In short, she has changed our lives (wife and I) for the good! We've been "empty nesters" for years since our daughters grew up and moved away. Lucy's strong personality and intellect (even at 6 months old) has been wonderful. I don't want to "jinx" us, but thus far she has been text book wonderful for her somewhat secluded environment. She is alone four days a week for 10 hours being my wife and I still work (I retire in 2 months
). She has done very little re-arranging of the Christmas tree. I run a Lionel sized train under the tree along with houses and scenery. There is a Lucy sized space under the tree which she immediately felt was intentional for her. I am amazed at the agility of the Bengal. I never appreciated the term "gingerly" until watching her interact with the moving train. She loves to walk around the layout letting the train pass in and around all four legs, as if daring the train to hit her. Very few derailments to report! She also seems to love being curled up in her spot watching the train continually loop around her, once in a while "gingerly" reaching out and letting the train brush past her paw. We were away for 10 days and my brother-in-law checked in on her during that time. When we returned from our trip, the house (including plants and knickknacks) were unscathed. Her litter box habits are flawless- never an accident (yet knock on wood). She seems to be a very dignified kitty. She makes sure to cover up litter and keeps herself very clean. On my days off with her, I noticed she likes to sleep a good part of the day, most likely because that is when we are away. Such a difference in intelligence from our Tabby. I don't mean to offend Tabby owners, or "rubbing it in" to those that may be struggling with Bengal behaviors, but she is so aware of everything. She is not a large cat, although she is tall on her legs, a long slim body, and way long tail. Yet when she curls up to nap, she looks like a small kitten! She seems to divide her time between my wife and I as if not to slight anyone of affection. She is gentle and yielding (most times) with my wife. She is a wild woman with me, but I am an enabler
! Can't help it, she is a cute warrior princess! You guys were right, she went into heat a week prior to her 5 month birthday. My vet was insistent to wait until she was 6 months. She is scheduled for her spay in a week.
I can't figure out why she avoids anything with catnip in it? She has a nice assortment of toys but spends most of her time playing with a drink straw! My wife taught her how to fetch the straw- pretty darn cute! My wife never took to much interest in dogs or cats during our near 50 years together, now she is a wildcat trainer.
I realize that someday I may be crying for help due to unwelcome behaviors, but for now I just wanted to share the love!
Rich