Comments on: Bengal cats – a breed with Attention Deficit Disorder?

By: Marissa

Marissa — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:38:23 +0000

Thank you finally Marilyn I was getting a little alarmed by how many people believe they have bengals or crosses…. I almost think/hope that I think I know who you are. Bengal breeders often have very stRict contracts that require spay/neuter that is enforced. To find a cat at a shelter is usually unheard of unless it is a confirmed Bengal rescue. OFten times even backyard breeders send their kittens through rescue but you wind up paying more as a quick scam, so pretty much you would know because of the jacked up rescue price. These are remarkable cats, I couldn’t live without mine, but I will say they are not for everyone. I also have savannahs and I try and get across to people what these cats are all about. I wasn’t quite pleased with this article, yes some things are true with the hybrid cats but In my opinion a lot of it was over exaggerated. If anyone is very interested in a hybrid breed, please do research other than this article, and then ask yourself if it is something you want to do. Speak to breeders would be the best advice, Internet information has gone over the edge anymore. If you do feel a hybrid is right for you then great! They are a,asking cats and they will never cease to amaze you! apologizes if I offended anyone, that was not my plan

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:14:54 +0000

I hate to burst everyone’s bubble but if you adopted a “tabby” from a shelter and just googled images, your cat is probably NOT a Bengal, nor even a part-Bengal. Bengals have only been around since the 1970s. They were thousands of dollars to own and until about the 1990s could you even find them for around $800. The founder of the breed Jean Mill required every single kitten sold as a pet to be spayed and neutered. I have taken part in hundreds of cat round ups and backyard breeder shut downs and run blood tests on “half Bengals”. If you were to have a full DNA scan done on your kitten or cat, I’m willing to bet 91% will actually come up being part Ocicat or Egyptian Mau. Ocicats and Maus were used in the creation of Bengals, have very similar markings and a very similar personality, on top of that they have been around for hundreds of years making it way more likely that people bought them, let them get out and breed with domestics over the coarse of so many years. I’m not saying its not possible to end up with a mixed Bengal at all. I’m just saying in 19+ years of research on feline behavior and studies across America, whenever I see a shelter offering a “Bengal mix” based on its markings, I pay to have a DNA scan run. Nope. Not a Bengal! I’m sorry to say Rainey, they do not mellow with age. Bengals are essential children. It is very important to do your research before owning one of these animals. They are highly intelligent but highly active and can be highly destructive. We also do not recommend any cat go outside due to a shortened life span and dangers of being outdoor, but Bengals have a high tendency to wander and a high prey drive. Your $900 purebred cat will eventually disappear.

By: Rainey

Rainey — Sun, 08 May 2011 08:59:10 +0000

Well I have had cats in my life since I was a kid and I have never experienced anything like a Bengal. Willful to a fault, destructive when I do not pay attention to him and I have not had a solid nights sleep since we got him. He will even attack me. It’s very frustrating.
Yes he is cute, smart and his antics are funny but my house is always a mess now, I have to be careful of everything I leave around, he wants everything I eat and will not stop trying to get at it no matter how many times and different ways I try to train him.
I hope they mellow eventually because if anyone could have shown me a crystal ball, I would not have gotten one.

By: Janie

Janie — Sun, 08 May 2011 04:30:46 +0000

Some Bengals are recommended to be keeped Indoors cause, they will resort to there wild instincts! I keep my Bengal indoors at all times unless Im walking him with a leash outside.

By: Janie

Janie — Sun, 08 May 2011 04:24:15 +0000

I purchased my BENGAL HYBRID from a cattery. I love him and hes smart understands me when I say “NO” he sits etc. I have four kids a full-time job with some training you van teach bengals mostly anything you can teach a dog! Lion-o is part of my family I love him specially since he’s so intelligent I would not trade him for nothing. Hes active and does tend to open doors with ease but I wouldn’t have it any other way:-)

By: DANA

DANA — Fri, 06 May 2011 22:25:37 +0000

I HAVE THE PRIVILAGE OF OWNING A BEAUTIFUL SNOW BENGAL HE HAS BLUE EYES AND HIS NAME IS BLITZEN AKA BIN LADDEN!HE IS AN ESCAPE ARTIST AND ALWAYS ON THE LOOK OUT FOR AN OPEN DOOR OR WINDOW.THEY TALK SOME VERY STRANGE SOUNDS,AND ITS A BIT ANNOYING SOMETIMES.HE WALKS ON A HARNESS JUST LIKE MY DOG AND CERTAINLY WE TURN HEADS WHEN WE ARE OUT FOR A WALK.GETS ALONG WELL WITH ALL DOGS AND WILL KEEP THEM IN THERE PLACE.HE CAN BE SPITEFULL WHEN YOU TELL HIM TO GET OFF THE TABLE OR COUNTER.VERY ACTIVE WHEN AWAKE!NOT A BREED FOR EVERYONE FORSURE BUT I WOULDNOT GIVE HIM UP FOR ANYTHING.HES VERY SPECIAL AND CAN OPEN DOORS AND CUPBOARDS WITH EASE.TALENTED YOUNG FELINE AND VERY GORGEOUS!GLAD I CAN SHARE MY LIFE WITH THIS CAT EVEN THOUGH HES A HANDFULL!

By: veronica

veronica — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:38:30 +0000

I never had a cat but i want one and i looking into the bengals. I live in Costa Rica in a gated area but small house any advise?

By: Brenda

Brenda — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 05:20:58 +0000

I got my cat, Lucifer (from Cinderella), from the local animal shelter. His coloring is what caught my eye. Although he was always very skittish around new people he was very loving with family members. In looking at the website I realize he was either part or whole Bengal as he had the coloring and characteristics described, including the gold sparkle that gleamed in the sun. He was playful, loving and very loyal. He and I would have “conversations” while I showered. He would stand just outside the shower curtain and as soon as I meowed at him he would answer with a long, loud yawwwl and this would go on for a while. When he actually jump into the shower I was really surprised, since I had always heard cats were not partial to water. He was the 2nd cat I’ve ever owned and definitely made me a cat lover. Unfortunately Luci became very ill in October with kidney disease and in a matter of 2 weeks he passed on. I tried desperately to save him but it seems he’d been born with only 1 good kidney. I haven’t been able to bring myself to get another cat but I think it’s time, my other cat needs the exercise! I will look again in the shelters or rescues and hope to find a similar cat, I’m sold on the Bengal personality and adopting makes me feel like I’m making a difference. Luci was a real jewel to find!!

By: Emmargaret

Emmargaret — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 16:06:55 +0000

My Bengal Keeyno is so adorable.I was sold what was classed as runt of the litter.This is the first time I have had a male cat.I do not allow any of my cats outside.His many adventures are had indoors.He does not take to visitors right away. He does “talk” to me and hs sometimes a demanding personality. I really do enjoy him.

By: LINDA DROZD

LINDA DROZD — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:18:18 +0000

I BOUGHT A HALF PIXIEBOB/BENGAL, I HAVE 3 PIXIES BUT THIS BENGAL HAS SOOOOO MUCH PERSONALITY AND SHE LOVES CHEESE ONLY L O L DELI SLICED WILL DO WE CALL HER SPIDEY FOR SPIDERMAN SHE HAS BEEN SWINGING ON MY CHANDELIER AND ON THE TOP OF MY HUTCHES. SHE CAN SURE JUMP!!!!!!!