Hi guys. I'm a new member to the forum but have been lurking for the past 3 weeks now :) .

I am due to getting a 13 week old bengal kitten on sunday!. Im super excited

I have been to see the kittens twice now in the last week and my chosen bengal kitten is quite shy and not very playful. I chose him because he likes being held and pet and whilst i did manage to get him in my arms for a minute to be pet, he doesn't seem THAT adventurous as his siblings.

Also on another note he is quite small when compared to his older brother of the litter. The breeder told me that his older brother literally wolfs down food but also does not really like being held or pet and just wants to explore.

Should i be concerned that my chosen kitty is not as wild and curious as his siblings from my half an hour visits?. I still have the choice to change my decision but i am dead set on this cutie. Also since i'm new to bengals what do you think could be the reason for such different personalities in terms of curiosity?

What should i do? :)

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your upcoming arrival. All cats have different personalities. I don't know that I would be too concerned over a cat being shy. Environment affects the kittens. Perhaps this one has not gotten as much attention from mommy. This could all change once you get him home and familiar with his new surroundings and people. So much will depend on YOU since he is a kitten. Know that most bengals do not enjoy being picked up and held or sitting on laps. It sounds to me like this breeder doesn't socializer her kittens very well.

Know that when you get him home, he may shy away from you and want to hide. Make sure you've prepared a safe room for him with toys and litter box and feed him in this room as well. Bengals require attention and interaction but it's important that you initially allow the kitten to go at his own pace. Going to a new home is a huge change for him and he will be stressed out.

Let us know how things go when you get him home.

If it were me, I would be very concerned, yes. An undersized and non-playful kitten seems to me like there could be something health-wise going on. I would definitely take the larger, more active sibling, either that or find another breeder altogether. I get that you'd rather have a "cuddly bengal", but you should be able to find one that is that, plus is normal sized and has a normal activity level too. Don't compromise on this. Health really does need to be the #1 criteria in choosing a kitten. We've seen a lot of people in the forum get their first bengal kitten, only to have him pass away within the first month or two because he had some sort of congenital defect.

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The little monsters 3

As long as he is a healthy weight for his age, I wouldn't be worried. His brother may eat too much, be big for his age, and/or be overweight. You can't always compare, especially since your kitten is 3+ months old. They are growing constantly and may be growing at different rates. I would make sure you have a health garentee and get him to the vet soon after you get him so if there are any issues or concerns they cam be identified and addressed right away.

Hey guys Thanks for the replies :). I actually did end up opting for the timid bengal to my suprise he is immensly playful!

I understand your concerns Brianj And thanks for the input!. Im new to kittens and bengals in general but i was given the choice to let the guy stay an extra week until he was 13 weeks old or to take him home at 12. The breeder advised me to wait another week while he gains his confidence and starts to eat more. I saw him for the third time on the wednesday and he was actually playful and looked like he was eating more. It definately helped to keep him there for the extra week. He should be in great health but i am going to take him for a vet check in the week.

I picked up the lil guy Last night and he is gorgeous. I got home at 8pm and for the 20 minutes drive home he was crying and wanted to get out of the fabric carrier i got for him. I took him into my room when i got home and let him out. He immediately ran under the bed and remained there for 35 minutes very scared ! ;( He then finally came out and hid under the cat tree i bought for him for another 30 minutes. I layed on my side and just encouraged him the whole way not to be scared. He finally came out of hiding and let me pet him and snuggled up next to me after sniffing me. To my suprise he climbed onto me and started purring and just sat on me for half an hour!. PROGRESS :D

I carried him to his new room last night and he started hiding at first but soon became comfortable. I swear i think it was 2 hours that i sat there with him laying on my lap purring away as i pet him and headbutting my hand when i stopped.

Today was the shocker. We played for 2 hours after he started to trust me and lay next to me in the morning whilst i was on my bed. I used the fishy fishing wand and omg shoe lace string makes him go literally insane! I cant imagine what catnip would do. Hes such a bundle of fun and hes becoming so confident in just one day :D. he loves climbing onto me and exploring. My dad cant beleive how friendly he has become in probably 12 hours of me spending time with him since i got him yesterday. I was worried he wouldent eat but he ate out of my hand! and he ate a lot more than the breeder said he usually eats ( I think this is because his siblings and other cats intimidated him) Hes the only pet in my house.

Im very releived and very happy at the same time. He used the litter today and his nerves are going. Ill post a picture

http://m.imgur.com/9gVjFwB

I named him Orpheus :)

Oh, he's adorable! Is he a seal Lynx point?

I think that orientation is different for every kitten. Hazel gravitated to us very quickly because she seemed to want comfort and affection in her new surroundings. I've heard some are really overwhelmed and just want to hide and cry until someone familiar comes. Sooner or later they'll need someone to bond with though. I'm glad your little guy has come around. He's beautiful.

Oh, he is such a cutie pie. I'm happy leaving him with the breeder that extra week made a huge difference and that he is fitting in so well -- playing, snuggles and purring are great signs. I'm sure you're extremely pleased with your selection. Things will only get better from here. Congratulations.

He is just so cute. How on earth do you get anything done with Orpheus around. I would just snuggle him all day and get nothing done!

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Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

I am so glad to hear your shy guy worked out! What a cutie! :)

First Of All it depend upon Environment of the kittens. This could all change once you get him home and familiar with his new surroundings and people.