Hi everyone.

I am thinking of adopting two retired Bengal breeders. Both because it's cheaper, but also because I don't have enough time to spend with a kitten (I work during the day, hence getting two, to keep each other company). It would be my first experience with Bengal cats although I have owned cats for many years. I don't have kids or any other pets.

Has anyone had experiences (good/bad) with retired breeders? Also, I was thinking of getting two females - again, any good/bad experience with two girls together? Would I be better off getting a girl and a boy?

I'm told that the girls I'm interested in (a brown rosetted and a snow rosetted ) are both good natured, and though they haven't actually spent time together, the breeder doesn't foresee any problems socialising them.

The only problem is that they're an 8 1/2 hour drive from my place, so it'll be hard for me to meet them before committing...

I'd love to hear more about your experiences with these amazing cats!

Thanks

Emma

Hello there,

Cats don't necessarily need any other companions and getting two adults that have not met each other could be more trouble than its worth. Being adults they're probably a bit set in their ways and I personally would advise against getting two adult cats because you could be setting yourself up for all sorts of problems.

If you find later on that your new girl is getting lonely (which is doubtful) it is better to introduce a kitten than an adult.

And if you're buying an ex-breeder I would recommend a girl. Some long-time studs are difficult to rehabilitate even once they're neutered - they may still spray because they're used to living in an environment where they're allowed to do so.

Nicola

Hello Emma

Welcome to the forum !! I'm fairly new to the site myself and we only got our Bengal cat in April this year which we got from a cat rescue. She's a lovely cat, she is 8 years old and will be 9 in October although you wouldn't belief it. Due to her back ground she had to be an only cat as she just doesn't get on with other cats full stop.....shame really as we'd dearly love to have a kitten or one that is a little younger as Bengals are just fantastic.

I'm no expert but I'd be a little wary of taking on two cats who have never met before and would just take one for the time being and see how they get on like Nicola suggested.

Also if you take the time to read the posts on the site you will pick up lots of very useful information on the bengal breed!!

Best of luck
Kaz x

Thanks Kaz and Nicola

I have been looking around the site and loving all the gorgeous bengal pictures!

If I were to go ahead with these cats, they would be introduced at the breeder's place over the next few weeks to see how they get on, before they come to us (which would be towards the end of August). They're both social girls and get on well with other cats, so I'm not too worried about that.

I just think that an 'only cat' would get bored and lonely during it's time alone when I'm at work - then probably tear my house apart, from what I've read of bengals! (And I must admit I love seeing two cats curled up together)

Happy for more opinions though!

Hopefully I will be posting pictures - whether of one or two cats - in a few weeks!!

Hi Meimei

If the 2 cats are sociable, and will be introduced before they come home with you, then I don't really see a problem getting them both. I won't give too much advice as I don't have my cats yet but all the advice I've been given, here and elsewhere, leans heavily toward getting 2 cats if you're not going to be home all day.

Cheers,
Carmen