Hi all,

So I finally took the plunge after years of looking at Bengals. I read around a huge amount before hand to see what they're like as pets, and how they behave around children and all seemed good.

I picked up a boy from a farm yesterday and was a bit surprised to see the owner carrying him wearing a pair of gloves. I asked what his temperament was like and how he was around children, and received positive feedback, so took him home. The kitten has not been registered, but is pure breed from two outdoor Bengal farm cats.

For most of the evening we had him in the main living room, which is pretty big so that might have overwhelmed him. During that time, he didn't come to see us, ran away and hissed and scratched when we tried to pick him up. Later, we decided to move him in to the small office upstairs, but even then he seems extremely nervous, doesn't want to be touched, and certainly not picked up! He's also not eaten any food whatsoever.

Is this normal behaviour? Is there something the breeder should have been doing to ensure the Bengal is friendly? Will it improve? My GF is worried that he's ferral!

I don't think you can expect a new kitten to adjust immediately to a new home, people, smells, things, etc. You're really expecting too much. The little guy is under a lot of stress with the changes. You need to confine him to a "safe room" where he has food, water, toys, litter box. Sit on the floor and just talk to him in a soft voice. Try to engage him with a toy. I know some kittens seem lovable and warm up to you immediately, but bengals can be quite different. You've got to have some time and patience and he will come around. He has to get used to everything.

It's possible he was not socialized properly by the breeder. The best breeders bring the kittens in and let them have the run of their own homes to get them accustomed to dogs, children, sounds, etc. Others keep them separate and humans don't interact with them.

I doubt your kitten is feral. Know that bengals are quite vocal and active. Make sure you have a cat tree or shelves that your kitty can climb up on to tower above everyone -- they love being high up in the air.

Please take your time with this one. It will take baby steps, but eventually, he will warm up and want to become an important member of your family. Hang in there ..... and Congratulations!

Just to give some perspective:

When I brought Serafina and Gaga home, I put them in the secluded guest bedroom, and they ran under the bed and cowered under there for the first 12 hours or so. I hung out in the room, quietly, and occasionally danged a toy down there to try to peak their interest. They gradually started emerging from under the bed to check things out, usually to quickly retreat back under the bed when anything didn't seem right to them. I think this sort of thing continued for another day or so, after which they very slowly started to get to know me, learn that I wasn't a threat, and that I produced good food and comfort to them, and then things progressed from there. They were in that "safe room" for a number of days before I let them venture out to other parts of the house.

Neytiri was somewhat similar except even more shy and shell-shocked. All she wanted to do was curl in a fetal position for the first 12 hours or so, and really didn't want to come out from under the bed for a couple days. Then she proceeded to be the cuddliest, friendliest, most affectionate cat (towards me anyway) that I've ever had.

So like others have said, from your description you really haven't done your kitten any favors by just dropping him into the middle of a big (high traffic? noisy?), scary room. And your expectations are not realistic.

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The little monsters 3

Thanks for the advice guys. Kitty (Sparta) has stopped being quite so nervous now, and he demolished his bowl of food last night. Appreciate dumping in the main living space was not a great idea!

He's still not actively seeking us out, he'd rather sit hiding with his back to us, and does still hiss when we approach. But, I can at least pick him up, and sit him on my lap without too much fuss now. We're going to pay 2 day visits each day to give him a bit of company, and wait for him to come to us.

I've attached a couple of pics. Appreciate, his pedigree is uncertain, but I wanted an outdoor cat and the breeder I went to see contractually insisted that her Bengal's where never allowed outside. I think he's a handsome chap anyway!

When I say an outdoor cat, I actually meant I want an indoor cat that also goes outside!

Hi there I just wanted to say as your kitten not registered you have no formal contract with the breeder so it's up to you really what you do. I have a Bengal and Bengal cross and both are indoor outdoor cats. I don't live near a main road though and is pretty safe where I live I've never had any problem with ether of my bengals like most people on here do and both are very loving and affectionate cats.

I also have a microchip cat flap for them to come and go as they please. And it's a blessing not to have litter trays all over the house too. And it's also good when I go on holiday as my neighbour feeds them for me so no cattery visits and upsetting them. But I suppose what ever works for each person I'm sure you will find what works for you