Bengalsinrescue.html

WHY ARE BENGALS IN RESCUE??? A post By Sal Vitale

Also- Why are so many of these cats being orphaned

In answer to your question, there are many reasons folks have given up their bengals.

We have dealt with medical reasons (human, such as allergies, critical risk issues like surgery and chemotherapy, etc.), inability to give proper care (and they want to make sure the cat's welfare is looked after), relocation to a "non-animal housing" or "military overseas" where it is almost impossible to take an animal or you have to subject the cat to an extensive, stressful quarantine, etc.

There are all kinds of reasons, but the worst is "we just don't want him anymore".

We have, unfortunately, heard that one too.

Many folks have given up bengals because they were just not aware of the characteristics of the breed. People fall in love with the fantastic patterns, outstanding color, and wild look of this cat. Then they get this pretty cat home and aren't prepared for the way it will ultimately interact with the household. Some folks figure a "clean once a week" litterbox is acceptable for a cat then gets upset when they pee on the floor, furniture, etc. If you didn't flush the toilet each time, you'd pee on the floor too. They feed low quality food, and can't understand why the cat is sick (UTIs, the runs, etc.). They don't want to deal with the vet bills, so they don't go...and then let the cat outside and it becomes ill. They want a cat who will sit around like a couch potato and be petted all the time. WRONG!! Bengals HATE to be bored, and want interaction, not just sitting around and waiting for petting.

They purchase from pet stores, non-ethical/reputable breeders, and those folks who are breeding for the "quick buck". The kittens are not always socialized as well as they should be, and can become reclusive cats. Many people expect a kitten/cat to be "friendly" from the moment it enters the house. It is very hard to recondition a cat who as been "ignored" as it thinks all humans don't want this type of interaction. We are currently working with a cat that came from a difficult environment. We have had him since November and he spent his time when we were in the room hiding under the bed. We were finally able to "touch him during play" in January, but he still wont let you hold him, pick him up, etc. He will come around, but it takes a lot of work.

A good breeder or rescuer will advise you about the personality of the cat, eating habits, food requirements, introduction into a new home, medical specifics for the breed, ability to get along with children or other animals (no, I didn't mean kids were animals....although I have met some that might qualify), and the ongoing assistance for YOU in having and KEEPING a happy, healthy bengal. Bengals are energetic, intelligent, curious, obnoxious, stubborn, friendly, busybody cats. They will help with the dishes, play in the sink, steal your pens/pencils/silverware, sit on your door tops, follow you

around like a puppy, want to spend every minute with you, unfold your laundry, help with the trash (isn't taking it out of the can the same as "taking it out?"), and find the most curvy, ground-level and above ground-level race course your house can provide. They require toys, fuzzy mice, paper wads (yup, balled up paper is a cheap cat toy), climbing trees (better than the knick-knack shelf), scratching posts (better than the leather couch), and someone who will CONTINUE to put in the effort to make sure that the home life and interaction are monitored so EVERYONE benefits from the new household member. In short, they have ultimate personalities, and given the correct environment, upbringing and care, make wonderful pets.

Sal and Doris Vitale

Anateag Bengals