9 steps how to choose a Bengal kitten

So you've decided you want a Bengal cat in your life. That's great! But choosing a healthy Bengal kitten as your new best friend isn't always easy. From specific details about the breed that may influence your decision, to finding the right breeder, there are many things that can make adopting a Bengal kitten a stressful process. To make it easy for you to find a Bengal kitten that you will completely fall in love with, I've created this comprehensive guide to help save you time and nerves. So, without further ado, here's all you need to know - 9 steps to help you find healthy Bengal kittens for sale!

Step 1: Choosing the right generation

If you decided to buy Bengal kitten, it is important to decide which branch of the generation is right for you. There are two main generation groups - the basic F1 Bengals (also called the early generation) and the SBT Bengals (Stud Book Tradition) - a purebred Bengal that is at least 4 generations behind the ACL, that is, in at least 4 generations, all relatives of the animal were Bengals . All Bengal cats have similar features: beautiful spotted coat, slender and strong figure, cute muzzles, delightful character. However, since earlier generations of Bengals are closer to their wild cat ancestors, their appearance and temperament is much like the Asiatic leopard cat, more than is the case with the SBT Bengal. F1 Bengals are not even recognized as pets and are usually left for breeding for experienced owners. Most Bengal breeders only offer SBT Bengal kittens for sale as they are more suitable for breeding as pets. The kittens show all the characteristics of purebred Bengal cats: they are smart and playful, communicate well and have the recognizable leopard fur. When you determine which generation of Bengals will fit your lifestyle, you should consider what type of pattern and color you prefer. A good place to start is by learning about Bengal types and variations in their appearance. Although the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Bengals is lush beige-brown fur with dark spots, there are variations in both patterns and colors within the breed.

Step 2: Determine what kind of Bengal kitten you want to buy

The two main types of patterns are spotted (or rosette) and marbled. The markings are unique to each Bengal, but always in one of these two patterns. When it comes to Bengal coat color, the two most popular are brown or white (Snow Bengals). Shades range from warm golden tones to creamy white. Some Bengals have a beautiful, shimmering sheen to the coat, it is called glitter.

Step 3: Choose a reputable breeder

By now you have probably decided which type of Bengal color you are most attracted to, and it is time to find the right breeder. In order for your new Bengal kitten to be healthy and of good pedigree, you need to find a reputable cattery. There is always a lot of negativity toward breeders of any kind. Even the most trustworthy Bengal catteries face the same negativity due to the large number of dishonest breeders in their background. However, what many people don't realize is that choosing a Bengal kitten from an official cattery is not buying a "cat in a bag" as in the case of unscrupulous breeders. A reputable breeder is very careful in selecting breeding pairs. Their main goal is to promote and improve the Bengal breed through genetic selection. They genuinely care about the health and quality of the cats they breed. When you begin your search for a Bengal, it may seem a little overwhelming. Perhaps there are many breeders in your area to choose from. Perhaps there are only one or two. You may find that there are no local breeders near you and you will have to make a trip. Here are some tips when researching breeders:

Step 4: How to communicate with Bengal breeders

Find out if the kittens you are considering are registered with TICA or WCF?
Are they sold with full breeding rights and show rights, or are they only sold as pets?
Will they be neutered before they leave for their new home, or are they sold under a strict contract to be neutered?
Have the parents had genetic and health screenings such as PK or HCM screening, FIV / FELV tests, no FCoV, and regular fecal health tests on the kittens? - Have the kittens had health screenings with a veterinarian?
Are they age-appropriate in the pictures?
Where do kittens grow up? At what age does the breeder give the kittens to their new family? What kind of food do they eat? What kind of toilet litter is used?

These are all REALLY important questions to ask a breeder before visiting their home or cattery. A responsible Bengal breeder will not hesitate to answer questions that may seem even the most intrusive in their breeding practices. This information will also help you weed out the delinquent breeders from the reputable ones. Reputable breeders most often sell their kittens as "pets only," which means they will only be sold under strict contract. Some kittens that are considered above average in quality may be sold for show or breeding. Unscrupulous breeders give away their kittens without concern for their future. Reputable breeders also regularly check their breeding cats for genetic and health problems before breeding to make sure that the kittens they give birth to are of high quality and will be genetically healthy. When you physically see cats and kittens, always watch out for problems such as sneezing, runny nose, evil eyes, signs of diarrhea and messy living conditions. These are unacceptable indicators for any principled breeder and may indicate a possible serious problem such as FCoV. (feline coronavirus). Respected breeders will always stay away from the unscrupulous. They will abide by TICA litter rules, limiting cats to only 2 litters per year. Unscrupulous breeders will not be affiliated with TICA and will not follow strict breeding rules. When looking for a breeder online - reviews are always helpful. Look for a breeder with good reviews from past kitten buyers. Beware of breeders with multiple negative reviews, especially if those reviews mention health problems, illness or death.

Step 5: Search for a litter

Once you have made a list of questions, you can email or call the breeder, depending on what information they have displayed on their profile. Communicate your intention to buy a Bengal kitten and your preference for generations, as well as markings and colors. Ask the breeder if they have available kittens or if they are expecting a new litter in the near future. Since TICA rules ensure that a cat (Bengal mother) can only have 2 litters per year, it is often possible to reserve kittens even before they are born.

Step 6: Conducting a background check

If the breeders on your list do not currently have Bengal kittens for sale, or the kitten you were looking for is not available right now, feel free to ask them if they can recommend another local breeder. This will expand your initial list and give you a few more options to choose from. There is a chance that you may not find the right kitten right away. Sometimes the breeder you choose will not have kittens that meet your preferences, or they may not be available at the time. But, once you find the right Bengal litter for you, it is very important to make sure that the kittens are bred according to the basic principles of the felinological system in which they are registered. You will need to inquire about the parents of the litter and look at both parents' recent litters to see what to expect, especially if you book kittens that have not yet been born. Ask the breeder for pictures of the parents, or better yet, ask to meet them. Genetic makeup should play a role in your decision making. After all, kittens will get most of their traits from their parents. Depending on the breeder, cats can be kept at home or in a cattery. Either way, they should provide appropriate living conditions for their cats. If kittens arrive from a place where they are not properly cared for and socialized, you run the risk of many problems with your new pet. This includes various diseases and illnesses that the kitten may get from breeders, or behavioral problems that may be difficult to correct later on.

Behavior.
Health.
Compliance with the breed standard.

As mentioned earlier, it's not enough to find a litter that meets your criteria from a reputable breeder. To really make sure you take the right Bengal kitten home, you'll need all the information about the parents. And you can only get it in person. While a TICA certificate must be provided, it's not enough to help you choose a litter. It means that the breeder has registered the kittens and that they meet the criteria of the International Cat Association for Bengal Cats. The only way to make sure you are choosing the right litter is to meet both parents and the kittens. This way, you will have your own impression of your future pet, and you can determine if the personality and appearance of the parents is what you would like to see in your Bengal kitten. If you're not sure what to look for, here are three basic qualities you should look for if you're going to buy a Bengal kitten:

Step 7: Choose a litter

Bengals are known for their energetic, playful nature, which is one reason people choose them as pets. However, if they are not socialized in time, or neglected, they can become difficult to handle. When you visit a breeder and meet the parents, pay attention to their behavior. Naturally, a Bengal cat and her children will not be the friendliest, but you will still be able to determine if the cats are socialized and what their personalities are. If you notice unusual aggression, erratic behavior, or strong litter box odor, consider this a warning sign. While choosing a reputable breeder should minimize litter health concerns, that doesn't mean you shouldn't double check. Ask the breeder about vaccinations and worming records, as well as the parents' genetic screening results. This will help you determine if the kittens in the litter have a predisposition to any disease, and make sure you're getting a perfectly healthy pet. Although Bengals share common traits, no two cats are exactly alike. But all purebred Bengal cats with a documented pedigree have similar traits that are the result of good pedigree. Checking to see if the kittens (and their parents) meet breed standards is especially important if you plan to show your Bengal kitten. Each cat shown should have typical Bengal traits, including markings and coat color, a slender body, and an excellent head (more on the TICA website at https://www.tica.org).

Step 8: Male or female?

When you decided to buy a Bengal kitten, it can be difficult to single out just one litter, especially if you have talked to several good breeders who happen to have available Bengal kittens. If this happens, you should consider other aspects before making a decision. First of all, make sure that the breeder is always willing to help. This can make a huge difference, especially in those first few days with your new kitten, if you have a breeder you can rely on for all your needs. A good Bengal breeder should be on hand to answer any questions you have or give advice when needed. It is also important that the contract includes any conditions if things don't go as planned. Being able to communicate is very important, and in the beginning, a breeder can be indispensable. Of course the litter must meet the standards mentioned in the last few sections, from health to environment. The breeder plays an important role in the further development of your Bengal kitten. If the kitten is socialized in time and receives extra care during this tender period of life, there is a good chance that she will grow up to be an attractive, healthy Bengal cat.

Step 9: Choosing a Healthy Bengal Kitten

In some cases people already have a preference for the sex of the kitten, but more often than not there is a significant amount of misinformation that influences the decision. Some people think that female Bengal cats are more loyal or that males are more harmful, but that is simply not true. Every Bengal cat has its own character, regardless of their sex. Aspects where the sex of the cats will matter is whether or not you plan to breed them in the future. If not, you need to consider spaying and neutering as well as costs. Spaying a female is more complicated and therefore more expensive than neutering a male. As with most species, Bengal males are slightly larger than females, but aside from the minimal difference in looks, you will find that both sexes are equally attractive.