Sometime in July, if not sooner, Jim and I will be adding to our household. We have decided that we are going to open our home to two Bengal Kittens.
The Bengal Cat is a medium to large domestic cat that originated from crossing the Asian Leopard Cat to the domestic cat in an attempt to create a companion with the "exotic" look of the wild with a domestic cat temperament.
A domestic Bengal (four or more generations away from the Asian Leopard Cat) has been selectively bred for an active, loving and resolute disposition. Some Bengals are extremely interactive and insist on being an active member of the family. Many Bengals have a natural love for water and for interactive playing with adults, children and other pet members of the family.
Please don't lecture me about adopting some shelter kittens. Jim and I thought long and hard about what kind of pets we wanted and have determined that this special breed of cat has everything that we want in pets. Of course we both love Cats and have both grown up in multiple pet households and we decided that if we were going to commit ourselves to two cats then we wanted cats with specific personality traits.
My only question is ... IS IT JULY YET?
8 comments:
No lectures from me! They're gorgeous!!! I'm envious! Just call on Auntie Nancy to cat-sit on weekdays if you need it!! That will be a great way to celebrate the END OF YOUR TREATMENTS!
I'm lecturing..you should be adopting a rescued greyhound...just kidding of course!! My greyhound would eat a poor little kitty and I LOVE THOSE!! I wish I could have one tooooo!!! They are so sweet, good luck!!
No lectures here, either. I have a pure bred Weimaraner.
They are absolutely gorgeous!
i was gonna say as long as they are not persians, but jennifer beat me to it.
enjoy your cats -- but with two of them -- they've got you evenly numbered... don't give them the vote!
Hey, they're cuties no matter where you're getting them!
Yours is a thoughtful opinion. From what I have researched, the early (or FOUNDATION) generations are a mix of a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard. The first three Foundation generations generally produce infertile male offspring. There are a few exceptions to this rule but for the most part, only female Foundation Bengals have proven to be fertile and thus the Foundation males are adopted into qualified pet homes.
I have not read any reports of unwanted kittens even in the early foundation generations. Most reputable breeders take responsibility for all the cats that they raise and there are strict contracts in place for the purchase and adoption of all cats whether they are intended as pets, show cats or breeders.
I certainly cannot verify that every breeder has ethics but you can be rest assured that Jim and I have been investigating our options responsibly. Jim and I are not looking for the perfect show cats of the breed. We are the people who are interested in the "less than perfect" kittens who may not look like show bengals but maintain the personality of the breed.
This isn't any different than the purchase of Max, Zeke, Dubber or any of the other dogs that you and I grew up with. It's simply a purebred cat.
The significant difference is that Jim and I are being informed and taking responsibility in adopting two pets. We both know what the costs and expectations are.
Came on to your blog by accident-just wanted to say congrats on your soon-to-be new additions.
I'm currently owned by 2 foundation Bengal cats. I have a male F1 (his daddy was an Asian leopard cat) & a female F2 (her grandma was an ALC).
They are WONDERFUL pets, but ONLY if you know what you're getting into. I'm referring to the foundations specifically, but all potential Bengal owners need to know they're not getting an ordinary run of the mill cat (which you obviously do). As long as foundations are socialized properly and early, they are the most incredible pets. I have had zero problems w/ mine (behaviorally or otherwise).
One of the best descriptions I've heard for Bengals is that they're like having a 2 year old that, not only gets INTO EVERYTHING (cabinets, drawers, etc...), but can get on TOP of everything (bookshelves, doors, cabinets, fridge, etc...). So, be prepared to child-proof your entire house!!
Good luck & congrats again!
Have to agree with the last comment! Oh, are you in for some fun! My son doesn't think that the Bengals are 'normal' cats.
I'm just amazed at their ability to get into cupboards & fridges & at their immense capacity for trying anything new ... mine were munching on a cucumber the other evening. So they are complete little pains.
But also complete little darlings. Great company, great fun to have around. I'm sure that you're going to love them.
How many days is it now?
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