Hello all!

I've been loitering in the forums for a few weeks now, and have found all the information very helpful and interesting. I was wondering if I could get some advice. My wife and I are thinking of getting a couple of Bengal kittens for our new flat...my understanding is that 2 are better than 1, as we work full-time and are out during the day, so they'll need company. From what I've read, Bengals are rather energetic! Can anyone tell me how they'll likely be in the house by themselves all day? They'll be kept as house-cats too. We live in a 2 bedroom flat, which is reasonably spacious.

Also, does anyone know how Bengals compare to Abyssinians in terms of energy levels, temperament and character?

Cheers for the help!

Welcome to the forum. I would definitely recommend 2 if you're going to be at work all day. I have two females from the same litter and I'm out at work all day and it works very well. I wouldn't say having two stops them being "lively" but it does mean they have company and they play with each other. Bengals love to interact and I think you'd have a frustrated kittie if you only had one (although there are lots of examples of people who have one very successfully).

I can't help with the comparison to Abyssinians, although I think it's probably safe to say that Bengals will be more energetic! Like any cat, Bengals have different temperaments. My two are the softest things in the world - they love company, they're comfortable with children and strangers and they love to be handled. There are some who don't like some, or alll, of those things. If you're getting them as kittens then you have a chance to influence their behaviour and socialise them. I'd advise getting them at a time when you know you can spend plenty of time with them - either a few days off work, or at the least on a Friday so you can spend the weekend with them. Have plenty of toys that involve you - things on string that they can chase are good and they'll quickly associate you with fun. However, don't be too much in their faces to begin with as they may be frightened and need time to adjust (mine didn't - they walked in and owned the place from day one!!).

Good luck - don't forget we'll want piccies!!

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Welcome to the forum!

I agree with ginny, two bengals are definitely better than one, and in terms of energy they don't stop! I recommend scratching posts of varying heights for them to tear about on, rather than your furniture! Together they shouldn't be a problem on their own provided they have toys to entertain them, and they'll have each other for company.

From my first litter of kittens, one of the boys went to live with an Abyssinian and their owners told me that the Aby is also energetic, playful and very friendly, although characters vary from cat to cat.

Have fun with your new bengal babies!

Tiger

My breeder also bred Abyssinians and I think I'm right in saying that they have been used as the domestic cat to breed with the ALC at the top level of Bengal breeding. I'm only a pet slave though and there are breeders on here with lots of knowledge so they'll correct me if I'm wrong.

Another thing I'd advise is some cardboard boxes of different sizes. They make great toys, kittens can chew them and they're also a bolt-hole if life gets a bit too much for them. I always have a few strewn around my house.

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Thanks for all the input, it's appreciated. I'll let you know how we get on - it won't be until the end of the summer we get any kittens, so it gives us plenty more time to do our research. One thing seems clear - they're plenty of fun!

Cheers!

hi there & welcome to the forum

i can't add anything that hasn't already been said, so i just wish you best of luck in your search for your terrible twosome & be sure to ask anything you need to know along the way