After 40 years of raising cats, you would be justified in saying I am a cat nut. I have truly considered living a normal life with one or two cats and a dog, but if I were to be honest, I would have to admit it is not possible. I have tried, but then along comes another very special feline and I just can't say no. Many have come and gone as new loving families were found for them, but others have stayed.

I have had mixed strays from the streets, and the fanciest of show cats. There is a definite difference in the various breeds and individuals, with regards to needs, personalities and adaptability to different environments. So when a cat person writes an article on what a particular breed of cat is; take into consideration it is a general similarity of the majority of the cats of that breed. Do consider however if your lifestyle and needs are compatible with the general temperament of the breed you are considering.

And with regards to the ethical question of why would I breed cats, when so many are homeless, my answer is lifestyle and compatibility. I have taken on the responsibility of placing and spaying countless homeless animals. I encourage you, if you have even the smallest space in your life, consider aiding the unfortunate felines, as you enjoy the special cat of your lifetime. Two cats are not much more work than one, and more than twice the pleasure. But one word of advice, raise one breed of kitten at a time. This avoids the other cats influencing the personality of each other.

Now, onto what I have found to be the typical Bengal cat. Please take into consideration I have had Burmese (still my favorite breed), Siamese, Tonkinese, Manx, Angoras, Persions, Balinese, American shorthair, Burmilla, one rescued Asian Leopard Cat kitten, and the total Heinz mixes from the streets, attics, and cardboard boxes left on the streets and my doorstep.

The Bengal as you know, (I am assuming you have researched the breed somewhat. If not, please go to http://www.bengalcat.com and read a little) is a hybrid American developed breed, so that cat lovers could have the exotic wild look in their family pet. And this has been accomplished rather well. The Bengal has many admirable qualities, and if your lifestyle is compatible, you too may enjoy this exotic Bangal breed.

The Bengal is extremely high on the intelligence level. The Bengal could probably easily survive without your help in a natural environment. For hunting and speed of movement the Bangal I believe, is the fastest. This brings up the point of environmental responsibility, and the need to keep the Bangal cat as an inside house pet. Otherwise, the wild bird population will plummet as they are excellent natural hunters. On the other hand, your house will be free of rodents and big insects.

Leaving a steak on the counter to defrost is a Bengals's invitation to a cold supper. And to retrieve the coveted meal from the thieves' mount, is a swat team undertaking. Being excellent climbers, and fast, puts the Bengal in the 007 category. This is not a problem, just consider guarding items of the Bengal's interest. They can open drawers, doors, boxes, and jewelry cases. They have very little sense of guilt, and can hide in the smallest of spaces.

I have found my Bengal's to like dogs in an open interactive way, with playing and affection. They are compatible with most cats and children. They will not tolerate abusive handling. They attach to the family and are generally polite with visitors. Do not push them and they will slowly accept new people. They do not adjust to a complete transfer of environment and family so be sure you will be keeping your anticipated Bangal cat for its lifetime. Bengal's that are raised with a lot of love and attention are outgoing, responsive, and affectionate cats.

The plush pelt of the Bengal is a delight to pet. The ones that are glittered shine like gold dust settled on them. The color patterns of the Bengal are the most obvious advantage to the breed. The spotted leopard style ones come in various shades of tan, beige, and red base color with spots or rosettes of a contrasting dark brown or black. The snow spotted are an off-white base color with dark gray or black markings. The snows have lovely blue eyes.

The Bengal's marble color pattern is also very exotic. The bold paint lines with their vibrant color and sparkle are right from the jungle. They come in the brown and snow color. There is a definite color pattern required for showing (TICA standard). Ticking (banding of color and lighter color bands on an individual hair) is not desired. But whether the Bengal is a show prospect, or pet quality, it is beautiful and exotic.

Bengal's like water and if they are introduced to baths when young, occasional bathing will not be a problem. Nail clipping should be done every two weeks from kitten-hood.

Do NOT Declaw!

Bengal's are definitely more manageable when spayed or neutered. Besides reducing the occurrence of cancer and increasing life-span, neutering your Bengal kitten has many other benefits. No spaying, odor, fighting, wanting to go outside, caterwauling, or mood swings.

Breeding Bengal's is not the easy chore of some other breeds. There will probably always be a lot of natural instinct in the Bengal cat. Because of this, the conditions must be right in order to have a healthy well-adjusted litter. The female Bengal is quite vocal when in season. The male also calls for a mate in the nights, when he is mature. I find my breeders like privacy and prefer the nightime to breed. I separate them as soon as they have bred for 2 days. The females need the same environment while she is pregnant, as where she will deliver the ltter. You need a good strong box with a top, and an entrance hole in the side (an airline fiberglass crate is also good). Do not disturb her more than necessary in the final week. Make sure she has food and water available (and vitamins the entire pregnancy).

The new Bengal mother is a leopard in every sense of the word. She is liable to attack any intruders for the first few days. So restrict visitors to the known family. Handle her with respect and caution, and get the kittens accustomed to handling. If the fimale has a large litter it is better to separate a few of the kittens from her until she finishes the delivery. Some of the Bengal's will cull their litters down to 3 kittens, this I believe is due to the wild instinct of being able to feed 3 kittens better than 6. Once she is settled you can reintroduce the other kittens. Bengal kittens will attack meat when first introduced, so do not use your fingers. 4-5 week-old leopard cubs are yours to raise, and enjoy the wilder side of the feline world. They must be handled daily, and exposed to household living. I have found the more exotic looking good spotted ones tend to be more wild and independent.

This page is not for the specs for Bengal's, only my experiences and delights with the breed. I would rather not sell you a Bengal if it will not fit into your lifestyle, and expectations. As I have mentioned, the Bengal needs to stay in the family it is raised with. So please consider if the Bengal is the right choice for you. I will gladly answer any questions you might have. PS, my snow marble, Footprints, sleeps on my pillow every night and kisses me good morning, and insists on having her babies in my bed under the covers.

Marguerite Paduano
Natures Acres Foundation
Jilgueral de Puriscal
Phone #: 011-506-416-3333
Fax 011-506-416-3398
Email naturesacres@gmail.com

Costa Rica Address:
APDO 163-6000
Puriscal, Costa Rica

USA Address:
11766 Redwood Road
Hesperia, California 92345

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