I have a 4 year old Spayed female bengal that I purchased from a rescue. The story goes that she was given to her owner's vet. She was adopted several times, each time being returned back to the vet. Finally, a rescue center took her and she was placed in numerous foster homes which didn't work out. I was told that she was tramatized and scared and would probably adjust in my home as I live alone with no other pets. I had just put down my other bengal at 19 years old and thought another bengal would be nice. I have now had Suki for 6 weeks and she is a bit of a terror, not like my last bengal. I can now pet her head and give chin rubs but if I try to pet any area shoulders back, she bites. I mentioned this to the rescue center and was told I could return her but she would be put down as there were no homes available for a vicious cat. I cannot justify going that route so I am keeping her hoping that evidentially she will bond with me. She is a beautiful charcoal color with "zorro mask and cape" markings. I find the best correction for her bad behavior is the water bottle. Any suggestions for handling a "brat" like this?

Tks...Phyllis

Well done you for taking Suki on! It sounds like she's had a torrid time being passed from pillar to post, so 6 weeks isn't very long really. I think if it was me, I would simply not pet her back area, shoulders, just the chin and head which she seems comfortable with. It may be that she feels threatened being petted in that area, although it could also be worth having her checked at the vet to ensure there is no pain in that area for any reason.

I imagine that due to the life she has lead over the past 4 years, that it may take a good while before she fully trusts that she won't be passed on again. I would probably not use the water bottle method of disciplining her either, as this could damage your relationship with her and the trust you need to gain with her.

There is another poster on here who took on a ex-breeding queen who was so terrified she hid under the bed for a good while - could be worth reading that as she managed to bring the girl round eventually. I think it was under behaviour and the title was that she wouldn't eat. I'm sure you will find it if you take a look.

I'm sure someone else will be along with much better advice than me, but good luck to both of you and keep us informed with progress.

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Clare
Hendrix and Jagger, Brown Marble Boys (born 18 August 2013)
Hampshire, UK

my advice would be to just leave her alone. she likes a head rub so just be happy with that. I am sure in time. when she realises this is her home for good and shes not going to move on (again) she will bond with you over time and allow you to touch her more. hang in there is my advice

Hi there, I took on a male 6yr old rescue. We had biting, scratching, peeing and spraying issues. Please, please hang in there. I cannot tell you how much different Oscar is five months down the line. It has taken all this time for him to relax and bond with us. I think Misty is absolutely right about just leaving her alone from the shoulders down. If she accepts head rubs etc then that's great and shows she is willing to interact with you. Don't force the issue and then have to discipline when she bites. Oscar is now so relaxed and affectionate that it's hard to believe it's the same cat. I got Oscar better at accepting my touch by sitting with him while he ate and gently touching his back, feet etc. I also talk to him in a gentle (and silly) sing song voice which seems to chill him out. Six weeks is a drop in the ocean when it comes to getting her to show you her true self. Good luck and am sure all the people on this forum will give you wonderful advice. Let us know how she progresses.

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Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

I agree with the others, don't "correct" her. She's telling you very clearly where she wants to be touched, and is teaching you how to pet her. Respect that. And also like other said, a lot of times this is happening for a very specific reason, for example she is in pain there or there is a trust issue (prior bad experiences with previous owners perhaps). You hurt that trust all the more by squirting her.

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The little monsters 3

Dont spray her with water its actually not helping.

But GOOD FOR U! for rescuing the poor dear! Please be patience with her! Imagine what being passed on from house to house was like. She'd probably tramatized! I hope u have the love and patience for her, good luck!

Bless you for rescuing this kitty who clearly is having trust issues. As others have said, a water bottle is a NO NO. It just makes the kitty terrified of you, so stop it immediately. You've got to have patience! Let her come to you at her own pace. She has to learn to trust you. Talking softly to her all the time -- any time you see her, chat with her -- giving her head rubs if that's what she likes. She's obviously been traumatized at some point or has not been socialized. She's biting out of fear. Make sure she has her vertical space. Do try to engage her in playing with toys. If she's not interested, keep trying. One member posted asking if her bengal would ever be affectionate! We told her to be patient, take her time with the bengal, and give the bengal some space. Months later -- success!!! You're going to have to make the extra effort for this little girl. It's going to take some time, but she should come around. I'm glad you're not going to give up, because I think you will see a real change in her over time. I hope you'll keep us posted.