Has anyone had any experience with an overly inbred Bengal? My snow boy 6 months old started peeing on my bed as soon as i bought him home. He is very quiet, does not meow or purr, hardly moves, lies there with eyes open and stares head on to the sofa for ages. Almost like he is stoned. He is very soft and lovely but his peeing has got worse with time. After he got neutered he has started peeing in front of me. Regardless of where in the house we are.We have tried everything, Vets, the plug in , separate room and extra litter trays. A friend suggested he may be inbred therefore having behavioural problems. Any thoughts on this?

I spoke to the breeder and told her he is not quite right and she didn't respond to my comment, she is open to refunding my money if I want to take him back which made me even more suspicious...

_________________
The little monsters 3

Breeders do inbreed cats and dogs to the extreme, It is happening and therefore thats why I am concerned. I have had him for 2 months and the cat is clearly not alright. He was given the full bill of health by the vet and the vet explained he may need time to come out of his shell or he is being bullied by my girl Bengal (which I have not witnessed) its almost like he not mentally all there. He seems vacant. He has been like this since we got him. He was born with boss eyes which after being checked twice his vision is fine, but Im concerned. My friend who has pedigree cats herself has experienced a similar thing and heard horror stories (she lived in LA) and just offered a different opinion - which I'm glad she did. In seperate room i meant litters in different rooms. He is not on any medication and has a really healthy appetite. So no concerns there. Again he is the softest quietest cat I have ever come across but somethings not right. For a cat to constantly pee infront of us is extremely unusual but he doesn't get it. I'm worried

If you separate the 2 cats does he seem more social or is his behavior always the same regardless of the situation? Will he play with toys if you engage him?

We have 2 very meek cats that will sit and stare at a fixed spot if they know another cat is in that area (they will stare at the sofa if another cat is behind it like they are waiting for the other cat to come back). But there's always a reason mine are staring in that spot.

I haven't had any of our cats pee in front of us unless they were having a physical issue (bladder infection, crystals, etc).

I think there's always the chance that an uneducated breeder has inbred to the point of defects in the kittens but usually you see it in physical problems rather than mental.

Personally the staring worries me more than the urinating and I would get a second opinion from another vets office.

_________________
Dallas, TX USA
Diesel - snow Bengal born 09/01/2013 adopted Feb 2014
Tuck, Chloe, Buddy, Lewis & Tia - rescue kitties
Clyde, Bleu & Coal - Great Danes

Just out of interest, when you went to meet him at the breeder's, how was he then?? Ours were very playful and social. Was he okay when he was there? Was there a drastic change in behaviour after you brought him home? My two were timid for a couple of days and then started to come out of their shells over the next few weeks. It took time to earn their trust, and they didn't have another cat to get used to either. Maybe he is scared?

I would definitely get a second opinion from another vet though to be on the safe side.

_________________
Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

I suggest you have him checked out by a vet specializing in neurological problems. Many regular vets have limited training in cardiology or neurology, but there are specialists out there. It's clear there is something wrong medically with your kitty. It's kind of the breeder to offer to take him, however, there is no guarantee the breeder will do anything to help this poor kitty. If you're prepared to take the time and spend the money to find out what is wrong, then you can help the little guy! I'd be on the phone making an appointment this minute! You have no idea if he's suffering in any way.

No offense, but if you don't know how to take some of the necessary steps to address the issues you're noticing and are relying on this message board I think you should take him back to the breeder, especially if it is so clear to you that something is not right with the cat.

That being said, it sounds to me like he may not have been properly introduced to your home and your existing cat. That can be tough to correct but it is possible. Consider getting more litter boxes to address the peeing issues, and get a toy like Da Bird and try to interact with the cat often so he doesn't seem "like he's stoned."

hey there, i realize this thread is old so hopefully you've been able to correct the peeing but...in case you haven't. here is a little tis bit. if you use fabric softener, don't. Fabric softener to cats, bengals included smells like ammonia (pee) so they pee on it to put there scent down and mark their territory.
this might be what was happening.