Hi everyone. I joined when i first had my last Bengal, Lilly, a few years ago, but I haven't been on in ages. Now I have a new kitten! And the story to get her is WAYYY different.

I was browsing websites & kitten ads to find a Bengal because I just LOVE their personality, character, etc. Lilly is SUCH a WILD cat and loving only to me. She pretty much avoids other ppl in the household -- not hiding exactly but not choosing to let them interact with her. Unless they have FOOD of course... LOL! Her nickname is "Lilly the B*(&%" because she corrects any other cat that dares lay on me/my bed when she wants to be there.

I found a breeder I liked only 45 minutes away & went to visit her kittens. I wanted one LIKE Lilly, but not EXACTLY y'know? So I picked out a lovely Seal Mink marble male & brought him home. I waited 5 DAYS and we never bonded! I can't explain what it was but he was still afraid of my little dogs, wouldn't come lay by me at all, wouldn't play with me, nothing. And he was still MEOWING. Like all.the.time. OMG it hurt my ears!!! I understand giving them time to adjust but he wasn't warming up AT ALL!!

So I reluctantly called the breeder back & she agreed to let me exchange him!! Boy, was I glad. He & I were just not meant for each other. He was a lovely kitten and would purr like crazy when you held him but I hadn't even named him! So I took him back (first time in nearly 60 years of owning cats I did that) & the kitten that really caught my eye was, you guessed it, JUST LIKE LILLY. A Lynx-point spotted female. I got her 4 days ago & the difference is AMAZING! She sleeps with me, knows where the litterboxes are in the house, eats like a HORSE, plays, tries to ATTACK the dogs, is completely fearless of anything, etc.

So it IS possible to be the wrong "fit" for one kitten but be exactly right for another! I'm looking forward to many happy years with Jing-Li.

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Snow Lynx "Jing-Li"

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The little monsters 3

See, I just KNEW someone would post something negative instead of positive. The kitten gave ALL indications of not being happy here. Inability to relax, constant meowing/pacing, refusal to engage/play despite my best efforts. Jing-Li was a week younger, & fully relaxed & happy within FOUR hours.

It works the opposite way also. I've had 2 cats now go live with the neighbor across the street. They were an adult cat that belonged to my daughter that I inherited & her 1/2 grown kitten that we'd kept. First the mom moved over & the neighbors said they loved her so she was welcome to stay. Then the daughter moved over there a few months later. That was at a time when I had 6-7 cats tho, & I just think they preferred less of their own kind around. It's been about 5 years now & they're still with the neighbors but will cross the street rarely & come say hi.

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Snow Lynx "Jing-Li"

I'm happy you found a kitty that you can relate with. Cats have different personalities -- just like dogs. Some dogs you can relate with -- some you can't. Brian wasn't being hard on you -- most of here take in a pet and make that commitment to love and care for them with all the challenges. I'm sure that little boy was simply stressed out and terrified and needed more time. Not all bengals adjust immediately like your new little girl has. You obviously had a wonderful breeder who was willing to work with you and you are now happy with your new baby -- which is great. Hopefully that little guy will find the perfect home for him. If it wasn't meant to be with you, it wasn't meant to be. Congratulations on your new baby girl.

Congrats on your new girl :) I'm sure the other boy will find a loving home too.
I'd say you were lucky to be able to switch. Nothing wrong with that.
And maybe you are right and you weren't the right fit for the kitten?
Either way congrats again! :D

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Snow Lynx "Jing-Li"

Super happy for the little guy. Hope it works out for him in his new home -- and happy that you're happy with the little one that you've now chosen.