Advice and Help Needed

caitlinmarie · **Joined:** Wed Aug 12, 2015 4:13 pm **Posts:** 118

Pixel just had this insane look of terror on her face when we brought her home. She never hissed or anything, but it looked like she was witnessing the end of the world. Just keep trying to engage him, keep talking to him, and handle him as much as he'll allow.

That's what we basically did. Pixel is tiny, so I make it a point to pick her up a few times a day, so that she becomes aware of it. She'll usually just fight and I'll let her go. Other times I can rub her cheek and get her purring and maybe get 45 more seconds of hold-time.

Either way, the fact that he came into your room and in your bed completely unaided means that he is getting more comfortable.

Tabitha · **Joined:** Sun Feb 02, 2014 8:11 pm **Posts:** 1196

Aww, poor Ben! But brilliant that he jumped on your bed last night so his confidence is increasing! Jon used to get upset as our two sometimes looked at him like they didn't know who it was and run off, but it was always after he'd had a shower and smothered himself in roll on deodorant, spray deodorant and aftershave and he'd drowned his usual scent. I'm a little less heavy handed with smellies so it wasn't so off putting for them lol

Keep plugging away. It's all going in the right direction!

andy7561 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 6:42 pm **Posts:** 24

Massive improvement - he was sleeping on his tower and my wife and I took it in turns to stroke him and tickle him - he loved it, purring away and moving so that we could get to his tummy.

What a beautiful cat he is, his coat is amazing, so soft and fluffy. Ben plays really well, he is still skittish and timid but he is so much more relaxed around us now and it won't be long before he settles on the sofa or around our feet I reckon.

So pleased we re-homed him from the RSPCA, we like him so much that we stayed home tonight instead of going to the cinema, despite the fact that we had already bought our tickets !!!

spitspot · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:26 pm **Posts:** 734

That is so funny to miss the cinema to stay with your cat! So glad Ben is relaxing around you. Nothing like a purring cat to put a smile on your face. So happy it's working out for you. Lots of happy years ahead with your gorgeous boy.

Tabitha · **Joined:** Sun Feb 02, 2014 8:11 pm **Posts:** 1196

I am so pleased for you! Offering his tummy for a belly rub is pretty massive! Shows he really trusts and loves you, and vice versa if you are giving up an already paid for night out lol

it may just be his nature with the skittishness, my two are as well. Especially at the moment with all the fireworks going off every night!

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

Most bengals LOVE tummy rubs!!! It's the highest form of trust for the cat, so Ben is getting there. I know it's been a slow-go for you, but look at the improvement that has occurred over this time. It will continue to get better until he's completely comfortable with his environment and you! He's sooooo close right now. But missing a show you bought tickets for to stay home with him? WOW, that's real love. I hate leaving Raiden, too, even though he usually just sleeps while we're gone.

Eggman · **Joined:** Thu Aug 28, 2014 11:22 pm **Posts:** 730

Awww that's so lovely to read.

I hate leaving my Muskey too and always look forward to getting home to see him.

spitspot · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:26 pm **Posts:** 734

Would love a Christmas update on how Ben is getting on :biggrin:

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

I would love an update, too, Melissa, however many times a member stops posting once their problem has been solved! Just hope Ben is healthy and happy.

michelle · **Posted:** Thu Dec 31, 2015 9:16 am

You probably have had a lot of advice already.. We have an 8 year old female who doesn't like to be touched but very often comes to us on her terms. Be patient with him. He will gain your trust eventually. Some cats aren't the living lap cat we expect them to be.

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

I think we solved Andy's problem and he no longer checks the forum. It happens a lot.

andy7561 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 6:42 pm **Posts:** 24

Hi guys sorry for the lack of activity - work has been manic. Ben is settling well, we are able to stroke him and he plays well, he is lovely and fun. We feed him raw, twice a day 100g each feed, is this too much as Ben looks like he is getting a bit of a belly on him? I have noticed that he doesn't seem to drink much water is this usual with Bengals?

Your advice and support has been brilliant so far - thank you.

Donna741 · **Joined:** Wed Feb 05, 2014 9:03 pm **Posts:** 1048

When they eat raw they tend to drink less water.

When you stand over him and look down at his back can you see his waist? If you can't then he may be a little on the heavy side. Bengals tend to have a large "primordial pouch" or sagging tummy flap so you can't go by that alone.

lalune93 · **Joined:** Sat Aug 01, 2015 5:30 am **Posts:** 147

andy7561 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 23, 2015 6:42 pm **Posts:** 24

Thank you - my concerns are relieved - I can still see his waist and I caught him drinking water yesterday. He's a little rascal, but a very loveable rascal.

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