TICA OUTSTANDING CATTERY

More Information on:

the Bengal Breed

and

Asian Leopard Cats,

Coming Very Soon !

More Info

Communication is the Key!

Be prepared for me to pester you!

All kidding aside, we're always here to Help!

For the first week you will get daily texts and/or emails from me asking how things are going and if there are any adjustment concerns. I do not want to bother you but I have found that most people will not contact me for what they think are "silly questions" yet those silly questions left unanswered are what create anxiety and stress - we do not want that for you or the kitten !

Cat Climbing Trees, Toys and Scratching Posts:

A Great Resource for kitty furniture (climbing trees and scratching posts) is overstock.com - they have over three hundred choices - here's the link ! I love the selection and the prices are (by far) the best I have found anywhere. If you ask anyone who knows about Bengals they will tell you that Bengals absolutely love to be up high on top of things watching events from a safe perch. This could not be more true ! If they do not have their own climbing tree they will adopt one of yours - I promise ! Scratching posts are an absolute must if you want to preserve your furniture. It is a moderate investment ($100 or even less) and one you will both appreciate.

As for toys, I have not met a Bengal yet that does not love the cheap ($.99) little fuzzy mice that rattle. All of my adults and kittens carry them around, toss them up in the air and catch them and hide them for later play time. Another favorite is a wanded toy known as "Da Bird" I have found them at numerous pet supply stores for about $8 or $9. Of course there is also the small rattling balls and the ones with bells inside. Very inexpensive toys provide lots of entertainment when you cannot play with them - if they have no toys of their own they will adopt yours - I promise !

Exercise is extremely important for both you and your kitties happiness ! ! ! Just like a new puppy, if they have received enough play time chasing a toy with you (their new best friend) - or rolled up piece of paper - they will not look for, or find mischief. Mischief can be found on your shelves, tables, desks, furniture, etc. You will be a much happier kitty parent with a well exercised kitty and your kitty will enjoy the bonding time with you and greatly benefit (socially and physically) from the exercise. All that is necessary is ten minutes here and there at different times of the day and all will be right with the world !

Keeping in Touch !

We really mean it ! We want you to know that you can count on us for support and advice during the entire life of your kitty - not just a week or two after you purchase him/her. If we don't know the answer to a question we'll help find the answer. We love each and every kitten born in our care and consider everyone who takes one of our kitties home with them a part of our Cattery family too. Family is always there for each other and in that sense we will always be there for you.

It warms our hearts to hear of how much fun and love you are sharing with your Bengal Chateau Kitten !

Enjoy the below Video fromAnimal Planet !

* * * Please Make sure to Scroll to the end to see a fun and informative video about Bengals by...Animal Planet * * *

General Bengal Care

Just like any kitty, above all else, Bengals need love, affection and a clean, healthy environment!

Bringing Baby Home (The Only Kitty):

The way to introduce your new baby to your home is in small, gradual steps;
Bring him/her into their new home in the travel carrier - leaving him/her in the carrier place it in a small room (kitchen or small bedroom) where there is also a litter box available for the time when they venture out of the carrier;
Stay in the room with them but go about your normal activities for a little while (15 - 30 minutes) until the kitten gets bored with you and relaxes. It is very important that they are in a relaxed state when they exit the carrier;
Then open the carrier door and allow the little one to venture out at their own pace - keeping the area you are in confined to a single room at first (again make sure there is a litter box in the room where you are located - because as soon as he/she exits the carrier you want to pick them up and place them in the litter box, this is only to allow them to know where it is and not necessarily to use at that moment);
Then allow him/her to explore that room a little bit while you are with them - it is also a good idea to have a couple of toys around at this time and encourage them to play with you once they feel a little confident in their new surroundings - do not force play time let him/her get comfortable first;
Praise them when they use their litter box for the first time and similarly introduce them to the other rooms in your home where they will be allowed to eventually explore on their own. You should always make their first introductions to new areas and should never leave new little ones unattended in large spaces.
Be sure to "kitty-proof" similar to "baby-proofing" your home. No need to worry about cabinet doors (unless you have a Foundation Bengal - they learn very quickly how to open them) but do install plug covers in outlets and make sure wires are not accessible to a curious kitten who wants to chew.

Bringing Baby Home (Multi-Kitty Household):

So he/she is not the first born...same concept - make it a gradual introduction in limited space. Your adult kitty who is already a part of your family and home is being surprised with a new kitten. It would be like bringing home a new baby without your current child knowing you were even pregnant - a real shocker! Same thing here. Respect your current kitty's feelings of uncertainty and - within reason - allow the two to develop their own relationship by following the below advice:
Bring the new baby home - in his/her carrier - and into a small space (a bathroom or small bedroom). While the new kitten remains in the travel carrier, allow your existing little one to sniff and say hello - allow this to take several minutes, even an hour or so - don't rush the nose-to-nose introduction!
If no initial growling (objection) then - while you are standing near, I recommend using a leach on the new kitten just to maintain control during this introduction - allow the two to meet nose-to-nose. The leash will also help you keep the playful new kitten from pouncing on his/her new friend. If, after further sniffing, still no objection let the new kitten go and see what happens - again, always while standing nearby.
It is not likely there will be any fur flying if your existing family kitty has not already voiced his/her objection but it is always to be better safe than sorry. Always reassure your existing little one during this introduction by petting and speaking calmly and softly to them.
There Will Be An Adjustment Period! The key is to be present during this time - not to allow bullying or serious disagreements. There will absolutely be a few lessons taught by the existing adult to the new kitten but those should be short, harmless, and discontinue no longer than a week after the new kitten is brought home.
If your existing kitty is objecting quite a bit, separate the two in two different rooms for a little while - keeping the existing adult in their normal area and containing the new one to a room - doing the opposite will cause animosity I promise.
Allow the kitten out of the travel carrier in the small room while with a family member if possible - making sure there is a litter box in the area and showing/placing them that box right away when you let him/her out. Your existing adult kitty will sniff at the door where the new one is located and they will have conversations under the door...let it happen, they are just getting to know each other from a "safe distance."
It may be the case that they need to be separated for a day or two or three in this manner - no longer. Then repeat the introduction process with the carrier, sniff test, and leash controlled introduction.
The relationship between your existing adult kitty and the new baby is just like any relationship - it is typically formed within the first few days together so it is extremely important that it happen the right way. It is just as important NOT to leave them alone unattended together for the first week or two until you are sure there will be no bullying by the older kitty. They will establish their own line of communication but like any siblings sometimes mom or dad need to step in to settle disagreements - keep that in mind.
Of course CALL OR TEXT ME when introducing one of our kittens to existing furry family members and we will walk through the process together! I want your relationship with your new baby to be the absolute best and will always be available to help in any way possible.

Here's a great video from "Animal Planet" Enjoy !