Questions and Answers

1. What Should I expect to pay for a Bengal?

There are many factors that go into the pricing of Bengal kittens. The breeder's reputation and the quality of the kitten are very important. The quality of the kitten is based on the Bengal Breed Standard and any small imperfections they may have. A responsible breeder will charge anywhere from $800.00 - $2,000.00 for a pet quality kitten. Sometimes you can even get a show kitten for the price of a pet. You will have to have them altered. It is very important that you check out the breeder's reputation before you buy. They should be registered with TICA which makes them sign a strict “code of ethics”. They will also belong to a registering domestic cat association such as TIBCS or ACFA and a breed club like TIBBS. The breeders will provide adoption contract and health guarantee. We ask that you take your new kitten to your vet within 48 hours, to have your vet confirm the health of your kitten. We do guarantee against congenital defects for a period of time.

2. Are Bengals intelligent?

Bengals are highly intelligent and usually learn things very quickly. Some like to walk on a leash and play fetch with you. This does depend a lot on their individual personality and how much interaction you have with your Bengal kitten. Most Bengals love water so do not be surprised when they get in the bath tub or shower with you.

3. What if I have another cat, dog, or small children? Will my new kitten get along with the other members of my house?

Young kittens can adjust to almost anything, however sometimes this may take some time. You want to put your new pets in a room with food, water, its toys and bed. Let the kitten get used to its new surroundings and introduce your kitten slowly to your pets and/or children. This could take 1 to 2 weeks or longer depending on you and your kitten. They usually become close to dogs. We sold a kitten to a woman with a Great Dane and the dog and kitten have become inseparable. We have children from 4 years to 13 years old and they all interact with the kittens. As with all animals, you need to watch the children and the cats together very closely at first.

4. When should I have my kitten altered? Do they have to be?

Kittens that have been altered make more loving pets. TICA and TIBCS responsible breeders usually have a spay/neuter contract that you will sign at the time of purchase. This will require you to have your kitten spayed/neutered before they are ‘6 months old’. We will hold the papers until this is done. Many vets are doing a neuter/spay on kittens over 4 pounds. There is a lot of research on the subject, most finding show there is no ill effects. Discuss it with your vet and make the decision that is right for you and your new kitten. When a cat reaches maturity, it will/can spray your home with a scent that will make you wish you had already had it spayed/neutered.

5. Can I find a less expensive quality Bengal?

Yes, but as the saying goes: “You get what you pay for”, and “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.” It takes a lot of time and money to insure great bloodlines and a healthy kitten and this is reflected in our prices. However, we do sometimes have retired Studs and Queens that are healthy and need a loving home to retire to. Sometimes we also have kittens with small birth defects. However, they will live a long and pretty normal life. All these kittens and cats will be spayed or neutered. Always take the time to check with the wonderful Bengal Rescue Programs.. Some of the kittens/cats make take a little more time adjusting to a household, but they will be worth the time you take. They are usually available for a small fee/donation.

6. What is the average size of the Bengal cats?

Bloodlines and the sex of the cats have a lot to do with this. Males are usually bigger than the females. The males are muscular and weigh in at about 11-18 lbs. Females are smaller ranging in size from 8-12 lbs. Every bloodline produces a variety of size and musculature.

7. What are Rosettes?

Rosettes are a pattern that is found on both spotted and marble cats. The rosettes are like spots that are opening the centers and sometimes made up of a third color from the outline or background color in the center. This is usually found in Asian Leopard cats and wild cat species. The rosettes come in all different patterns such as arrowheads, doughnut and half doughnut shapes, clusters, and paw print shaped.

8. What is marbling?

The second pattern is called marble. This is created by the combination of the domestic classic tabby cat pattern and the rosettes from the Asian Leopard Cat. This produces a “marbleized” look. One or more colors swirled together into the base colors makes a marble pattern.

9. What is the "Fuzz Uglies"?

The Bengal kittens do have some wild traits in them and some breeders believe this is one of them. The “fuzzy uglies” are when the kitten is about three weeks old; their coats will become tacky looking. This happens in the wild because the kittens begin to explore and this helps camouflage them from predators. Usually this will clear up about 12 weeks of age with a clearer contrast and become extremely awesome when they are about 6 months of age.

10. What is the Temperament of a Bengal?

The Bengals are extremely intelligent and like to interact with others. They usually have every happy and active personality. The exotic heritage of the Bengal can be seen in them every day in the activities they do. They are active most of the day but, as they will stretch outside beside you or in your lap for their naps. Most Bengals have natural love of water and are extremely playful. The temperament has a lot to do with how they are raised. To help determine the temperament of your kitten or cat we suggest you visit the cattery. If the cattery is a “warm” cattery with lots of love and attention, then you are more likely to receive a friendly and loving kitten or cat. If the cattery is a “cold” cattery with less interaction and love, then you are extremely more likely to have a kitten or cat that is skittish or standoffish. Please visit the cattery you want to buy your kitten or cat from.

 11. What if I want more information on the Bengal?

We suggest you get all the information that you can find on the Bengals. I will suggest some information sites here and would welcome your suggestions of sites that you found helpful. An informed buyer will make a better human owner for these special cats.  You may also give us a call; I love to talk ‘Bengal’.

Bengal bath time information

Advice and Suggestions - Prior to the arrival of your new bengal kitten

TICA Breed Standard

Questions about Bodcau Bayou