Advice on buying Bengal Kittens

gaylee bengal kittens
Buying a new Kitten

1. Make sure the Bengal kitten has clean eyes, nose and back end, that they are a good size and sturdy, this is important if you hope to breed or show, as a number of Bengal kittens don't get placement at cat shows because they are too small.

2. Don't just chose a pretty kitten. Always see the whole litter with the mother.

3. Make sure the Bengal kitten is registered with the GCCF or TICA. and that you will get all the paperwork you need to transfer the kitten into your name.

4. Ask if the kitten is litter trained. Obtain details of their diet and vaccinations. Kittens should not leave their breeder until 13 weeks of age, 7 days after the last vaccination and should have been wormed. You need to worm again in around 4 weeks.

5. It is important that you see the outside cattery (if there is one) check out that the premises are clean and are big enough for them to have a run around,. if the breeder makes excuses why you should not see the cattery INSIST; if the breeder still says no, don't buy the kitten. Make sure there are not too many kittens around for the breeder to care for properly. If pens are not cleaned properly each day, streptococci and enteric infections could cause your kitten problems in the future.

6. Be sure the kittens are not over shy and timid.

7. Be wary of breeders who claim to birth and rear kittens in their bedrooms, judge how many cats they have and whether it is feasible to make such a claim.

8. If you are intending to breed or show the kitten take the 'Standard of Points' for the breed with you and check the pedigree. Read all you can on the breed, attend a few cats shows and ask questions before you look at kittens to buy. Take your time you don't have to buy the first kitten you see. N.B There is a Standard of Points for the GCCF and one for TICA.

9. Get a good vet. Buy in some of the food and litter the kitten is using. Plastic beds are good as they are so much easier to clean, the kitten should have its own litter tray for the few few weeks.

10. If you have other cats yourself, have them checked over and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.

11. Don't buy from 'breeders' whose Bengals are not registered; these are usually cheap, inferior kittens, not vaccinated, not wormed and no guarantee the cat is a Bengal, it is often an outcross. (Most breeders will prosecute people who buy pet kittens and then breed them).

Please see my F.A.Q's page for lots more general advice on Bengals.