I'm interested in getting a Bengal kitten. I prefer a female. Does anyone know of a rescue or breeder in Maryland that I can get a kitten? I do not plan onbreeding and will have her spayed at six months.

Welcome to the forum.

Maryland is a bit far away from me, but I am sure there will be someone a bit closer to you on here who can advise.

Check the Bengal Rescue Network Facebook page located in Baltimore, MD. Just google that and the page will come up. Pixel Perfect Cats is in Maryland. I've never heard of them before, but you might want to check their website: http://pixelperfectcats.com. Or http://marylandbengalcats.com.

Just Google "Bengal Breeders Maryland" and a few will pop up. It costs nothing to read through their website, view pictures of their queens, studs and kittens, or contact them and ask some questions.

I read several posts and there are comments that Bengals are difficult to keep due to their wild tendsncies. Is it common for Bengals not to use a litter box? Any other traits with Bengals that are annoying to owners?

They are not fierce wild beasts! They do however, require more time and interaction than other cats With a bengal kitten expect to play with it for _several_ hours in the evening, every evening. They are very active.

Some people do have issues with litter trays, etc, but my two, apart from the fact that it is a little after 6 and they want to storm around the house at full speed and want to knock things off the shelves for giggles, are loving and the easiest cats I have known for handling. Last night Babbage was upside down, being cradled in my arms, playing the tickle game - I was tickling his toes, then nose, tummy, whiskers, nose then back to each toe and he was loving it. Like any cat, how they are looked after in the first few months is important - go to see a bengal that is kept in a cage/away from the family and walk away, find one that is frequently picked up/cuddled/handled/is living with a family and it is *likely* to be much easier to live with in the future.

Oh and annoying ? see also "needing to run around at full speed at 6am" and "knocking things off shelves for giggles".

;-)

_________________
The little monsters 3

Many people want a bengal for their wild look. Bengals are a breed of their own. They are not like any other cat. They are challenging and they do challenge boundaries. They are highly energetic, intelligent, very social, quite vocal -- you have to be prepared for the adventures they will bring to your life. Bengals are no different than other cats in using litter boxes. Many domestic cats refuse to use a litter box. But ... know that refusing to use a litter box usually means something is wrong. My bengal has always used his litter box with no issues at all.

You need to make sure you want and are prepared to deal with a bengal. They are sweet, loving cats and can add much happiness to a home. But, they are like a two-year old toddler and they tend to get into things.

Thanks for your experience and info about Bengals. I'm retired so I have all day to play with my prts. I just need to find a kennel in my area in case we go on vacation. We are normally home bodies and have river property which is 29 minutes from home so we can run in to check on the cats and take dogs with us.

Whilst the figures from the poll that Brian pointed to are useful, I would suggest that they over-report the issue.

They are from a self-selected group, not all bengal owners, so the people who answer are those that have decided to join this forum, look in on the particular section of the forum and of those people you have a sub-set of those who took the time to vote and comment.

Then you have different results given the age of the cat - I responded that I had the occasional issue- now with my cats nearing 3 years old they are faultless.

I wouldn't worry too much about that, more important when thinking about a bengal is can you keep them entertained. As you are retired you'll have more time than many of us to play with them and direct them towards causing/getting into the right sort of trouble.

I was thinking any animal that doesn't get attentionwill have accidents on the floor and will misbehave. They do sound like 2 year olds and need tobe watched.

Cats do not punish their owners by not using their litter box. Cats prefer a litter box. Accidents happen with kittens (just like potty training a toddler). You should have a couple of litter boxes so the kitten can reach one easily.

Ours have always used their litter boxes (they came well trained anyway from the breeder and we provided a box in almost every room when they were little knowing they cannot quite hold it as adults).
They need lots of attention but I guess that's what we wanted a bengal for (we do regret this from time to time when we need quiet time after work!).
They are very intelligent and will get into every drawer, every hole, every shelf and top of cupboards. They are also high maintenance (lots of toys, lots of cat trees, lots of everything!) but we love them anyway :-)