Hello all,

Been reading this forum for about 2 weeks and have found it an invaluable source of help so thank you. We as a family (me, Mrs Jeb, Daughter Jeb (8) and Son Jeb (6)) are looking to get a pair of Bengal kittens - we are excited about the opportunities the breed presents and I recognise the work involved. I have read pretty widely and think I understand what we are getting into but have one final question if I may. I understand that we are probably not getting a lapcat but one breeder I spoke to highlighted that in their opinion at about the age of 3 onwards the Bengal breed becomes much more independent and want little if anything to do with the family. I have tried to research this (and I recognise there are lots of other factors involved) but would appreciate any comments or thoughts on this.

I guess if I am completely honest there is still a part of me that thinks a pair of Burmese kittens might be the better family option?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Jeb

I can only tell you about my Raiden and he's almost 8 years old. He loves being WITH us. He's never very far from us in any room we're in. If we're watching TV in the living room, he's on his cat tree, sleeping in his heated bed, or curled up on the foot of my husband's recliner (while my husband is sitting in it). When we go to bed, he follows us there and sleeps at my feet. When he's awake, he's wherever we are. He stays home alone for about 9 hours a day and sleeps most of it away plus he enjoys his outdoor enclosure through a cat door. Mine is not a lap cat, but he's very affectionate and loves to give butt heads, kisses, and he requires multiple belly rubs per day, especially when one of us walks through the door. Bengals are a very special breed. They are great around kids. They have sweet personalities. My bengal has never scratched or bitten me. He never gets really angry and shows a temper (I've had some cats that do). The best thing you can do is to get two of them (siblings) as they will play together and keep you amused for hours on end.

My two are almost 4 years old and clearly enjoy our presence and interaction. I haven't noticed any massive change in their behaviour as they've grown older. I will also add that they are currently outdoor cats, so they have the option to spend lots of time away from home, but the reality is they dutifully come home for all meals and naps, and also when called. They also have a tendency to follow me when I'm outside, particularly at night.

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The little monsters 3

Bengals are independent, but that doesn't mean they are anti-social. In my experience they aren't the cuddle-bugs some domestic cats can be, but they are in your business, playful, and enjoy their pets as much as any cat. The Bengals that I have had have been very interested in cuddling and sitting with me, it is just on their terms. A big part of their personality/attitude is their upbringing, both with the breeder and with you.

If you are torn between two breeds, go visit a couple of breeders to meet both and scope out the breeder. Good luck!

Another factor is how the breeder treats the kittens. Those who are allowed to interact with humans will be better socialized than ones who are kept away in a breeding house with just the mother cat and siblings. There are many breeders who allow the kittens the run of their home with lots of human contact, especially with their children. Those are going to be the best socialized kittens when you bring them home.

I have two 9 month old seal lynx points. They have calmed down so much since they were little kittens. They were definitely socialized as babies as they love visitors and parties at my house. They are very playful and follow me from room to room. I am never alone, which is what I wanted so I am very happy with them. They silently compete for my affection and have rules between themselves about which one gets to sleep with me. They decide when cuddling occurs. I can't pick one up and expect it on demand. I recently spent a lot of time with them over the holidays and they became so affectionate towards me. If I laid down on the sofa they would both wind up sprawled out on top of me where they would take long naps while I relaxed with them. After a few days I had no desire to leave the house. We really bonded. Now that a 5 day work week has begun, I know they are missing me. They are the most rewarding cats I have ever had.

I've had Pepper and Jarvis for 3 months now. They will play on their own, but they're far from "not wanting anything to do with me". They rough-house but are always wanting to jump into my room and hang out close by. I think Bengals are very affectionate cats. Even Jarvis, who doesn't always enjoy being held, likes to be near for the most part.

Thanks very much for all your helpful responses - we are going ahead. Reputable breeder found, kittens selected, and now just waiting for them to reach 13 weeks. Kids very excited, I'm very excited too, I think my wife has only an inkling of the two whirlwinds coming our way.