Hi there,
This is my first visit and first post.
Having lost my wonderful Jasmine (Lilac Tabby Point Siamese) six months ago, I decided to get another cat as it is very lonely here without.
Having spent 14 wonderful years with Jasmine, I decided to go for a different breed than Siamese as it would have been far too painful.
I did some research then phoned a local breeder to see fi they were aware of any Bengals needing rescue.
Not that I would have had a problem buying a kitten, but, I wanted a cat in need.
I contacted a breeder since I was having difficulty locating any rescue homes that had Bengals.
Anyway, the breeder told me she had an ex-Queen of 1.5 years of age who she was looking to rehome at a cost of £50 to cover neutering costs.
Throughout yesterday I had many conversations with the breeder asking lots of questions.
I went out and bought everything I needed then went to the breeders.
The cat, Deana was very timid and the breeder told me this is because she is not used to humans.
When I got there there were lots of Bengals in the house who seemed relatively friendly, albeit a bit wary of me which I guess is to be expected.
Anyway, I managed to pick up Deana and she struggled quite a bit, but, I managed to get her in her carry box to take home.
When I got her home, I took her to a quiet room (It is a very quiet house, I live alone) and put her in there with the door open so she could roam.
I put food, water, a little fluffy house, a radiator bed and a litter tray with her.
Initially she was cowering in the corner, but, when I checked on her later she was sat happily, albeit somewhat wary with big bright blue eyes.
I checked on her later and she was stood between the bed and the bedsite cabinet staring at the wall.
I stroked her and she meowed, I assume she was not happy with me doing that.
I then went to bed, in a different room and during the night heard her moving around and going to the loo.
I got uyp to do the same myself and she came to investigate, however when I spoke to her she turned around and walked off.
I checked on her before going back to bed and she was under the covers in the room, and a bit later up and about again, although I do not think she had been downstairs.
I got up a little later and she was in the corner again so I picked her up carefully and put her in her radiator bed, to which she immediately jumped onto the bed and meowed, wandered around a bit, not wanting me to touch her but not running away.
Eventually she went under the covers again.
I put my hand underneath to stroke her and each time she meowed.
I am now up for the morning getting ready for work and she appears to be sleeping/hiding under the covers.
The breeder has e-mailed me to assure me she will calm down soon enough and eventually may actually let me stroke her etc.
WHen I picked her up, all the breeding cats were in large sectioned off areas like cages, but, extremely large. I assume this is the way breeding cats are kept rather than allowing them to roam.
When I asked the breeder why she was getting rid of her, she told me because she is too old to breed now and is being put out to pasture.
I specifically asked if she would make a good house pet and she told me that she will eventually become one. I can only assume she has never been socialised.
She is a lovely looking cat, her fur is in exceptional condition and I have all the paperwork which seems to tie in with what I have been told about her.
When I saw her photo on the Internet, she was a snowy white, however, when I picked her up she was a champaign colour. Not that I am worried what colour she is, but had to check with the breeder that I had the right cat. The breeder told me they get darker as they get older.
Have I done the right thing? Do you think she will calm down and be happy as a house pet?
No kids, no other animals, just me and once a month my folks, which each other month involves a 1.5 hour car journey.
Will she ever let me touch her?
I know it has been less than a day, but, I just want her to be happy, even if it means taking her back to the breeder, although I would love to keep her.
Any advice will be very much appreciated
Cheers
NaNook