The posters here in this forum are friendly and want to help in answering questions and offering support to all cat owners. We have members here who may no longer have a bengal but own other cats. And if your cat isn't a bengal, I don't find it an issue. The key is trying to help the owner find answers to a situation or issue. Bengal or otherwise.

I have learned that 'mixes' and 'crosses' are indeed a sensitive topic. These cats are considered mistakes and detrimental to the breed. But maybe I'll start a topic in future about the advantages of mixes...

That's fair enough, but this post wasn't meant to be about pedigrees/non pedigrees, going slightly off topic

There is nothing wrong with mixes and crosses. A kitty is a kitty! And I love them all. There are many mixes and crosses that you can see obviously have bengal in them.

I purchased my two bengals in February....the breeder was good about providing information, health etc. I really had hoped to "see" the area she kept the cats. But due to new kittens in the house, I was unable. I understood ..but to this day that still bothers me I didn't see where my kitties lived. She did tell me they were caged...

She ships cats all over the world, buys from all over the world....and seemed knowledgeable. She did make mention how "nasty" the breeding world of bengals has gotten. She doesn't know how much longer she will stay breeding due the change in how things are in the bengal breeeding world. Being put down by a breeeder for " dumb" questions just reaffirms what she has noticed in the last ten years or so....

Am thankful for this forum, I read bits and pieces everyday....and everyone seems very respectful. The worst thread on here I read was a gal rehoming/ getting rid of her Bengal.

Being a breeder is not easy. Being a GREAT breeder is even harder. This is why many go by the wayside after a while. It's not easy work. I don't honestly know where the bengal breeding is heading. Breeders used to want a bengal who resembled the ALC. Now they are into elongated rosettes and cashmeres (long hairs) or even whited bengals. Charcoals are very popular, too. I'm not sure other pure breeds have changed that much over the years besides the bengal. There are a lot of bengal breeders out there and competition is stiff, which is why many breeders have turned to Savannahs.

Times change, tastes change, and breeders who show their bengals want to display the BEST they have.

I have found that some breeders have on their websites pictures of where their bengals are kept. I've seen some gorgeous, compartmented enclosures, and I know a breeder who had her husband divide up a spare bedroom into two birthing rooms (which she just had to use for two queens).

I wouldn't worry too much about not seeing where your kitten was kept. The important thing is that your kitty is well socialized and is bonding with you.