Hello… I’m a new owner of a 1 year old female Bangle! I’ve wanted one for many years, and had an opportunity to get this one; which I got yesterday.

The previous owners got her as a kitten; brining her home to a house of 6 dogs, and one other cat. She struggled with the dogs, but the owners believed as she got older she would be fine. She wasn’t, and they acknowledged it.
Current condition is she is on the thin side, and has thinner fur on the rump, with a few scabs. I’ve read that Bengal’s can get stressed out; cleaning, and cleaning themselves to the point of thinning fur and scabs??

I am completely new to the breed, but I’m a quick learner, and love educating myself. When I was in the process of deciding to get a parrot, I researched for about 6 months before getting one, and 3.5 years later we have perfectly bonded, so I think my new love will also be that way, with continued love and patience.

I was able to bring her home yesterday; taking her out of the carrier; showing her the litter box. We then left her in the bathroom for about an hour, as she huddled in the corner next to her kitty box. She did make surprising advances… she let me pet her, and she purred coming out of the corner to be loved on, while purring and kneading.
After being in the bathroom for about an hour, I opened it up and let her come into my room; which she has been under my bed the whole time. I’m just worried she won’t use her litter box, and her not eating because of the transition, which in my eyes she can’t afford to miss a meal=(

I know I will probably have a bunch of questions, but wanted to introduce myself.=-)

Any animal that is stressed can start to display stereotypic behaviour, with one such behaviour being over-grooming. When was the last time she saw a vet??

It is normal for cats to not eat much or use the litterbox when they first come home. I would take things really slow with her, be quiet and patient and not try to force anything. Leave small amounts of food under the bed for her.

You mentioned in your other post you have already changed her food. I would try very hard to find her old food and keep her on it for the first little while. You say she was on Science Diet, this is not hard to find. It would have been best to be prepared before you brought her home with the food (both wet and dry) and litter she is used to.

Bless you for rescuing this beautiful girl. It may take her a while to get used to her new home. She's obviously stressed out. Time and patience is what you need. Spend a lot of time sitting near her and talking with her. Don't overly approach her. She's probably scared half to death. Once she settles in, you will have some wonderful moments with her. Don't rush them now .... poor baby has been through a lot. Congratulations.

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The little monsters 3

Update: Last night she came out and started purring and making this funny meow (a happy meow). She was purring, and rubbing on us - as-well as eating a bunch of food =-)

During the night when she wasn't playing (found cat toys from the other room, in my room) she came up on the bed; curling up and sleeping !!! *Progress*

I did find that she used my bathroom rug to go potty on (hey better there then my actual carpet), but this morning she had gone in to do her business in her cat box *Yeah*

I'm really amazed at the progress we've made so far. I told my daughter who is 8, that we have to be calm and quite around her for awhile. And it will probably be a good 2 weeks before she will start feeling comfortable. I'm seeing her starting to feel more comfortable already! I think our home will truly be good for her and the stress!

Thank you so much for the update! Sounds like things are progressing. She is obviously getting more comfortable in her surroundings. Bengals are very social cats and want to be with people. She'll soon find out what a loving family she has now. It's quite common for a cat to not use the litter box ... accidents happen, but once she gets her bearings, she is going to do great with you.