Hello all!

I am here because of this guy:


His name is Thomas, and I adopted him about seven years ago. He apparently is some sort of hybrid, and after many discussions with hybrid owners, I believe he has Bengal in him. This is based on his bone structure and behaviors, his coloring is very classic orange tabby. He is gorgeous and very affectionate, hates to be picked up or held, will not sit in a lap, likes to hunt, likes to hang out with the other kitty, keeps very close tabs on me at all times. He is my buddy.

So, I look forward to learning more about Bengals and understanding Thomas more.

Lady K

Sorry, I've tried several different ways to get a photo on here, can someone explain how to do it?

Once you select the file from your computer, you have to click "add the file" button to upload the picture.

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your kitty. We can't see your picture, but you've described your kitty as classic orange tabby! Bengals are not orange and have rosettes or marbling. Usually a bengal mix will have those characteristics.

Try again posting the picture of your kitty. We love seeing everyone's babies.

I never said he was a Bengal, I said I suspect Bengal in his makeup. I looked at every orange cat I could find, none look like him. Very few are his size either. I have spent a year in a hybrid forum, looking for answers. The first cat that I saw that had his facial bone structure was a Bengal mix, and that led to more discussion.

Thomas faces many of the same issues that hybrids, servals and bengals face -- people freak out when they see him, some are afraid he will attack and bite, or they ask me if he is a Savannah. I've got two neighbors who want him gone and luckily other neighbors who like him.

Oh Thomas is super handsome! Absolutely gorgeous face. All bengals have tabby in them -- the bengal face is similar to a tabby face. This is not to say your kitty doesn't have some bengal in his lineage. 99% of cats are not dangerous. You can train Thomas to walk on a harness and leash and perhaps your neighbors won't get too alarmed. If you're allowing him to roam outdoors, you're taking a chance on a neighbor who doesn't care for him to do something to him. An East Nashville street recently had 6 cats poisoned.

Thank you, Sherry! Yes, he is super handsome, which is why he got rescued in the first place. A friend brought him to me from a farm. He is a city cat now, and we take walks in the hallway of my apartment building. I got him a large cat harness and leash, and we started harness training. But he sometimes bolts when he sees a stranger, so right now we stay indoors.

He is very very handsome. To me he looks like a bengal in an orange coat! you can see his fur is very fine and his face is very bengal ish. I bet he does have bengal in him somewhere! Gorgeous boy!

_________________
Melissa

UK
Oscar - Rescue (Rascal!!!) Bengal

It can take some time to get a kitty used to a walking environment. Mine was a free roaming cat and so he's used to car noises and people walking down the street. He usually only bolts when someone is walking right toward us. It's baby steps, a little at a time. A walk is great exercise and a great way for a kitty to enjoy the outdoors safely.

Melissa:

I like that phrase "Bengal in an orange coat!"