Bengal cat adoption

Marbled Bengal cats like water - photo copyright Janesdead

Bengal cat adoption concerns many topics...

Who are the parties?

When you adopt a cat there are three parties, the seller or administrator of a rescue center, or pet keeper, on the one hand; the buyer/adopter on the other hand; and the cat. Which is the most important party? - the cat.

How do you make a decision to proceed with Bengal cat adoption on the most fundamental level?

We ask ourselves, "what is right for this cat?" In answering that question we need, I think, to treat the adoption of a cat as something similar to the creation of a child. Extreme, you think? I don't agree. A child becomes independent at about 20+ years. A cat is permanently dependent to about late teens. The demands are not dissimilar. Both need feeding, warmth and love. Both return love in their own ways. There are many other similarities.

I have a page on the main website about choosing a cat which covers this subject from a different angle but in more detail, it's called "Choosing a cat breed".

Anyway, lets assume that we tick all the right boxes and have decided objectively (along the lines as set out in the Choosing a cat breed link above) that a Bengal cat adoption is good for a specific but yet undetermined Bengal cat. What next?

Bengal cat behavior

I have discussed the behavior of Bengal cats quite a lot on other posts. Click on the link to read about Bengal cat behavior. Or go to the main Bengal cats for sale page on the main website. In short the Bengal cat is pretty inquisitive, active and intelligent and will I think demand a fair bit of interaction from you. Can you do this? Is there enough space for this active cat? Will you keep your cat in permanently? Is there enough things to do? Can you build an enclosure? These cats have bling and they stand out, this makes then liable to theft. If you are clear on these issues and want to proceed the next question is.........

Adoption means buying or rescuing

What is it to be? Like for like and all things being equal Bengal cat rescue must be the preferred decision. Personally and this is purely personal, if I was going for a Bengal cat adoption now I'd check out Bengal cat rescue first (this link leads to a comprehensive list).

I think we all have to do that at the outset. And I am not criticising the breeders or saying don't go to the breeders. I'm just saying that if we agree the criterion for decision making on Bengal cat adoption is what is right for the cat then we must start at a rescue center. In addition to the lists of Bengal cat rescue centers and groups set out on the linked page above there is a page on Purebred cat rescue as well. This linked page covers all the angles and lists non-purebred cat rescue centers as well because you can sometimes find purebred cats at these centers or half purebred cats (mixed breed cats that have a lot on the Bengal in them).

So you tried rescue and it's failed to work out.

Bengal cat breeders

You'll need to know the prices, the breeders (this takes you to a list of USA breeders mainly in Texas and Florida - this is a growing list though so things change) and the appearance.

Bengal cat health

Before you go to a breeder I'd check out the results of my research into Bengal cat health. I used to think that Bengal cats were almost universally healthy but this is not the case. I am not saying there is a problem here, just that it is better to be armed with information before buying. This is better for the cat, the breeder and you. Click on the link to read about Bengal cat health.

- The cat always comes first -

One last point, the higher Bengal cat generations (F4-F1) are CITES regulated and subject to travel restrictions.

Photos:

• all photos published under a creative commons license
• Second down copyright Janesdead
• Bottom picture - copyright Swiss Bones - this is typical of Bengal cats as they like to be perched high up. This is a throwback to the Asian Leopard cat who likes to climb trees for safety.

Bengal cat adoption to Bengal cats for sale

Bengal Cat Prices

Bengal cat photo copyright alexanderino published here under a creative commons license kindly granted by the photographer

Bengal Cat Prices have come down dramatically, as expected, since the days when this cat breed was talked about as a new and exotic breed, in the late 1980s and 1990s.


Introduction

I would have thought prices at the date of this posting are similar to any other purebred cat. Breeders remember sell to the "public" and to other breeders who are often colleagues or people they know well through meeting at cat shows, on groups such as Yahoo Groups and perhaps as part of an organizing body.

Breeders sell pets to the public and they sell breeding cats, studs and queens to their work colleagues (not all breeders sell to breeders, though). This trade between Bengal cat breeders is often international, USA to UK and Europe being a classic route as the USA is the home of the Bengal cat and I suspect the biggest and best Bengal cat breeders are in the USA. So what do they charge? Breeders probably sell retired show cats to the public too.

These Bengal cat prices are for pets (not breeding or show cats which are expensive and top of the range in terms of type - appearance). Please note that the price is very much dependent on quality and quality is decided by reference to the breed standard for the relevant cat association, most often TICA (an international cat association based in the USA). The breed standard concerns breeders but is is largely based on a subjective approach, it is about aesthetics so you might prefer a cat that is non-standard in fact and therefore cheaper.

Another factor, price is dependent on the generation of the cat. SBT cats (4th generation and lower) are the norm for pet cats. But you will see F1-F3s and for sale. These will be more expensive usually as they approach the wild Asian Leopard cat in temperament and become more "exotic" and therefore more in demand (to some people).

Finally, pet quality is not show quality. In terms of showing they wouldn't win but in terms of pets they are winners like any other domestic cat. They may lack qualities like contrast between the spots, have white in the wrong place and the background color, body shape, wild look or any other matter relating to breed quality is strictly not the best.


My research indicates this:

UK

Bengal cat prices are between £300-500 (GPD) - this price range is typical but you could, I am sure, pay lots more for a special cat (in terms of appearance). A breeder in Manchester (Lyndazbengals) charges £400 for a classic brown/black spotted Bengal cat, £500 for snow colored cat and their silver tabbies sell at £550. These prices are similar to USA prices (below).

The best breeders will probably have a waiting list of customers who have tried to buy before and failed because of demand. You can read more about the Bengal cat and see a list of breeders (mainly USA currently but a growing list) here: Bengal cats for sale.

Bengal x kittens (half Bengal cats meaning not purebred) sell more cheaply, understandably. The prices range from about £65 to £150. I would be careful in buying non-purebred Bengal cats. Top breeders won't sell non-purebred obviously and only good breeders will ensure the cat is well socialized and fit with all the necessary injections and certificates etc. And in any case you might as well go to a rescue center and try and find a purebred Bengal cat that needs rescuing.

I am not saying that people who sell non-purebred Bengal cats are not good breeders just that it is more likely that there may be less of the good ones.

USA

If you visit one of the top breeders websites, Bengaland run by Hugh and Peggy they say kittens are priced individually and are unable to provide guideline prices. This is a top Bengal cattery and I'd expect prices to be higher. You get a lot for your money though.

It would seem that the top catteries price by cat as quality (in terms of breed standard quality is variable).

Etché a well known breeder in Florida quotes some Bengal cat prices, which can be taken as good guidelines. The quote "gold" (I suppose the standard brown/black Bengal cat) at $400-900 (USD) and silver at $800-1200 (USD). This is a top breeder so you'll probably find cheaper but it's all about quality not only in the cat but the other important things such as health, certificates and very importantly personality i.e. well socialized.

Update 9th October 2008: A Florida man had his $6,300 Bengal cat called "Buddy" stolen from his apartment. He left the front door unlocked while taking his dog for a walk. Two things: very expensive Bengal cat price. The cat was probably an F1, F2. Second point: very strange he left the door unlocked. The neighbors saw nothing. Did he make an insurance claim? Was the cat too much for him? If the cat was an F1, this is what it is like living with one: Chausie cat breeders.

You might like to visit the main page on this cat breed for more information and links to the breeders mentioned on this page. The page is here:

Bengal cats for Sale

There are links on this page to breeders (this list is growing all the time), mainly USA breeders in Texas and Florida.

From Bengal Cat Prices to Bengal cat behavior

Bengal Cat Breeders Texas

Bengal cat - photo copyright Helmi Flick

Bengal Cat Breeders Texas is another searched for term and not surprisingly. For me Texas is the heart of America and the Bengal cat is very much an American style cat. Plenty of bling basically. Very much part of the US culture but of course very popular in the UK as well. It seems though that the Americans love to have a bit more and can get it by being resourceful and inventive. That is why they are the most successful nation but they do need to watch that they don't go too far.

Anyway back to Bengal cats in Texas. One cattery immediately comes to mind because I think that the cat on the RHS of the header on the main website came from this cattery. The photograph is by Helmi Flick and the cat's name is Kattitude Jumping Jack Flash and the cattery is the first one listed:

Kattitude Bengals
If I am correct about Jumping Jack Flash, he is a fantastic cat and he was photographed by a fantastic photographer, Helmi Flick. You couldn't get a better combination. Jack Flash was on the March 2004 of Cat Fancy magazine, a fine recommendation for this cattery.

Kattitude Bengals are situated in East Texas, about 60 miles west of Shreveport Louisiana. Click on the link to see the area around Shreveport (Google maps). All other links on locations go to Google maps.

Jabari Bengals
They seem to be well established and quality. They are based in Houston, which is about 200 miles south of Dallas (for all Brits flying in to Dallas airport!). TICA outstanding cattery and TIBS (The International Bengal Society) breeder of distinction.

Spotagious Bengals
Located near Corpus Christi (not far then from Jabari Bengals - 100+ miles), this is another good looking cattery judging by the website and show brag. This cattery is also TICA and TIBS recommended.

Sea Gold Bengals
Located "40 miles south of Houston". This puts them right on or very near the coast on my reckoning, which probably accounts for the name of the cattery. Sounds a great place. This is another in this foursome of catteries in an area bounded by a major road (route 20) and the coast line of the Gulf of Mexico in the south.

They all produce that precious wild look, perfect personalities and outstanding coats judging by their websites.

Wild on Spots Bengals of Texas
This cattery has employed Helmi to photograph some of their cats. They are located 10 mins drive from Dallas airport (DFW). This is another cattery near Dallas.

Mystre Bengals
When you get to this website you hear the tiny vulnerable cries of Bengal kittens. My cat who is next to me looked around. They are on a video on the home page (as at the date of this post). They are located close to the NASA base, on the south west borders of Houston.

I think this is a good selection. I couldn't find any north west of Dallas. All these Bengal Cat Breeders in Texas are based in the south. Anyway if someone wants to be on this list leave a comment please. Thanks.

Here's 2 more, Bengal cat breeders Texas, who left comments (see below). I'd like to feature them here:

Katznjamr
Classy website, lovely facilities with plenty of space (and accolades for their breeding of about 13 years). And I like it when breeders show people their facilities. It shows confidence and a relaxed attitude I think. Located in Texas. Run by Jennifer Miller who talks about breeding Bengal cats and the heart disease HCM.

Cheetahsden
Another classy website. This is a really good website a cut above the average, which is indicative of their approach. Located in Dallas Fort Worth area. The cats are pure class.


Bengal Cat Breeders Texas to Bengal cats for sale

Ancient Chinese Medicine

Endangered seahorses (protected by CITES - but not actually protected by the look of it) on sale at a Chinese medicine shop - photo frozenchipmunk (published under a creative commons license). An example of how Ancient Chinese Medicine is having a negative impact on the preservation of endangered wildlife.

Chinese Medicine as far as I am concerned should be either better regulated or modernized. I don't have much hope that this will happen in China or other eastern countries such as Vietnam, who have similar medical ideas. But it could be regulated in the UK. As long as the UK government allow Chinese doctors or medical staff to operate in this country they condone the poaching of precious wildlife it seems to me.

Ancient Chinese Medicine, is what it says on the packet - ancient and the world has moved on substantially while this medicine is practiced at the expense of many wild animals.

The Chinese are probably justifiably very proud of their ancient traditions. Such an ancient civilization. But I know that China wants to be more modern. But the government is still living in the past in respect of its medicine. It is not satisfactory to base medicine around animal parts in the modern world. It was fine hundreds and thousands of years ago but not now, please.

Ancient Chinese medicine is one of the main (perhaps the major cause) causes of poaching of rare wildlife such as the Tiger. The Rhino is another. Chinese doctors think that the Rhino horn can make an impotent man potent -sad really. I would suggest that the person buys some Viagra as this is known to help and it doesn't need animal parts to make it. Maybe that would stop them buying Rhino horn "medicine" and save some Rhinos. It would be nice to learn that the Chinese government had enacted regulations to deal with this. I am sure that some Chinese doctors don't believe in this medicine.


The incredibly endangered Tiger. Photo copyright B cool published under a creative commons license. Tiger parts are used in Ancient Chinese Medicine. We should remember that when and if we next buy Chinese medicine.

I am not mad about the medicine per se but for the damage it does to vulnerable and rare and fine animals such as the Tiger.

What prompted me to make this post was a story about the Vietnamese police arresting some people who had 2 Tigers in a freezer. They were trading in Tiger parts. It was not clear where the Tigers came from, maybe India where the Tiger population is in a catastrophic decline and where the Tiger is heading for extinction as the Cheetah already has in Pakistan. The Tigers were in transit apparently.

Of course India has conservation problems too. The reason why the Tiger is being poached to extinction in India (the main remaining habitat of the Tiger incidentally) is because of a lack of will to enforce the preservation of this fine animal. When the tiger is gone we will bemoan the loss but we cannot manage, it seems, to do things in a proactive manner to protect this species.

Vietnam's record on animal rights is hardly anything to shout about. Like the Chinese some of them kill and eat domestic cats and also like the Chinese they harvest bile from captive wild bears to supply the medicine market. Some Vietnamese as do some Chinese think that a bear's bile can do you some good. They cage them in tiny cages causing untold agony as a result. This is barbaric and cruel, I'm sorry.

Ancient Chinese Medicine has some upgrading to do and the fact that it is ancient is not a reason to preserve it in its current state. It is no recommendation that it is ancient. It should be a criticism at this time.

People in the West should consider not buying medicine from a Chinese outlet. If we do we are very indirectly killing Tigers and hurting bears and other endangered species of wild animal.

Sorry to be so critical but I am speaking on behalf of the silent animals.

Ancient Chinese Medicine to cat meat philosophy

Silver Bengal cat

Silver Bengal cat photo copyright Helmi Flick

Some people search for a White Bengal cat. What they mean in a Silver Bengal cat or a Snow Bengal cat. A silver Bengal is illustrated above and below.

As you know the classic Bengal cat has a yellow/brown spotted (or marbled) coat. In a Silver Bengal cat the yellow pigmentation in the hair is suppressed by the presence of a gene called the inhibitor gene. The gene is labelled "I" (capital I) by breeders and geneticists. The capital "I" indicates a dominant gene.

This gene as the name suggests inhibits the production of the yellow pigmentation (phaeomelanin) resulting in the silver color (a bit like hair going grey when you become older and its loses its color). A dominant gene will show its effects in terms of the appearance of the cat. It won't be carried by the cat and its effects not shown. The inhibitor gene works inconsistently. Sometimes its effect is incomplete. This leaves a "tarnished" appearance. I guess this term is meant to mean that the effect is tarnished rather than perfect.


Spotted tabby Silver Bengal cat photo copyright Helmi Flick

Incomplete inhibition by the inhibitor gene can result in a variety coat "defects", such as:

• a brown strip of fur
• silver background and brown spots
• silver spots and brown infill

This is not a complete list. This inconsistency is one example why breeding a silver Bengal cat is tricky. This is compounded by variation on contrast over the age of the cat. For example good contrast then poorer contrast and visa-versa.

Although I am not a cat breeder as far as I am aware the silver color was produced by crossing Bengal cats with silver spotted American Shorthair cats and Egyptian Maus (there is at least one silver Egyptian Mau on this page). You can see a couple of silver American Shorthair cats with marbled coats if you click on this link.

Also, as far as I am aware, the GCCF (the UK main cat association) does not recognize the Silver Bengal cat. So showing the Silver in the UK would have to be done under TICA. This may change as Silver Bengals are quite new in the UK although well established in the USA.

Breeders like to see good contrast between the spots or marble and the base color. They also like the wild look on the face combined with perfect temperaments.

Sources:

• Various cat breeder websites including Wikipedia and this site: http://www.firemtbengals.com/silvergene.html

Silver Bengal cat to Bengal cats