Hi all
I'm new to the bengal forum and wants honest advices from experts or anyone has had experience with early generation bengals. I'm seriously considering adopting either F2 or F3 as a household pet after few weeks of extensive research. I found that information on EGs are inconsistent,
some say that F2s should not be taken as a household pet as they show more wild temperament compared to F3s.

I found this wonderful breeder who specializes in EG kittens and I really really liked how she raises and socializes them. I understand that it depends on kittens when we talk about their individual temperament, but I'm afraid that F2s might be too wild for me:(

Other than a temperament concern, I love everything about these bengals.. Is it going to make a huge difference whether I choose F2 or F3 in terms of their wild behaviors? Appreciate your help!

First of all, make sure F2s and F3s are permitted by law. There are many states here in the US that will not allow EG bengals -- and some states ban hybrids all together. EGs are not known as great "pets." They are in the breeding program to continue the bengal species. Everything I've read states they need specialized humans to care for them. These EGs have a lot more wild blood in them, thus they usually tend to behave more like the ALC than a domestic cat. The biggest problem is that they are not socialized.

Why are you not interested in an F4 or higher? The disposition of the cat will be better. They are just as beautiful as the EGs and a lot more domesticated.

I'd visit the breeder and handle some of these EG cats and see what you think. But, I'm really happy with my F9 who is a sweetie pie.

For a household pet, I'd *always* recommend a SBT - F5 or higher.

They look better, are more domesticated, and frankly better pets.

I have an EG rescue kitty - actually getting her genotyped to find out more about her - and she is.... not the easiest animal to live with. I am VERY fortunate that her "issues" are things that I can deal with, and she is VERY fortunate that she found herself a human who will deal with them.

I love her to bits, really I do, and I would never prefer another cat to her. But seriously, most folks would not cope with her. That's why she was dumped at a shelter; the previous owner, who bought her from a breeder, couldn't cope with her issues. She was going to be put down due to her issues, but a rescue group took her on and paired her up with me, where she'll live the rest of her happy life in her forever home. But she really is quite lucky.

EG cats can have seriously hard to deal with issues. Some of them won't use a litterbox properly (it took my Maia well over a year to use one for peeing). If you think you can deal with that, think about it long and hard. I was lucky - Maia likes to pee in a sink. Some are less fortunate and will pee on beds, clothing, etc. There are other possible problems, too.

Consider long and hard what the reasons are that you want an EG cat. Consider long and hard why a SBT bengal isn't "good enough". And then consider again how truly excellent a SBT bengal could be for you. If you want an EG cat because it's "a little more wild", please seriously consider that being "a little more wild" is actually NOT a good thing in a household pet. This advice comes directly from someone in the care of an EG cat. While I would NEVER want to get rid of my little Maia, and while I love her SO SO much, I can honestly say after having her in my life I would NEVER recommend an EG cat to someone who wanted a pet, and never had even a SBT bengal before.

Why do you want an early generation cat - which will require specialist handling, rather than an STB ?

Early generation (EG) cats (F1-F3) can make good pets if you get them from a reputable breeder and follow their instructions when you take your baby home. It is important to find a breeder that understand proper socialization of EG kittens. They are generally more shy, grow and develop more slowly, and take quite a bit more patience and effort to raise. I breed Bengals and I have an F2 that I absolutely adore. I am the only one who can touch her. I am the only one who can touch her babies until they are about 3 weeks old. She hates my boyfriend. She poops in the window sill when she's in heat. Sometimes she pees on plastic bags just for fun. Or she will eat the handles off of them. She is fast and crafty and extremely intelligent. I have several of her babies out in pet homes. They are F3s. Most EG males are sterile and are usually neutered and offered as pets. I actually have a family that has THREE F3s from me (2 females, 1 male) and they all get along great. You just have to understand that they need human companionship as well as animal (usually another cat) companionship. They usually bond very strong to one person (as my F2 has with me) and sometimes, that can be a problem. A breeder friend of mine had an F3 that would refuse to eat when she was away so either she couldn't leave or kitty had to come with. Being an F3, she hated change... so my friend hardly ever got to leave.

I would say that EGs tend to be bossy. They are good at getting what they want and will often outsmart you to get it. They tend to have attitudes and like all Bengals, can become destructive if not properly entertained. The best way to know if an EG is right for you is to visit a breeder who has them!!

If you have any specific questions, fire away!!

If I was looking for a pet I wouldn't be looking for an EG Bengal.

_________________
Oscar and Jasper (or one ear and two ears as dh calls them) black rescue mogges

RIP my sweet baby Dexter, Snow Bengal 19/5/14 to 5/3/15 and my lovely dear old friend Muskey, Brown Burmese put to rest aged 15 on 14/11/15.

Debbie

Rachael, super advice from a breeder who has an EG bengal. Thank you so much for your input.

I don't think EGs are scary. I just think they need specialized care and treatment over your other cats. Jean Mill had a lot of socialized EGs in her breeding program. I do think EGs can be a handful (and I think my F9 is a handful). But they are extraordinarily gorgeous kitties.