It's been 9 months since I adopted my lovely Bella. She now stands on her hind legs when I'm at my computer, touches my face. She purrs in my face in the morning. She loves me!!! And I, her. If Sherry is here, TRA-LA!!! She is such a beautiful cat, and pure, pure Bengal -- the mischief never ends. She tires of toys almost immediately. She does love roll-y things, especially pens and pencils. I find that the more ordinary the item, the better. Expensive cat toys are a waste. She's so darned smart - you know about her sheet-scratching to make me feed her. I'd love to train her to take walks with me. Her former owner did that when she was a kitten but he stopped since the streets of Elizabeth, NJ were so filthy. I'd love to take her walking through the hallways of our building. These hallways are very long and spacious. But of course she HATES HATES HATES halters. I got a kitty carriage and I can take her for walks that way. But. But. But....And she and Jamie are best buddies now. They even sleep very close to each other on our bed! It's so much fun to watch them frolic and chase each other. So: all's well that ends well, I guess!

I'm really really happy to hear this, especially after the rough start that you had with your cat. And you're right, those are awesome signs of great affection.

_________________
The little monsters 3

Ellen, I know how happy this makes you. As for harness training, you simply have to start inside your home. Put the harness on and see how she reacts. If she tries to fight it off or lays down as if she is paralyzed, then tempt with a treat. Once they realize they can walk okay, they are usually fine. However, you have the stroller now and you can take her out on the streets, although -- safety with a harness and leash inside the stroller adds a second form of safety for her. But, get her used to the stroller inside before you ever take her outside. Is there enough room for Jamie in the stroller? The weather in NYC will be beautiful before too long -- and perfect for Bella and Jamie and you to get some fresh air. Just make sure both are comfy in the stroller before you take them out into the busy streets with noise and people.

I think Bella has found her perfect owner.

Thanks for the nice replies. Sorry: I just haven't looked at the Forums for a while. Bella is lying beside me in the late afternoon as I nap. BESIDE ME! Imagine that. Our little Jamie has E. Coli - I have no idea how she could have picked that up - manifesting as an enlarged kidney, and she is on Baytril, a strong antibiotic. I've consulted a second vet about this, even though the animal hospital I took Jamie to is highly rated and her vet seems very competent. I always like to have a second opinion. They say Bella can't get the infection. The vet says that Jamie has ever chance of a complete recovery, but the antibiotic has to be given twice a day for a month. Does anyone know about this?

A PS: Thanks so much, Sherry. I think maybe you're right. We suit each other very well, she and I. Bella is so beautiful I sometimes just meditate on her. She's a brown Bengal with her own beauty, including what I call her "butterfly wings," rectangles on her shoulder blades formed by slender stripes; one has a whimsical dot in the center. There's also a sort of flower spray down one of her flanks, with little dots of darker fur. And then her arrows and rosettes. Also her wonderfully beautiful, huge eyes, which often give her an astonished look. I'll see if I can post other photos, but there are enough in the gallery at this point to give everyone a sense of her. Apparently she's a rarity: an almost completely silent Bengal. Jamie's the talker. Bella utters her little squeaky mew if I pick her up; sometimes a muted trill when she jumps on the bed; and fierce growls at the vet's. Beyond that - nada.

That's awesome! My rescue Onyx would not even let me pet him for the first 9 months but now he loves to be petted and is a super kissy face! I think some kitties just need extra time to really bloom and know they are loved.