Looking to possibly adopt

maddoxj · **Joined:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 2:43 pm **Posts:** 7

Hi

My name is Jim and I just signed up. I have found a 1 year old male bengal that I would like to adopt. I have a few questions and concerns.

My major concern is that the previous owner had the cat declawed. Besides being inhuman is there any other issues this can cause? I have always had cats and never dreamed of doing this to a animal...

My questions are probably pretty normal but would like to hear the answers from true owners not a breeder.

1. I am not looking for a pet that is content hiding under a bed or not interacting with my family. I know this can vary from cat to cat but the breed itself is suppose to be very interactive correct?
2. What should I look for when I go to see the cat?
3. I found the rescue on craigslist. They are asking for 425 for a adoption fee. It seems like a lot to me but if it is the standard I really don't mind paying it. also the cat does not come with any kind of papers showing it is a true bengal should I be concerned?

Thank you so much
Jim

Sc0tt · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 5:17 pm

Don't do it...

Although it's compassionate to want to give a declawed cat a home, if you're not ready for the potential problems, don't start out with it. Also in my opinion (and the general consensus here) if there's no papers, it's not a bengal (because no way of telling and tabby patterns are too similar).

If you want a bengal, find a good breeder and get one! You can find one for 425$ bred we'll and registered.

If you just wanna cat and to give a good home and can tolerate potential spraying/biting/aggressive shyness, go with this cat :)

brianj12 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:38 pm

Tigertail · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:51 pm

The two most common problems with a declawed cat are biting (as they cannot protect themselves any other way) and litter tray aversion (as litter hurts their amputated feet)

Cats mouths harbour massive amounts of bacteria which are injected into whatever they bite causing infection in the majority of bites.

Why are they looking to rehome him? I suspect that there are toilet and/or biting issues, but don't expect to be told the truth.

As for paying for a cat with no papers (and why no papers?) no way.

If you really want a socialised cat that will interact with you then you need to find a good breeder and start there. Ask lots of questions, find out as much as you can about them and their kittens who have already been homed and grown up. Bengals are like no other cat I have had, but there are no guarantees as to how they will be in YOUR home.

Please don't pay for this poor declawed cat because you think it is a cheap way to get a Bengal, he needs to be with someone who understands all the problems that may come with him.

Heather

brianj12 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:01 pm

Tigertail · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:13 pm

brianj12 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:56 pm

Tigertail · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 8:01 pm

maddoxj · **Joined:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 2:43 pm **Posts:** 7

Thank you all for your input. Just to be clear the woman I am speaking to with the cat is not the original owner she fosters Bengals. I spoke to her about the cost and the concerns raised her and she is more then happy to allow the adoption on a trial basis. Her reasoning for the 425.00 is that she takes the cats to the vet and pays for them out of her pocket and it helps in taking in more rescues. I have looked into breeders in my area and they range from 800 to 1500 US Dollars for a kitten. I came across the bengal because I was looking to adopt a older cat and fell in love with the look and upon doing more research the characteristics of the breed.

I am leaning towards taking him home and seeing how things go.

Again thank you all so much for giving me your input. I know I may have strayed from your recommendations but I think the trial adoption for a few weeks may take the guess work out of this. Hopefully I wont be asking how to bandage bengal bites and how to clean up spray in my next post lol.

Thank you
Jim

sugarbear · **Joined:** Thu Nov 14, 2013 4:26 pm **Posts:** 86

I am glad that you are willing to give this boy a chance! Older cats need love too! :thumbup:

Hope it all works out with the trial period. Sounds like the lady in charge of the rescue has her heart in the right place.

And of course we will need pictures...

Fenstar · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:23 pm

I guess as long as you understand the behavioural issues this cat may or may not have and you're willing to put in time and effort then you should be fine.

You may not get a cat that doesn't hide for the first few weeks. The possibility of this cat having issues of some sort appears to be high, given it's a year old and is being rehomed.

Did you ask the rescue lady why this cat is being rehomed already? A trial is good, how long are you willing to do the trial for? I would say you need at least 4 - 6 weeks.

maddoxj · **Joined:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 2:43 pm **Posts:** 7

Yes she said that the younger woman that owned her is attending college in Europe and she could not afford to bring the cat. I should of posted the pics I have in the beginning. The trail can be until I feel comfortable about the cat. She also wants me to promise that if anything should happen even after the trial to bring the cat back to her.

maddoxj · **Joined:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 2:43 pm **Posts:** 7

Forgot to ask if he (marco) looks to be a bengal. To my uneducated eye he does but I have been wrong many times before.

Jim

brianj12 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:37 pm

Very very nice looking cat, and obviously a bengal. The previous owner makes me sick. First declaws him, then rehomes him. Nice! I think any questions about "why" are kind of moot with that sort of idiot.

sugarbear · **Joined:** Thu Nov 14, 2013 4:26 pm **Posts:** 86

Oh, a very handsome boy! He's a Bengal! :biggrin:

I'm hoping for a happy ending to this rescue story.

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