuck. He loves the little kitten already and I'm struggling to bond with him.
Thanks for any advice in advance :) sorry for such a long tale!
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