Perhaps I misspoke, but cuddles aren't the prime thing I'm looking for in a cat. It's companionship. I've visited with her several times already and I know well that she isn't a lap cat and doesn't enjoy being picked up. She does want attention and rubs against me, which seems like a good start. She sounds like quite a typical bengal in most respects. What I DO hope for is closeness and a strong bond. She does seem to love being around people, chatting, and has a great drive to play, all so long as the big bully male in her home isn't around.
I was just looking for advice to make her feel comfortable with me to develop a bond the right way, and to hopefully be able to let her learn to enjoy being pet and touched on her own terms. I know she might never be a "cuddler" and that's okay. Affection comes in many forms. Visiting her again tonight. :)
brianj12 wrote:
I think that if you are getting a rehomed bengal who has been through a lot, and you are already defining your relationship by how much the cat cuddles with you, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Bengals are not known as cuddly cats. That is not a hallmark of the breed. So either I would re-think getting a bengal, or I would select one that is already the cuddily cat that you desire, or I would start changing your expectations about that drastically. I don't want to see a message a month from now that the rehoming has been a disaster because all she wants to do is play and interact with you on her terms.