Discussions

My husband and I purchased a bengal (male) cat about 15 years ago from Petland in Polo Park (it has since closed.) We paid $1000 and he was a purebred. He was a beautiful looking cat, although he seemed to "pick on" me. He would corner me and let out this scary moan/meow and attack me. I couldn't even lay on the couch to watch TV without him running by and taking a swipe at me. When we had our first child, we had to give him away (because we found out our son was allergic.) I also was leary to leave our son in a room by himself with the cat. I did everything in my power to show him he was NOT the alpha-male in the house (spraying him with a water bottle for example), but to no avail. He was fine with my husband tho. We also got him neutered when he was 6 months old, but he would "spray" to mark his territory downstairs. We ended up having to replace carpet, etc. when we sold our house, but it was almost impossible to get rid of that smell. (It turns out the person that took him said he liked having 2 litter boxes instead of one, so that would've been an easy fix.) Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is to make sure you do your research about this breed before you make any decisions. Do you have kids at home or plan on having kids in the near future? This may not be the best breed for little ones fo be around, because of the ocelot (wild cat) genes. I'm a grown up and that darn cat would bring me to tears sometimes (imagine having 17 pounds of pure muscle hanging from your thighs with their claws.) Good luck in your search.

Why do you want a Bengal? If your research has led you to believe that they are 'basically like any other cat', then why not get any other cat? A cat from the Pound or an area rescue would be much cheaper and there are many to choose from.  
 
'More one owner type' means exactly what Amy described - if the cat decides you aren't it's 'one owner', it can make your life hell.

Bengals are high energy cats. They need lots of excersize or they get bored and have behaviour issues. They do wonderfully with agility courses and going on walks. Please be prepared for a major committment. There are breeder sites if you google them in Manitoba. After you find names then you could look for reviews online and see. Also research possible behaviour issues to see if you are prepared good luck in your search. They can be amazing companions if you are prepared to put in the time and work.  
 
Edited by kaylagurl21, 2018-03-04 22:00:19

curlysister said "Why do you want a Bengal? If your research has led you to believe that they are 'basically like any other cat', then why not get any other cat? A cat from the Pound or an area rescue would be much cheaper and there are many to choose from.     'More one owner type' means exactly what Amy described - if the cat decides you aren't it's 'one owner', it can make your life hell. "

I guess same reason goes for why people buy purebred dogs if there are so many at the pound to choose for cheaper price.  
Why buy clothes at walmart or winners if you can buy cheaper at value village.

When people research and purchase purebred CKC/ AKC registered dogs, or TICA/ CFA registered cats, they generally do so because of very specific breed traits. My sister has a CKC Registered Wire Fox Terrier. When researching different breeds, she didn't read about WFT's and Black Labs and say that 'they are basically the same'. If she had, I would have told her that she needed to do more research, that she probably shouldn't get a purebred dog, and that she should go to the pound and adopt a mutt. However, she was looking for specific characteristics that were all met with the WFT.

Had a fellow from Morden stop in last fall and commented that he had never been in a farm yard where the cats that were running around were seal point Siamese, people throw away the oddest things. Shame on them.

If you are interested, Oriental Shorthairs may be worth researching. There is a breeder for this breed near Ninette - Promise Hills. I have one (from Promise Hills) and he is awesome. I do strongly suggest you research the breed to see if it is for you.

I meant exactly what Pinkflamingos summed up:  
 
"if you don't think a Bengal possesses any special traits over other cats, you may as well adopt one of the millions of homeless cats and kittens from a humane society and save a life rather than spend exorbitant amounts of money on a particular breed."

I purchased my pair - litter mates last spring from a reputable breeder in BC - Jewels Pride Bengals.  
My definition of reputable is:  
1.Invests in the health of the breed by genetic screening for diseases prevalent to the breed.  
2.Breeds for a purpose - ie has a goal in mind to improve or develop the breed  
3.Does not breed to just sell kittens to random strangers  
4.Has a robust screening process for buyers  
5.Will not place kittens in a home they deem unsuitable  
6.Will give live long support to every kitten they bring into the world - including taking the cat back or helping rehoming it should the need ever arise.  
7.Registers the litter and kittens  
8.Participates in shows as a way of proving a successful breeding program.  
this holds true for dog breeders too.  
 
Please do lots of research before you buy any breed or species of pet. Bengals are fabulously entertaining and great pets. Mine aren't particularly cuddly, but they love to play, and get into things, they love "helping". This is where a good breeder can match you with a kitten that will meet your requirements - cuddly vs not cuddly. Pets in pet stores don't come from reputable breeders generally.  
I have invested in a large cat wheel to help this very active breed burn off extra energy and in the summer they are harnessed to go for walks. If their energy is not focused into desirable activities, I think they could make up a lot of activities of their own causing much destruction. I have litter mates because we are out of the house daily and they can have each other to burn energy and keep each other company. They can be pretty tough on regular cats in that they can play pretty rough and tough. They do like high places and they do like water. Sometimes I run a bath for them. Its good until one steals the bath plug and takes off with it. I would be happy to have you meet them if you want.

I have a female Bengal. I think as a breed they tend to bond strongly with one person but still be friendly with others. My girl is very territorial. She puts up with other cats, but she is queen bee. The other cat knew to avoid eye contact when walking by her to avoid a smack. But she would still play on her terms. She is very cuddly and loves attention and playing. Heaven forbid you leave a roll of paper towels on the table, you will come home to a shredded mess. Haha in comparison to other cats she is very quirky. She was given to me by someone who wanted her to go to a good home because they were moving. I would consider getting another one in the future. Keep them entertained and they will be happy

Good did you get your bengal cat in January this year? Declawed? Registered documents are all cut out to hide to identity of the 1st owner?  
 
Edited by plus zero, 2018-05-17 04:32:16

if sadie cat name on document then I doubt the lady moved. Being a purebred she bought the cat on ebrandon saying she'll take care of the cat really good at a surprise the cat ended up on ebrandon classified the very next day after she bought the cat asking for more money. It was just to make extra cash she bought the ca.  
I hope you really enjoy the cat and care for her.

and I LOVED him. My mom used to breed them in Alberta for a short time. I actually kept one until he passed.  
 
They are fantastic critters and I/we had no issues with them at all minus that they LOVE to be up high more than any other kind of cat I've ever had. I ended up making special climbing surfaces for Zeus to keep him happy or else he'd be all over the place meowing and attacking people's legs at random. The top of my fridge was "his" zone and so was the top shelf of any closet in the house. Zeus was also REALLY smart. As in he could open doors smart. I cannot remember how many doors I had to put a hook and eye on to keep him from opening and getting into things. He enjoyed going for walks too. I bought a halter and leash and off we went!  
 
The "worst" part about a Bengal I found was that they attack when there bored so you HAVE to keep them entertained. Lots of upkeep since they scratch everything they can and SOME can be picky food wise. Otherwise, they are the best!

To the message about getting her this January. No, I got her in 2013 from a client of mine who moved to Saskatchewan and was only able to keep one of her cats. I have all her papers. Her name is Princess. She was supposed to go to one of her friends but didn’t get along with their cat and family so I went and looked at her and scooped her into my arms like a baby and she was very content. The lady said she had never seen anyone able to do that with her before and felt quite happy that I would be a suitable match. And that is how I came by my Princess.