Hi, sorry that I keep asking questions but you guys have got so much experience with these cats and I want to get things right if I can so that when she arrives on THE 21ST {so excited}!! I am as prepared as I can be. My question is how do these cats do with lots of people coming and going into the house. I have 4 children, 3 are grown and have partners and my youngest daughter is 3 years old. I also foster mums and newborn babies and which also means that there may be lots of visits from social workers, health visitors etc. How will this affect our kitten and what can we do to make it less stressful for her. People say that these cats are very sociable does that include visitors to the house? Obviously when she first arrives I will keep her in a quiet room and give her a chance to adjust to the new sounds and smells and people I don't want to overwhelm her. Any insight into this would be really appreciated thank you everyone.

All cats are different so it's difficult to say. That is a pretty extreme situation imo so perhaps that should have been *the* biggest consideration when selecting a cat, and if it wasn't than its a roll of the roulette wheel.

I will say that my bengals, and I think many other bengals seem to be pretty bold and confident cats. Not the type to hide under a bed at the slightest unfamiliar visitor, scent or sound. For a while last year I was shooting a bunch of movie scenes in my house, so tons of hustle and bustle, unfamiliar people, loud noises and disruption to normal routines. I'd be lying if I said they exactly thrived in that environment, but they got through it ok. They were generally friendly and curious when they were permitted to roam around amongst the cast and crew, but they were also clearly a bit weary and perhaps a bit stressed. Cats love routine and for the house inhabitants and contents to remain mostly the same, so the more moving parts there are the more it may stress them out. It's also going to be difficult to even keep track of such a curious and athletic cat in such a situation. There's probably not a lot you can do at this point other than hope for the best. Just know that you are asking a ton of your cat to thrive in such an environment.

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The little monsters 3

Thanks for the reply I appreciate you taking the time to write with some advice. My cat that I had previously didn't seem to be bothered by my busy household and she didn't mind who was here as long as they had a comfy lap and someone to feed her. I was wondering if it would be very different with a Bengal cat. My husband has hopefully made our garden escape proof so I am hoping that if she can escape outside when she wants to it may alleviate the stress for her.Our household is gradually getting smaller as my children flee the nest and it feels like the right time to get a cat and a breed that I have wanted for a long time.

Our Kona is strictly an "office" cat. We have people constantly in and out (known people and strangers) throughout the week. This includes delivery people and clients. Kona considers himself the office manager and heads to the entry every time someone comes to the door, greeting them (*away* from the door, we are careful not to let him get in the habit of wanting to bolt outside) and checking them out. Frankly, I believe Kona thinks that's his job and, as others have said, Bengals are exceedingly routine-focused (at least ours is, more than any other cats we've had) so every visitor gets the full treatment.

When grandkidlets visit, he doesn't bolt, but he's also learned to keep his physical distance, if necessary, from a squealing toddler. Kona's mother and sibling (which are owned by a relative) display the same bold characteristics. BTW, Kona has never looked for a "comfy lap." I don't think it's in his nature.

Your Bengal mileage may vary, of course.

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The little monsters 3

Diesel will stay out of the way if we have a lot of people over - or if we have kids over that are over zealous with the cats - but once folks are there for a couple of hours he'll come out and make the rounds checking things out. If it's a smaller group he'll usually come out after a few minutes - once the dogs have calmed down.

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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

Your new arrival is a kitten -- and the whole transition from the cattery to your home will be stressful. I hate to say this, but some bengals do not like a bustling household. You've got an extreme situation where you are. It's something your girl will have to get used to, but it could be overwhelming in the beginning.

I think the biggest issue is whether or not someone will accidentally leave a door open and she will escape. I know mine just waits for that opportunity. If I have multiple trips to make outside (taking out and bringing in bird feeders), I shut him in our bedroom until the back door is closed again.

Bengals are very social cats with their owners. When we have company and they want to run right over to Raiden, I tell them to sit and wait and see if he comes to them. Most of the time, he will eventually walk over and allow them to pet him. Mine does not like a lot of noise and action, so he will usually jump up on our bed and just sleep and if it gets too loud, he goes under the bed.

You have every right to worry -- NOW! Because once your little baby arrives, your total thoughts will be on her. Truthfully, an outdoor enclosure may be more helpful -- limited space that is completely enclosed that you can put her in. Mine has a 12'x12' enclosure on our deck with a cat door. Now that the weather is turning warmer, he is out there a lot more.

I love the guard cat that is brilliant, thanks to everyone that has written with advice. We do have quiet times in the house especially when they are at school, college and work it is mostly just me all day and perhaps my mum and her baby. I am reading and learning so much, especially from you guys and your wealth of knowledge. I can assure you that i take the welfare of my animals very seriously and I am determined to make a lovely home for her to grow and be happy. I am ready for her, the house has been Bengal proofed as much as possible but I am certain that when she arrives she will find some things that i have missed.