Hi All. We have a male Snow Bengal (Benji) soon to be two years old (in a few days time). We are looking to get a second cat - my daughter would really like a docile cuddly cat (the opposite to Benji!) so we are looking at Ragdoll kittens. Any thoughts on how to introduce a new kitten, is this a good match regard breeds, one concern we had is if Benji would bully a Ragdoll because of its more submissive nature. Thanks in advance.

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The little monsters 3

When you have cats with totally opposite personalities and energy levels, you are in for some trouble -- usually! That's not to say bengals and ragdolls can't co-exist in the same house. They just are not going to be best play buddies. I understand why your daughter wants a cuddly kitty! Bengals are not usually cuddly creatures. I think you will probably have better luck with a plain domestic short-haired (or long-haired) cat. Proper introduction of a new kitten to an existing cat is crucial, especially when the resident cat is a bengal. Bengals are highly territorial, especially males. There can be a lot of attacking and bullying of the new kitten. However .... Magic just got a new bengal sister Pearl and he loves her with all his heart and soul -- so it can be done.

Thanks Sherry and Brian12 for your thoughts and good advice. I may have a rethink. If we were to get another cat - given Benji is a male is it best to get a female to minimise threat to Benji, also would an older cat (say 12 months) be better than say a young kitten that could be an easier target? A domestic cat would certainly save from a cash perspective (although more pot luck re. temperament I suppose) - any other breeds that come to mind that may be a better match to a Bengal as a housemate but have more of the cuddle/sit on your lap factor? Thanks again.

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The little monsters 3

I don't think there is 100% guarantee with any kitten that you will end up with a cuddly cat no matter what the breed. I think possibly that's why it may be a good idea to get an adult cat as their personalities will be formed. You wouldn't necessarily have to go for an adult 'moggie' as there are rescue sites for Pedigree cats. I'm not sure how difficult it would be though to introduce an adult cat.

When I got my two rescue kittens (moggies) I stipulated that I wanted confident and affectionate kittens. We were very lucky as they are both a pair of purr monsters and have such wonderful cartoon-like temperaments. My 12 year old adores both of them. Even so one is definitely more cuddlier than the other but they could both be described as very affectionate .

I have had Burmese in the past and they can have wonderful temperaments and they are very clever so may be a good match with your Bengal. I had two Burmese one was a total teddy bear lived for cuddles and kisses whereas the other one hated to be picked up but was affectionate in his own way but could not be described as 'cuddly' at all!

The most important thing if you go for a pedigree kitten is that it is well socialised. Don't go for any that are for instance kept outside in a pen as I think that's what happened to my lovely friend Muskey our Brown Burmese whereas the other one was showered with love and affection by the Breeders.

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Oscar and Jasper (or one ear and two ears as dh calls them) black rescue mogges

RIP my sweet baby Dexter, Snow Bengal 19/5/14 to 5/3/15 and my lovely dear old friend Muskey, Brown Burmese put to rest aged 15 on 14/11/15.

Debbie

Naturally, a pedigreed kitty is going to cost some money! I don't know that it's a priority with the poster. I think she is looking for a cuddly kitty for her daughter. You can visit animal shelters, many pet stores offer kitties -- you can hold them, play with them, and see which is cuddly or not! I would probably Google and see if getting a female or male is preferred or a kitten versus an adult cat. A kitten will be less threatening to your bengal due to the size difference. And a kitten's personality is still forming. An adult cat is set in its ways and may or may not be a good fit for your boy. You are rolling the dice no matter which direction you go. Just know that integrating a new cat into the household takes time and patience and you've got to be willing to deal with the issues that may come up.

With any breed, your best chance of success is to introduce a kitten.

I think that there is more than the breed to take into consideration. While ragdolls are portrayed as ‘cuddly’ cats, not every single ragdoll will be cuddly. I have two bengals – one is not cuddly, and the other is very cuddly. Bengals are generally described as aloof and not cuddly, but I totally disagree with that. My Bengal girl is the sweetest. She loves cuddles, loves sitting on laps, purrs as soon as you pick her up and will happily sit in your arms and be cuddled for a long time. She is the most affectionate cat ever. I would recommend looking further than the breed. Visiting breeders, asking about the kittens’ invidual personalities, etc. You never know what kind of cat you will get.