I have had a bengal kitten since she was 8 weeks old and is now 20 weeks (nearly 5 months) I have been off work unexpectedly since just before i got her so she has always had me here bar 2-5 hours max. I will be returning to work in about a months time and also going on holiday in september.

Both of these facts (particularly going away for a week on holiday) Ihave a slight concern with as although i take her out for a walk on a lead in morning and evening which i will carry on doing, it's already difficult to givr her as much time as she needs. She musc prefers interactive play even though i have brought every toy and tree going. Therefore i am considering getting her a playmate.

I live in a ground floor flat 1 bedroom, so there isnt a huge amount of space. Im not sure whether getting another bengal would be ideal as it could mean twice as much need for attention required from me and also 2 to walk on the lead each morning and evening which would be difficult.

Wanted to know which breeds are good with bengals; so ones that are active enough to play with her without getting annoyed but also able to be let out on their own, and less adventurous? so i dont have to walk 2 at a time and can let the other one out on its own.

Mia is 5 months old and very very tame, loving but scared of strangers and visitors until she has got to know them.

Please let me know any of your experiences with introducing a new kitten/cat and what worked, what didn't.

Only another bengal is going to have the energy to keep up with your bengal. According to Jackson Galaxy, that's the most important match point to look for. A five-month old bengal is going to be hell on wheels. If you're looking for another breed, make sure it's an active breed and not a kitty that will spend 20 hours a day sleeping. Yes, your kitty requires a lot of attention. That's what bengals are known for. And mine has to have interactive play time -- meaning, I'm at the other end of the toy.

Note that another cat will necessitate another litter box or two, double food, double the vet bills, double the territory as each cat will need their own space.

I'm going to suggest that you see how your little one does when you go back to work. Not all bengals are bored or feel alone and adding another cat could cause greater issues. You may find your little one sleeps most of the time you're away.

You'll have to consider what you plan to do with the cat(s) in September when you go away for a week. I do know of a guy who takes his bengal EVERYWHERE with him, even to the food market. And some people even take their kitties on vacation with them. Not sure how you could have a great time worrying about a kitty cat back at the hotel. You either board your kitty or have someone come in and take care of her.

I've seen people who do walk two bengals at a time. It wouldn't be something I'd try to do as they would go off in different directions. Lately, I've looked at cat strollers so that I can take Raiden out and actually get to walk where I want to get to walk instead of where he wants to go -under bushes, through the woods. I thought a neighbor was crazy for taking his dogs out in a stroller -- but now I see the great reasoning for it.

So, to summarize... you're looking for a cat that is as active as a bengal, will play with and tire out your bengal, but isn't inquisitive or adventurous and can safely be let outside free to roam without danger, won't put any further demands on your time, and won't take up any space in your flat?

I'm thinking those robotic kitties with the... no wait, those haven't been invented yet. Uh, I dunno, I got nothing. Maybe you could get a roomba?

...or you could just get a second bengal and live with the inevitable drawbacks

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The little monsters 3

I missed the part of wanting another cat to allow it outside to roam free with all the dangers that are out there for the cats. How is that cat supposed to keep your bengal company? I stand by my advice that you wait and see how your bengal does being on its own while you're one. I think you will find he will be okay. You can always get treat toys and make him work a little bit to get to them. Raiden has a cat wheel and he will hop on it on his own and amuse himself for five seconds.

As for robotic cats -- I can't wait to get one. That will be my last and final cat. I thought the Japanese had come up with one but it was quite expensive and looked like a Siamese.