Hi everyone

I too have been spying on this forum ever since my boyfriend put a deposit down on a bengal for my birthday! To be honest, I wasn't really aware of these beautiful animals until he sent me a picture, but I absolutely cannot wait. He will be here in 9 days, I've already been waiting for 5 weeks, and it feels like a lifetime!

When I get him, I will put some pics up, I've called him Simba, and just noticed there is another Simba on this site.. so hello!

The girl I live with already has a 3 year old moggie, so we've been reading all about introducing them and tips and advice, but I am still deliberating whether or not to allow him outside though. I have read the many threads of others facing the same dilema, but still cant decide!

Her cat is out most of the time, so I wouldnt want Simba getting jealous. But I live on a street with a lot of parked cars, although no one really passes through, if you're driving down my road, its pretty much because you live there. Also, there is a slightly strange woman down the road, who puts food out for all the cats, don't get me wrong, this is sweet, but she does it daily, and I wanted to have control over my cats diet. However, she would get really upset if I said anything to her...

Any comments would be welcomed!

Hi and welcome to the forum - looking forward to seeing Simba.

The decision about whether to let them out is a personal one which isn't easy to make. I've always let mine out but I've suffered the consequences by losing 2 to the road even though I live in a really quiet, rural area. I still do let them out and I think they're now experienced enough that it's as safe as it can ever be for them. There's probably some truth in the view that Bengals don't have as much road sense as moggies because they haven't had generations of experience passed down. Personally I wouldn't let my cats out if I still lived in Manchester where all that was outside was streets and cars but it's a harder choice if you've got a garden or if there is green land around. You could look into some sort of outside enclosure, accessible from the house - there are a few on here who've done that very successfully - and you can also train them to walk on a leash so that they get some outdoor time. If you decide not to let your Bengal out, you'll need to work out ways of stopping Simba getting out when your flatmate's cat goes out.

Good luck with your decision.

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Hey Ginnym, thank you for your reply, nice to meet you.

I'm sorry to hear about your previous cats, we lost our family cat, and it took me ages to get over it

Luckily, my house mate doesnt have a cat flap, her cat just stands at the door and mieows when he wants to go out. I bought a leash, and will try and get Simba used to it straight away so he doesnt get cross with me!!

Seriously, these last 9 days are going to go so SLOWW!!

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My girl lady.

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Hello Kittencat.

I'm glad I'm not the only one spying on the forum before signing on What a nice BF, you have, giving you a cat and all! What kind is it? Female/male, spotted/marbled?

I still have roughly two weeks to go, and I'm preparing all the practical stuff now Take a look at zooplus.co.uk, they have lots and lots of cool stuff.

I would probably try to get permission to built an enclosure, then you wouldn't have to worry about the crazy lady feeding your kitten or dangerous cars.

I look forward to see pretty kitten pictures

/Rilou

P.s. Ginnym, what's that biotherm chip? Why would you want to use those?

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My girl lady.

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