Skip to main content

Bengal-Proof Your Easter

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Bengal Cat Care, Health. No Comments on Bengal-Proof Your Easter

March 7, 2021

by Robyn Paterson

We all look forward to the holidays when we can get together with family and friends, but Easter, in particular, invites some dangers for Bengal cats into the home. Some careful planning can prevent these dangers while still engaging in all the fun.

Easter Decorations

Easter grass and Easter eggs can be dangerous for cats. Most cats love the plastic grass that fills Easter baskets. Some cats, in particular, are drawn to chewing on plastic. But these fine pieces of plastic wreak havoc on a cat’s digestive system and may result in a trip to the emergency vet over the holiday weekend. Avoid plastic grass by using paper grass or edible grass alternatives. While it is not great for a cat to eat dyed paper or strands of potatoes and corn starch, a small amount of biodegradable material is more likely to be dissolved by a cat’s highly acidic stomach and pass through the digestive system without landing the cat in the emergency room. 

Like plastic grass, plastic eggs can present a problem if they are broken and eaten by the cat. If you have been using the same eggs for multiple years, it may be time to replace them before they become brittle and break. Eco Eggs sells non-toxic, reusable Easter eggs that are less likely to shatter. Because they are non-toxic, they are safer if a cat turns them into a toy. When wanting to avoid plastic altogether, consider hollow wooden Easter eggs. These eggs are completely safe for cats and will last for years. Buy them early, have the kids paint them, and keep these decorated treasures for years to come. They can be used repeatedly to hide Easter treasures.

Easter Foods 

Chocolate and baked goods can both cause digestive upsets for cats. The caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate can cause seizures, heart failure, and death. The amount consumed increases the likelihood of these side effects. Likewise, baked goods can contain carbon dioxide; alcohol released from the dough while rising can cause alcohol poisoning. Keep uncooked dough out of your cat’s reach while it is being left to rise, and make sure the Easter chocolate is not left within the cat’s grasp. 

Easter Flowers

As a cat owner, it is common knowledge that Lilies are toxic to cats; this includes Easter and Day Lilies. The flowers, the leaves, the pollen, and even the water from a vase holding these plants can cause kidney failure in cats. Cat owners must forgo bringing Lilies into the home and growing them in the garden. If a thoughtful guest brings you a bouquet, thank them graciously, educate them on Lilies’ toxicity, and kindly send the flowers back home with them. 

In addition, it is essential to note that all plants that grow from bulbs are toxic to cats. This includes many spring favorites: Daffodils, Paperwhites, Snowdrops, Hyacinths, and Amaryllis. As long as a cat does not have access to these plants, it is safe to have these in your garden. Unlike Lilies, the pollen on these plants is not as severely toxic or as likely to spread onto shoes and clothing and then be transferred to a cat.

Alstromeria, often called Inca Lily, makes beautiful bouquets as an alternative to true Lilies. They have a lily-look, but they are not in the lily family. Orchids create color inside the home without the fear of poison. Pansies, Freesias, Iris, and Snap Dragons are early bloomers and bring brightness to a spring garden without fearing the flowers being toxic to your cat.

It is good to have Thuja Occidentals 30c on hand if your cat ingests a toxin. You can place a couple of pellets inside the cat’s mouth to help remove the toxins from the body while you are on the way to the vet. 

Easter Escapes

If the family is meeting at your house for Easter, it may be best to put your Bengal cat in a backroom – especially while guests are coming and going. Easter typically focuses on little ones, and little ones tend to be forgetful when so much excitement is in the air. A Bengal cat may dash to join the Easter egg hunt if a door gets left open. Assess the flow of people going in and out of your home during your Easter celebration. While your Bengal cat may have a great time playing and greeting everyone during the day, you may want to keep it contained while everyone arrives and departs. If doors are opened throughout the day, it may be best to leave your Bengal cat carefully contained. 

Include your Bengal in the Easter celebration as much as possible, but remember to take a few precautions to ensure your celebration does not include a trip to the vet. 

We wish you and your Bengal cats a safe and very Happy Easter from all of us at Quality Bengal Kittens.

Is grain-free bad for cats?

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Food/Nutrition. No Comments on Is grain-free bad for cats?

by Robyn Paterson

Picking the right cat food can be confusing and sometimes asking the vet makes it even more confusing.  If you were to go to a vet and ask, “Is grain-free bad for cats?” the answer you are likely to hear is, yes.  However, that is a simplified version of the correct answer.

Many of the top-name pet food companies use the term grain-free to appeal to pet buyers, but it is deceiving.  The ingredient cats need in their diet is meat, but grains are often added as a filler because meat is expensive.  Therefore, when pet-food companies saw public demand to remove grains from a cat’s diet, they replaced those grains with vegetable proteins such as peas or soy.  This can have a double positive appearance to some buyers as not only is it grain-free, but it also shows a higher protein level.  The problem is that the type of protein – plant-based protein – is not one that cats can utilize.  Thus, some of these grain-free diets actually have less protein that is bio-available to a cat, even though the overall protein level is high.

People, unfortunately, tend to anthropomorphize and believe that a cat can utilize just as many nutrients from plant-based proteins as they can from meat-based proteins.  Given that cats do not have the same number of enzymes to break down plant material as humans do, this is unlikely to be the case, but as of yet, there have not been any in-depth studies to determine how much nutrition a cat can absorb from plant-based proteins. 

Why do Digestive Enzymes matter?

There are four types of digestive enzymes.

1. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. 
2. Amylase reduces carbohydrates into sucrose, lactose, and maltose. 
3. Lipase breaks down fats into beneficial fatty acids. 
4. Cellulase breaks down vegetables and fibers.

Most mammals produce amylase – the enzyme to break down carbohydrates – in their saliva, but cats do not.  A cat does produce this enzyme in its pancreas, but the fact that it is not in a cat’s saliva suggests that nature did not intend for cats to extract nutrients from plants. In addition, cats do not have cellulase at all.  Typically this is an enzyme created in the gut of mammals to break down vegetables and fibers, but it does not exist in cats unless it is given to them through their food or supplementation. 

In sum, cats do not have the enzyme to break down vegetables, and their pancreas has to make the enzyme to extract nutrients from carbohydrates instead of it naturally being in their saliva as it is with most other mammals.  

Whether it be grains or the plant-based proteins that are used to replace grains, neither is good for cats.

Plant-based ingredients are not helpful, but are they harmful to a cat?

In addition to grains and plant-based proteins, some other common ingredients in cat food are plant-based starches such as potato, tapioca, sweet potato, and carrots. Too many carbohydrates in your cat’s diet may have the following negative effects on your cat.

1. Decreasing protein utilization by slowing down the rate at which the food digests.
2. Reducing the fecal pH by altering the microbial fermentation, which increases the production of organic acids.  
3. Inhibiting normal intestinal flora’s ability to survive in the intestinal tract.

When a cat is struggling with a diet high in carbohydrates, the initial signs are vomiting, diarrhea, and/or gas. Later in life, the effects of a high carbohydrate diet can manifest through food intolerance, diabetes, kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. 

It is important to remember that these plant-based ingredients are cost-saving fillers. They do not provide a nutritional benefit to your cat and can, in the long term, be detrimental to its health. 

Why does my cat appear healthy on its plant-based diet?

In a study done on fruit flies, it has been discovered that young flies fare well on a diet they have not evolved to eat. However, in middle age, the health significantly declines at a rapid rate in comparison to flies that were fed on a diet they evolved to eat. 

How does this translate to cats?  Cats were not designed to eat plant-based foods.  However, as young animals, they can adapt and live healthy lives.  Once they hit middle age, however, the health problems begin to take effect, and cats who have eaten plant-based foods which they have not evolved to eat will decrease in their health more rapidly than cats who have been fed meat-based foods their entire life.

The good news coming out of this research study is that switching to an evolutionarily appropriate diet at any point in an animal’s lifetime will benefit the health of the animal. It is never too late to switch to an evolutionarily appropriate diet. 

Is grain-free bad for cats?

Ultimately the answer is no; grain-free is not bad for cats when it is also vegetable and carbohydrate-free. If the food has replaced the grain with another plant-based ingredient, then grain-free may be the worse of two evils – depending on the grain it replaced and the vegetable used as the replacement. What you are looking for in cat food is one that is less than 10% carbohydrate. Most cat foods do not list the carbohydrate content because there is no minimum level of carbohydrates that are required in cat food, so you will have to do some math to figure it out. Add up the crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture, and ash.  Then deduct that total from 100%.  What you are left with is the percentage of carbohydrates. 

What should you feed your cat?

We recommend a premade, balanced raw diet that is composed of muscle meat, organs, bones, and supplements.  If you are going to make your own food, you have to be very exact with your ingredients to keep it balanced. Most people are not detail-oriented enough to do this successfully, which is why buying raw food that is already balanced is best for most.   If you cannot feed raw, the next best choice is canned food.  Some decent choices are as follows:

1. Ziwi Peak – at 2.5% carbohydrate  
2. Hounds and Gatos Pork – at 0% carbohydrate
3. Cats In the Kitchen Lamburger-ini  – at 2% carbohydrate
4. Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken and Duck – at 3.3% carbohydrate

It is not recommended that you feed your cat dry food.  As a treat, Vital Essential Mini Nibs fit the low-carbohydrate necessity, but because there is no moisture in the food, we recommend it is only used as a treat. 

Works Cited

Davidson, Seana K. “The Truth About Dog Digestive Enzyme Supplements.” AnimalBiome, AnimalBiome, 1 Mar. 2021, www.animalbiome.com/blog/the-truth-about-digestive-enzyme-supplements-for-your-dog.

“The Four Digestive Enzymes in Pets.” Thomas Labs, 2021, www.thomaslabs.com/product/article-four-digestive-enzymes/articles-digestive.

Heinze, Cailin R. “Digestive Enzyme Supplements: Breaking Down the Evidence.” Clinical Nutrition Service at Cummings School, Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, 30 Oct. 2017, vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/10/digestive-enzyme-supplements/.

Hofve, Jean, DVM. “Digestive Enzymes.” Innovative Veterinary Care, IVC Journal, 20 Feb. 2013, ivcjournal.com/digestive-enzymes/.

Rutledge, Grant A., et al. “Evolutionary Biology of Diet, Aging, and Mismatch.” Journal of Evolution and Health: A Joint Publication of the Ancestral Health Society and the Society for Evolutionary Medicine and Health, Journal of Evolution and Health, 7 Nov. 2019, escholarship.org/uc/item/738828jj.

What is the best cat food to feed a Bengal?

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Food/Nutrition, Health. No Comments on What is the best cat food to feed a Bengal?

by Robyn Paterson

Sometimes it feels like you need a degree in Animal Nutrition to pick the best cat food for your Bengal cat.  The pet food recalls, lack of supplies, and raw debate make picking the best cat food a challenging choice. Not to worry, we are here to provide some inarguable facts to help you determine what cat food is best and why.  

Cats are not created to eat plant-based foods.

When looking around for the best cat food, the biggest factor to consider is the ingredients.  We hear over and over that cats are obligate carnivores.  But what does this mean?  It means a cat’s body is designed to get its nutrients from meat, organs, and bone.  It also means cats do not easily extract nutrients from plant-based ingredients. How do we know that cats struggle to get nutrients from plant-based foods?  We know because they do not have the enzymes that break down plant matter. 

There are four common types of enzymes in the digestive tract.  Two break down animal matter, and two break down plant matter.  Cellulase is an enzyme in the gut of many mammals that breaks down vegetables and fibers. Cats do not have cellulase. It can be given to cats in their food, but cats do not make their own cellulase.  In addition, most mammals produce amylase in their saliva.  Cats do not.  Cats produce small amounts of amylase in their pancreas.  The complete absence of cellulase and the absence of amylase in the saliva, where most mammals produce it, are clear indications that cats are not designed to eat plant-based ingredients. 
 

Why do cats who eat plant-based proteins appear healthy?

If it is true that cats were not created to eat ingredients that come from plants, then one automatically should wonder why all of these cats who eat food filled with vegetables, grains, and starches appear healthy. They are healthy for the same reason children fed McDonald’s appear healthy.  When we are young, our bodies compensate. 

In 2019 The Journal of Evolution and Health published a study on fruit flies in an article titled “Evolutionary Biology of Diet, Aging, and Mismatch.”   Fruit flies make a good case study because their lifespan is 40-50 days.  In this study, some flies were fed an evolutionarily appropriate diet – the diet fruit flies evolved to eat in the wild. Others were fed on a different fruit.  Ultimately, the study showed that young flies adapted to the new diet and were just as healthy as their counterparts on the evolutionarily appropriate diet. However, at older ages, the flies’ health on the new diet failed more rapidly than the flies on the evolutionarily appropriate diet.

What does that study mean for cats?  While young, a cat is likely to adapt to a diet with plant-based ingredients temporarily, but as it ages, its health will decline more rapidly than a cat being fed a diet of animal-based ingredients. 

Are cats who eat plant-based ingredients getting sick?

If you consider that most cats are fed kibble, then most cats are fed food with plant-based ingredients.  Nearly half of cats aged 6-9 years old demonstrate kidney deterioration.  For indoor cats over the age of five, Kidney disease is the number one killer. 

Cat’s bodies cannot compensate for plant-based diets for too many years without it taking its toll. 

It is important to remember that plant-based ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to a cat over animal-based ingredients.  Plant-based ingredients are fillers.  They are used because they are cheaper than meat-based ingredients. 

Why is water a factor?

Kidney disease is so prevalent in cats because cats on a kibble diet live in a state of constant low-grade dehydration. Today’s housecat cat was domesticated from an African wildcat. The African wildcat does not have access to a reliable water source, so its body is designed to get much of its hydration through food. Cats do not have a natural thirst drive. When you feed a cat a dry diet with plant-based ingredients, you are doubling the damage to the cat’s body. 

Did domestication make cats more tolerant of plant-based ingredients?

Cats are obligate carnivores, and dogs are simply carnivores.  How did that happen?  Domestication.  The domestication of dogs started over 30,000 years ago. In contrast, the first cats are thought to have been domesticated 3,600 years ago. Give cats a break.  They need another 24,000 years to catch up. In addition, cats did not move inside people’s homes until after the invention of cat litter in the 1940s.  Furthermore, people domesticated cats so they could eat the rodents that were stealing their food.  Domestication did not change the cat’s diet until we started keeping them exclusively indoors. 
 

Why does this matter?  The longer a carnivore has been eating human-created foods, the longer its digestive tract has evolved to be.  Because humans have not fed cats for very long – evolutionarily speaking – their digestive systems have not had time to evolve to handle the plant-based ingredients that humans tend to put in commercial cat foods. Some cats will do better than average because their ancestors’ digestive systems adapted to withstand more plant-based ingredients. But when you compare 3,600 years of evolution to 30,000 years of evolution, you can see there is a long way to go before cats make the switch from obligate carnivores to carnivores. 

What is the best cat food?

The best cat foods contain water and animal-based ingredients – meat, organs, and bone.  The best cat foods have minimal to no plant-based ingredients.  The best cat foods have less than 5% carbohydrates – ideally, it is 0% carbohydrates.

Because carbohydrates are not necessary for a cat’s diet, pet food companies do not list what percentage of the food is carbohydrates.  You’ll have to do a little math to figure it out. Add up the crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, moisture, and ash.  Then deduct that total from 100%.  What you are left with is the percentage of carbohydrates.

Furthermore, the best cat foods have minimal to no processing.  In short, this means the best cat foods are not cooked.  Cooking changes the bioavailability of nutrients, meaning cats cannot utilize the nutrients from cooked food as easily as they can from uncooked food.  Again, this goes back to the short length of time cats have been eating manmade diets.  

Go cat food shopping.

Head down to your locally-owned, Mom and Pop, brick-and-mortar pet food store with this article pulled up on your phone.  We have found the people working in these stores to be much more knowledgeable about cat foods.  Share what you learned in this article, and ask if they have any recommended foods with low to no carbohydrate contents. First and foremost, consider a pre-made, balanced raw diet.  

For the reasons explained in this article, a raw diet is best for all cats.  Many vets disapprove of raw diets because they see all the sick cats from people who pick up chicken drumsticks at the grocery store and think that is a balanced raw diet. It is not. Feeding an unbalanced raw diet is the worst way to feed a cat, but feeding a balanced raw diet is the best way to feed a cat.  For a balanced raw diet, we recommend Viva Raw along with the NuVet supplement for the reasons explained here. 

If you are not willing to feed raw, then you will have to feed food that is cooked.  Canned foods with minimal to no plant-based ingredients are the second-best food choice. While this is not our recommendation, feeding canned foods with less than 5% carbohydrates is better than feeding a kibble diet. You can find an updated page of canned foods that we’ve deemed less harmful than the majority in the Quality Products section of our website. 

You are not recommended to feed your cat dry food unless you use it as a treat. 

 

Are you thinking of getting a Bengal cat and want it to come with a lifetime of expert advice? Check out our available Bengal kittens.  

What Makes a Responsible Bengal Breeder?

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Miscellaneous. No Comments on What Makes a Responsible Bengal Breeder?

by Robyn Paterson

From the outside, it looks simple, but breeding cats is complex.  Unfortunately, the idea of breeding cats – a household pet, not a livestock animal – has a broad spectrum of motivations behind it.  Some people do it for the sake of making money, others because kittens are adorable, and others because they love cats. When searching for a pedigreed pet, you must unearth a breeder’s purpose for breeding.  Know their WHY.  Why do they breed cats?  Why do they breed Bengals, specifically?  A breeder’s why should come from passion, not profit, and here is how to tell the difference. 

First, it is essential to understand that a pedigree is not enough. In and of themselves, pedigrees do not guarantee anything about the quality of the cat or the breeder.  While people should never buy a Bengal without registration papers, having them does not make the breeder a good breeder or the cat a good cat. 

A responsible Bengal breeder is a steward for the Bengal breed.  This means that the breeder prioritizes what is best for the cat and what is best for the Bengal breed above what is best for themselves. A breeder should make educated decisions to place the right cat in the right home; a breeder should make various choices to improve health. A breeder should do this while also improving or maintaining the structure and beauty of the breed. But what exactly does it look like when a breeder does these three things? 

Responsible Breeders Work Hard to Place the Right Bengal Cat in the Right Home 

Placing the right Bengal cat in the right home is the most significant responsibility of a breeder. The Bengal cat is known for its confident, friendly, outgoing personality with high energy and intelligence levels.  This is the disposition Bengal breeders should be striving for in their cats.  If a Bengal breeder discovers a cat in their program that consistently produces temperaments that are shy, less intelligent, or low in energy, those cats should be removed from the program because they do not meet the breed goal.

Temperament is the number one controllable factor that determines the longevity of its home.  A cat with a less-than-ideal temperament is more likely to be rehomed than one with a good temperament.  If you are looking for a Bengal cat, ask the breeder how they make breeding choices that affect temperament.  Listen to the answer.  The breeder may go off-topic by talking about socialization.  If they do, bring the conversation back to breed selection by asking for an example of a breeding choice that has been made based on temperament. 

Socialization, however, is a contributing factor that affects temperament. When looking for a well-bred cat, ask what the socialization process is. Part of kitten socialization is learning to live “underfoot”  in a home.  Does this happen at your breeder’s house?  Make sure the kittens will be exposed to stimuli that they will be exposed to in your home.  For example, if you have a dog, buy from a breeder who has dogs.  But just having dogs isn’t enough.  The breeder should provide examples of knowing which kittens will adjust to dogs well.  Not every cat is the same.  We have dogs, and we know which of our kittens will, based on their genetics, be more likely to integrate easily into a home with dogs and which kittens are not expected to make good dog companions.  They won’t be bothered by or bother a dog, but they won’t befriend it either.

When looking for a well-bred kitten, be specific about what you want in a kitten, and then ask the breeder how they know the kitten will be what you want.  Good breeders know, so ask! 

Placing the right cat in the right home is not only about the cat; it is also about the home.  Not every home is the right home for a Bengal.  A responsible breeder should ask questions that reveal whether or not a home is not the right environment for a Bengal.  With Bengals being high energy and intelligent, this puts more responsibility on the owner.  A responsible Bengal breeder will ask questions to determine how a Bengal’s mental and physical needs will be met throughout its life.  Part of this is measuring the longevity of enthusiasm.  Taking a cat hiking sounds fun, but the harness training to get to that point will require repetition at a less thrilling level than camping in the Sierras with a cat. So, how realistic is the buyer’s plan for mental and physical stimulation? A responsible breeder will never talk a buyer into owning a Bengal.  They will sometimes talk a buyer out of owning a Bengal. 

Owning Bengals is more demanding than the average cat due to their energy level and intelligence.  Bengals are sensitive beings. Some struggle with change more than others. Does your Bengal breeder know which kittens will struggle with the transition?  Do they know who will take to harness training and who will be less inclined?  But in addition, does the breeder feel you out to determine how you will problem solve?  Most inappropriate behaviors that Bengals engage in stem from boredom or insecurity. The responsible breeder will only sell to buyers who will participate in problem-solving rather than solving the problem through rehoming. 

Responsible Breeders Make a Variety of Choices that Improve the Health of the Cat 

One of the benefits of buying a purebred cat should be a known health history and health testing completed on the parents of the Bengal kitten.  Responsible breeders should strive to produce cats with a longer lifespan than cats with unknown health statuses. Many factors contribute to the improvement of the overall health of the Bengal breed: health testing, health education, genetic diversity, and the health of the breeding environment. 

Health testing is every breeder’s step to improve the breed’s health.  While most buyers know about FeLV and FIV tests and testing for worms and parasites, this should not be the primary focus.  Each breed has its predisposed health concerns.  Breeds are developed by selecting genes to create a homogenous look.  When we choose desirable genes, undesirable genes come along unintentionally.  As they are discovered, breeders must weed them out.  Bengals should all be genetically tested for PRAb and PK-Def.  These are simple genetic tests; there is no excuse not to do them.  In addition, Bengals should also be scanned by a cardiologist each 12-18 months to determine heart health.  While the scan primarily searches for signs of HCM, the scan can reveal other potential heart problems. Because HCM is not a genetic test, the heart should be scanned multiple times over a cat’s lifespan to watch for changes in the heart.  A responsible breeder will know the risk level of HCM developing in their lines, and they should be willing to talk to you about it.  Ask a breeder how many cats in the kitten’s pedigree have been scanned for HCM. Ask what ages the cats were scanned to.  In addition, Polyneuropathy is a growing concern in the Bengal breed.  Don’t be afraid to ask breeders if they have experienced polyneuropathy in their breeding program and what they know about their cat’s lines regarding the likelihood of polyneuropathy. 

When asking questions about health, do NOT have a preconceived answer you want to hear.  You are listening to see that the breeder has knowledge of the health history of their cats.  Do not expect the health history to be perfect; expect the breeder to clearly understand their cat’s health history and have a rationale for their choices. 

Listening to the rationale of a breeder’s choices tells you about their willingness to self-educate. Health information changes fast.  Researchers are discovering new information all the time.  When you read what a breeder puts on their website or have a conversation with the breeder, do they sound like a person interested in learning the latest advancements in health?  Can they advise you on vaccines with science-based reasoning for their choice?  A responsible breeder is your cat consultant for the lifespan of the cat.  Unfortunately, the veterinary industry grows increasingly more commercialized each year. Is your breeder capable of guiding you through making decisions regarding your cat’s health if you feel you are possibly being sold services that you may not need? Part of buying a pedigree cat should be the lifelong resource of the breeder.  This is where the “you get what you pay for” phrase should apply.  Purchase from a breeder that can be your cat consultant for your cat’s lifetime. 

Does the breeder understand how food choices affect health? Can the breeder explain the nutritional needs of an obligate carnivore that evolved from a desert animal? Evolution suggests that a raw diet with few to no plant-based ingredients heavy in moisture provides the most bioavailable nutrients to a cat. If the breeder-selected diet diverges from this, can the breeder tell you why they feed what they do based on how their food choice meets the needs of their cats? Again, hearing a science-based rationale is better than having one preconceived answer. Knowing food choices are made for reasons other than the food company giving the breeders a kickback. 

One of the biggest challenges breeders face regarding health is genetic diversity.  Genetic diversity has a substantial impact on health.  Breeds of animals are less genetically diverse because as we select for physical traits specific to a breed, we inadvertently reduce the genetic diversity. Breeders should be making decisions about genetic diversity either through DNA testing for genetic diversity or through knowledge of their pedigrees and how the cats are related beyond the standard five-generation pedigree.  Genetic testing for genetic diversity is a relatively new tool, so every breeder won’t utilize it, yet.  This does not make a breeder irresponsible if they make decisions using pedigree knowledge. 

Linebreeding in and of itself also does not make a breeder irresponsible.  But if a breeder has linebred, ask the breeder why they did the linebreed and why they were comfortable linebreeding on that particular cat.  The breeder should have an answer that includes the goal they were hoping to achieve and the known health history of the cat that was linebred upon. Typically, when linebreeding on a particular cat, that cat should be older, so the breeder knows if any heart issues developed over time, if the cat had any structural weaknesses, and if the cat produced other health ailments.  When asking questions about linebreeding, listen to see that the breeder clearly understands the breeding’s benefits and risks.  

In general, look to understand that your breeder understands that genetic diversity is a factor in producing healthy kittens.  Responsible breeders should explain their plan for maintaining, or preferably, increasing genetic diversity in their breeding program. 

Finally, a breeder will have more cats than the average person.  How do they house these cats, and how do they reduce the stress levels of their cats?  Cats become stressed in high-density populations.  Stress negatively impacts health. Again, ask the breeder how they house their cats, but do not have a specific answer you want to hear.  You should listen to the WHY of their choices.  

Responsible Breeders Breed for Correct Breed Structure and Appearance 

The first draw to a pedigree cat is its appearance.  However, appearance should never overshadow health; it is synergistic with health. 

The goal of Bengal breeding programs is to breed a cat that looks like a small forest-dwelling wildcat. Because of this goal, we are not breeding for any structural defects that people may find attractive. Our visual breed goal is a cat that lives in a tree – a structurally correct cat can survive in that habitat. 

A breeder should focus on the cat’s structural build. Bengals are high-energy animals who need good structure to move pain-free throughout their lives. As the Bengal ages, it should not slow down much. It should still enjoy chasing toys and running the wheel as much at year 17 as it did at month 17. 

Like in areas of health and socialization, a breeder should be able to speak to their structural goals beyond the canned answer of “I am breeding to the standard.”  Ask a breed what they are working to improve in their cats.  If they have been breeding for five or more years, ask what goals have been achieved.  Most importantly, look at how their cats move.  Are all four legs straight – not towing in or out?  You would not buy a jumping horse that doesn’t have straight legs.  You should not buy a high-energy cat that doesn’t have straight legs, as this will lead to early-onset joint pain.

The nice thing about appearance goals is that you can see them.  With the Bengal, you must look beyond the rosettes and consider how the cat is built.  Too many people, breeders, and buyers, only look at the markings of a Bengal cat. While markings may be the initial draw, you have to look beyond that when you purchase.  Ask the breeder how they assess the structure of kittens.  Have them show you.  You don’t want to be a buyer or work with a breeder who only pays attention to the paint. 

The Three Goals of Responsible breeders – Health, Temperament, and Appearance 

It all boils down to this: Responsible breeders should explain how they are bringing better cats into this world regarding health, temperament, and appearance. 

The Bengal breed is in some way disadvantaged by its beautiful coat.  For many breeders and many buyers, that is the only focus.  The coat is one-half of one-third of the equation. Don’t buy a pedigreed pet without getting the health and temperament advantages that it should come with.  When looking for the breeder of your next Bengal, make sure you find one who sees more to breeding than a cat’s coat. 

 

Are you thinking of getting a Bengal cat and want it to come with a lifetime of expert advice? Check out our available Bengal kittens.  

My Bengal Cat Wakes Me up at Night

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog, Enrichment. No Comments on My Bengal Cat Wakes Me up at Night

by Robyn Paterson

You awaken from a peaceful slumber to the sound of your Bengal cat’s loud yowl. Stumbling out of bed, you nearly trip over the Bengal to determine the cause of your feline friend’s distress. Nothing appears to be wrong. You must get back to sleep, so the cat must be silenced. You do the first thing that comes to mind – fill the food bowl with food. Over the next few nights, the same cycle repeats itself. You awaken to your cat’s yowling, tend to its needs, and try to return to sleep. This is no way to live life. How can you make it stop?

Your Bengal cat is awakening you in the middle of the night because it needs something. You must determine what it needs and provide for it at a more appropriate time. If this is a change of behavior, the first thing is to rule out any health issues that could be underlying. 

Being that we are talking Bengals, the cause of the midnight meowing is likely to be rooted in either food or boredom. For high-energy cats, these are the most common causes of behavioral problems. All Bengals are high-energy cats. 

Why Food a Likely Cause of Midnight Meowing

As high-energy cats, Bengals have a higher-than-average metabolism. This means their body burns more fuel than the average cat. Bengal cats need more than the daily recommended dosage on all food packaging. 

This is especially true for young male Bengal cats. Male Bengals between the ages of 6 to 18 months are growing like weeds. During this timeframe, they may eat up to twice the food they will eat as adults. If you are experiencing behavioral problems with a male Bengal within this stage of life, increase the food you are offering.

How and when you feed your cat may be contributing to the problem. Cats should not be free-fed or fed first thing in the morning. Free-feeding disrupts their natural body rhythm, which is to hunt (and expel energy) before they eat. Ideally, you want to feed your cat after a play session several times a day, with the largest portion being fed before you go to bed at night. By feeding the largest portion before you go to bed, your Bengal cat will be satisfied and more settled throughout the night. 

In addition, you never want to make feeding the cat the first step in your morning routine. When you get up in the morning, make coffee, eat breakfast, shower, etc. Do just about everything that you do daily BEFORE you feed the cat. This way, the cat does not associate you’re getting out of bed with it receiving food. 

For a more detailed explanation of why food is a likely candidate for causing the midnight meowing, please read What and How You Feed May Affect Your Bengal Cat’s Behavior.

Why Environment is a Likely Cause of Midnight Meowing

Bengals are high-energy cats. Most of their behavioral problems are rooted in the environment and the amount of stimulation the cat receives. Most people think this can’t be the problem because they play with their cats daily. You may, indeed, play daily, but if the cat is exhibiting behaviors you are not happy with, it likely needs more stimulation than what you are currently providing. A cat’s natural territory is many times larger than a house. A cat living outdoors will patrol, hunt, and climb all throughout its territory. If we do not provide enough things for our Bengals to do in our homes, they will likely exhibit unwanted behaviors. 

Every Bengal needs an enriching indoor environment. For a Bengal, this means lots of vertical space with sturdy, tall cat trees. It is best to create a walkway around the upper level of your home with a combination of cat trees and cat shelving. Because Bengals descend from the leopard cat, which lives in the tree canopy of Asian forests, they tend to need an enriched vertical habitat. A window perch strategically set in a window where there may be wildlife to watch provides not only additional vertical space, but also the mental stimulation of watching for wildlife, which utilizes a Bengal’s mental energy. 
 

A Bengal cat needs both vertical space and mental stimulation. You should have a set of Mind Puzzles that you rotate, so your Bengal cat has something to challenge its mind regularly. It is amazing how intensely exercising the mind alleviates behavioral problems in intelligent cats. If you are up for it, daily clicker training will help eliminate the midnight meowing and create a very satisfied cat. 

A cat wheel provides the outlet for how much patrolling a cat would naturally do outdoors. Cats can walk over 5 miles daily if needed, and feral cats patrol an average of 5 acres. Cat Wheels help take the burden off you to ensure your cat gets the daily physical energy outlet it needs. 

Adding a catio allows your Bengal cat to be in nature, which can help to reduce his stress levels and promote relaxation. Bengals are curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings. A catio provides them with a stimulating environment that they can explore, climb, and play in. It stimulates the mind, and if there is an ample enough enriched space, the body also. 
                                                                                
The last and most crucial aspect of creating an enriching environment is playtime. As a Bengal owner, you should consider daily playtime necessary for your cat’s care. It is as essential as it would be for a dog owner to walk a dog daily. Bengal cats do best with a play routine. Then they know what to expect each day, so they won’t ask for playtime at times that are inconvenient for your schedule, especially in the middle of the night. You must be playing with your cat to the point of panting during your play sessions.  

To review, creating an enriching environment for your Bengal includes the following:

If you are experiencing behavioral problems with your Bengal cat, you cannot pick and choose what enrichment you wish to provide; you need to go all-in.

Ignoring Unwanted Behavior

The final step in eliminating the midnight meowing is to ignore the behavior. This step is the hardest for many pet parents. Stick in a good set of earplugs and let the peaceful night of sleeping begin. You should expect your cat’s behavior to get worse before it gets better. If you live in an apartment or condominium, you may want to let your neighbors know that you are working on behavior modification with your cat, and he is likely to make noise for the next week to ten days. The persistency and volume commonly escalate during the first week the behavior is ignored. This is when many people make the mistake of giving up. It will get worse before it gets better. Giving in to them once will set you back to the start again. You must not reinforce their unwanted behavior by responding to it. Within two weeks of ignoring the behavior, the midnight meowing should be reduced by 75%. If you are not reaching the mark of a 75% reduction rate by the two-week mark, you need to re-evaluate your food quantity, daily routine, and environmental enrichment. Remember, ignoring the behavior will not work if you have not provided enough food and enrichment. If you tried some of the enriching tips but not all of them, you need to do more. 

Are you thinking of getting a Bengal cat and want it to come with a lifetime of expert advice? Check out our available Bengal kittens.   

How to Create an Enriched Environment for Bengal Cats

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog, Enrichment. No Comments on How to Create an Enriched Environment for Bengal Cats

by Robyn Paterson

The cause of most Bengal cat behavior problems is rooted in the cat’s routine, food, and environment. People often dismiss this as the cause because they play with the cat, but if it exhibits undesirable behaviors, the cat has a need that is not being met. Because Bengals are high-energy and intelligent, they require more attention than the average cat. Their needs are not different from other high-energy, intelligent cats, but not every cat in the world is a high-energy, intelligent cat. With the Bengal, these are breed-specific traits.

Domestic cats have not been domesticated long enough for their bodies to evolve to the luxury lifestyle. The same is true for humans. Humans are still designed for a hunter, gatherer lifestyle. The less our lifestyle emulates one of a hunter/gatherer, the more stress, anxiety, and depression humans experience. A cat’s body is built to hunt several hours a day over a relatively large territory. When we bring them inside and provide for them, we reduce the size of the territory; therefore, we must enrich that territory to make it mentally and physically stimulating for a cat. 

There are many different elements that create a cat’s environment and impact the cat’s physical and emotional well-being. The location and number of resources play a significant role in the willingness to use them. Having these resources is not enough; they must be positioned in a location that a cat would choose. Resource scarcity leads to competition in multi-cat households and creates territorial stress. Even in single-cat households, similar issues can arise; therefore, the environment must be rich in resources.
 
Does your home have enough vertical space for a Bengal?

Because Bengal cats descend from a tree-dwelling cat, their need for vertical space may be higher than the average cat. A few short cat trees will not do. They need tall cat trees – to the ceiling or up to ten feet tall if you have the ceiling space. In addition, there should be shelving that helps them move around vertically. Pre-existing cupboards, bookcases, and other tall furniture can help you create a pathway in the sky for your cat. Window perches also make for great vertical space. 

The vertical space must be located in the rooms where the family spends the most time. Vertical space back in a laundry room where people go in for ten minutes to load or unload the laundry does not work—Bengals like to be where the action is.

There will be an increased need for vertical space if there are children or dogs in the house that the cat needs a break from.  

Do you have enough scratching posts for your Bengals?

When it comes to scratching posts, the more, the better. Experimenting with a few different types is important to see what your cat likes best.

Some cats like vertical scratching posts. They should be 2.5 to 3 feet tall, so the cat can stretch up and scratch. The base must be solid so the post does not move around much when the cat scratches. Cat trees can double as scratching posts, but having some stand-alone posts around the house is also good. Mobile scratching posts are necessary if your cat is scratching somewhere you do not want it to. You can place the scratching post near the object you do not wish to be scratched to give the cat an acceptable option.  

Other cats prefer horizontal scratching surfaces. Many horizontal scratching posts are made from different materials, such as cardboard, carpet, and sisal. It is essential the cat can stretch fully out while scratching. 

Do you have toys for your Bengal cat to play with on its own?

Toys are a must-have, but finding out what toys engage your cat is important. You want to keep interactive toys locked up tight so your Bengal cat does not get them out and destroy them when you are not around to play. With other cat toys, you must experiment to see what your cat likes. Many Bengal cats like toys made of natural fibers such as rabbit fur, deer hide, wool, and leather. Others want to chase a ball or a spring. Get an eclectic mix of toys and see which one are used the most. Then rotate the toys, so your Bengal does not becomes bored with them.

In addition to the standard cat toys, you should consider the following to enrich your environment.

Cat Wheel – Cat wheels allow your cat to walk or run as much as they want within a confined space.

Puzzles – Puzzles provide a way to exercise a cat’s mind. When the mind is worked, the cat is content. Remember, rotating the puzzles, so your cat doesn’t become bored with them is important.

Cat Grass – Cat grass is a mental stimulant for your cat. Cats are attracted to the texture of grass and enjoy chewing on it. 

Aquarium or Outdoor Bird feeder – Aquariums and bird feeders also exercise the mind. Watching birds or fish safely separated from the cat stimulates the cat’s mind while keeping the birds or fish safe. 

Are your cat’s resources plentiful and in suitable locations?

Every cat needs a clean place to eat, drink, and deposit waste. The locations for all of these things are very important to a cat. 

First, all three locations must be separate from one another. Sometimes you’ll see an under-stairs closet transformed into a cat lounge with food, water, and a litterbox. While this looks cool, it is horrifying for the cat. Cats want all three of these items to be separated from one another.  

Most people know the basic litterbox location rules, but food and water locations are less universally understood. The layers of large cat trees make great food locations because they keep the food out of reach of children and dogs. Because cats are naturally individual feeders, use the different tiers of a cat tree to separate your food dishes for your cats, giving them the individualized space they prefer when eating. Keep the food away from any direct light or heat and air vent. This is also the case for water. Water is best located on the floor on waterproof flooring or with a waterproof mat underneath it.

Water needs to be kept separate from food because cats instinctively do not drink water that is near a food source to avoid potential contamination. While they will often tolerate the water bowl near the food bowl, it is just tolerance. This is not ideal. 

Bengal cats create a few challenges with water bowls because some like to play in them, and others want to pee in the water.   We have successfully prevented playing and peeing with the Orsada water fountain. The players don’t seem to be drawn to it because it is shallow, and the pee-ers aren’t attracted to it because they would get their privates wet in the process. 

Use food and water dishes that do not touch the cat’s whiskers as they eat or drink. Shallow dishes are better; any deep dish will force the cat’s whiskers to make contact. Some cats experience whisker fatigue, a sensory overload when their whiskers feel surfaces too often.  

In conclusion, creating a stimulating home environment for your high-energy, intelligent Bengal cat is important. This, however, is only one of the three most influential factors in Bengal cat behavior. You will also want to consider how and what you feed and establish a daily routine to eliminate unwanted behaviors. This article links to several other articles in our BLOG. If you are trying to resolve behavioral issues, you must read all the linked articles and follow all the advice to expect a behavior change. 
 

 

 

Are you thinking of getting a Bengal cat and want it to come with a lifetime of expert advice? Check out our available Bengal kittens.  
 

Are you looking for a Bengal to Harness Train? Here is what you need to know first.

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog, Bengal Cat Care. No Comments on Are you looking for a Bengal to Harness Train? Here is what you need to know first.

How does one meet the needs of this type of cat?  
The easiest way to meet the needs of this type of cat is to have a high-energy, intelligent companion.  The companion does not have to be a Bengal, but getting another cat is the safest choice for a companion. The second cat must be cat-friendly and play-driven with an energy level to match your Bengal. In addition, a stimulating environment must be provided to keep the two entertained throughout the day. There is a lot of truth to the statement that two Bengals are easier than one.  They keep each other entertained, so you do not have to be the sole source of entertainment.

A small dog who is cat-friendly and who can be left out inside the home when the family is away can also work as a companion to your Bengal.  It needs to be a dog who will run around and rough and tumble with your Bengal for it to be a suitable companion.  If you are searching for a dog who will do this, you should work with a breeder who raises their dogs with cats and will be honest with you about their puppies’ personalities. 

Having a companion takes the pressure off of you to be the companion. 

 

How does one meet the needs of this type of cat without a companion pet? 
If you do not want a second pet but still want a confident, non-reactive, curious kitten who seeks human interaction to join you on your adventures, you must be committed to being the companion – the constant sidekick. You must put the recommended scheduled play on super drive.  When working with one of our cat parents on how to satisfy her cat, she ultimately landed on the following schedule:
5:30 – 6 AM: Play followed by breakfast
8:30 – 9 AM: Walk outside
10 AM: Treat puzzle toy
12 – 12:45 PM: Play followed by food on a lick mat
3 PM: Treat puzzle toy
6 – 7 PM: Outside time/play followed by dinner
Scattered play in between!

Before using this schedule, the Bengal, which is the only pet, was disconnected from its human, bored, and destructive.  Following this schedule resolved the problem. A cat cannot turn on and off its desire to be active and to interact at the will of its human family. A highly interactive cat who will joins in on adventures needs an abundance of daily interaction. Intense mental and physical stimulation cannot be limited to a weekend outing. 

Can I choose a kitten that is less needy for attention and still harness-train it? 
Yes, you can.  Picking a more independent kitten will alleviate some of the daily demands but requires more patience with harness training. It will take longer to achieve the ideal dream of walking our cat through the forest like one would walk a dog.  More independent cats tend to be more cautious of their surroundings.  These cats will move slower and want to assess their environment longer before becoming comfortable.  Independent cats will require more patience on your part and regular trips in the great outdoors before they can relax.  Plan to have a backpack, so the cat can be scooped up and placed in the backpack at any given time throughout the walk.

 

 

I still want a harness-trainable cat what do I do?
Weigh the pros and the cons and decide what is the best choice for you.  Is it easier and more fun for you to get two cats and create a stimulating environment and a routine schedule to interact with your cat, or would it be easier to remove all expectations and accept the slower pace of the cat’s training? 

 

Your family should also be a factor in this choice.  A family with young kids needs a cat with a dependent, people-centered personality, as it will put up with child antics as long as it is getting attention.  However, a home with one or two adults often has the patience and desire for a more independent cat – which often bonds very deeply with one or two people. 

What is really important is that you can determine which personality is best for you, so we can help you pick the right kitten.  Getting a Bengal cat is a 15-20-year commitment; we want to send you home with the right kitten for you when you make such a big commitment. 

When people are interested in harness training, we send The Zen of Cat Walking by Clifford Brooks home with your kitten. This gives you expert guidance on how to work with your cat – regardless of its personality. 

Whatever you decide, we work to match you with the best fit.  Let us know your preference on the dependency scale in your Bengal Kitten Application.  Are you leaving towards dependent or independent? This will help us help you pick out the right kitten for your home. 
 

 

 

Choosing the Right Breeder Helps You Find the Perfect Bengal: How Breeders Impact Personality.

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog. No Comments on Choosing the Right Breeder Helps You Find the Perfect Bengal: How Breeders Impact Personality.

A fellow Bengal breeder faced a dilemma.  She raised Bengals because she wanted to share the joy of these beautiful cats with others.  As usual, her clients picked out their kittens while they were young. As the kittens developed, she noticed that one of the boys was not developing the personality she prided herself in offering her clients.  She diligently worked to bring the shy kitten out of his shell – having him play with her children, around the dogs, with the littermates, household visitors, and extended family members, but the kitten never became bold.  His personality was, by nature, shy. As the kittens’ departure date approached, she grew weary.  This kitten did not epitomize what she wanted to provide for her clients. So she did what every well-intentioned breeder would do.  She offered the family her sweet-natured keeper kitten and kept the shy one for herself, not realizing how the selfless act would affect all of her future kittens when using the shy male as her sire. 

Undesirable cat behavior adversely affects the owners’ satisfaction with their cats and their cat’s welfare (Powell et al.). Several factors, including genetics and in-utero stress, affect physical and psychological development long before a kitten is born (“Kittens”). Once a kitten is born, there are learned behaviors that kittens pick up on from their mother’s reactions to all the stimuli inside of a home – food, other cats, dogs, humans, and everyday household activities.  Because personality and behavior significantly influence a cat’s quality of life and one’s relationship with one’s cat, when searching for a new kitten, you want to find out just how each breeder you inquire with makes the right choices to have the personality you want. 

Before Kittens Are Born

Breeders’ selection of breeding stock directly affects their future kittens’ personalities and behavior. To begin with, both the mother and the father establish the kittens’ emotional capacity, which is their ability to manage their reaction to new situations and even to the body language of other cats, dogs, and humans. While research has not yet determined whether or not cats have self-awareness of emotions, they have a spectrum of abilities to manage and understand the feelings of others, which has been directly connected to the parent’s ability. Breeders should be breeding adult cats who demonstrate emotional resilience – the ability to dissipate emotions (Cats.com Editorial Team). It is best to work with cats that observe without reacting and ultimately avoid danger or conflict. When the parents pass down emotional resilience, their kittens have the emotional capacity to become well-adjusted house cats. Kittens who do not inherit a large enough capacity for emotional resilience cannot learn to become good house cats. Dr. Sarah Heath compares a cat’s emotional capacity to a sink.  Sinks come in different sizes. The parents of each cat determine what size sink they are born with.  If their sink is too small, no amount of training can build a cat’s emotional resilience beyond what the sink can hold, which is why some feral cats are domesticable and others are not. They have different sink sizes and different capacities to build emotional resilience. 

The sire strongly influences his kittens’ personalities, demonstrating a vital genetic component. While a fellow breeder had told Jon about the male’s influence on behavior, we experienced it firsthand around 2014.  In 2013, we borrowed our friend’s stud – the one kept because he was too shy to go to a pet home.  We used this boy with a few of our girls while our two new studs matured. We found that the kittens took a lot of work to socialize because they lacked confidence.  The following breeding season, our new boys – BeauxMondes Home of the Brave and Vividcats Deuces Wild – were ready to breed.  When the two bred with the same females, the kittens were naturally confident and easy to socialize. Having this back-to-back experience of working with a male who ended up being a breeding cat because he was not considered friendly enough to be a pet cat, followed by breeding two males who were both confident and friendly, opened our eyes to just how much the sire affects the personality of the kittens. 

We have since learned that research backs up our experience.  Sires influence the boldness trait in kittens (Heath). Boldness is defined as “The genetic contribution to friendliness towards people in cats…; a general response to unfamiliar or novel objects irrespective of whether or not the objects are people” (McCune 109). Boldness determines not only a cat’s friendliness level but also a cat’s reactions to new experiences. In a study on friendliness in cats, “cats from the friendly father were quicker to approach, touch, explore and remain in close contact with the novel object than were cats from the unfriendly father” (McCune 109). We have seen this correlation in the males we have used over the years.  However, friendliness and reactivity are not necessarily connected.  For example, we have one male who predominantly produces very friendly kittens, but they are not comfortable in new environments. Quality breeding requires being aware of and documenting traits that are passed down so one does not inadvertently layer up on less desirable characteristics. If, for example, a sire creates kittens who are uncertain in new situations, it is not advisable to breed his daughter to another sire who produces kittens with a similar trait.   

Both parents determine emotional capacity – or size sink the kittens must work with.  The sire predominantly controls personality – where the kittens fall on the shy-to-bold spectrum. However, the mother cat has the most decisive influence on behavior. During pregnancy, the queen’s stress level affects the kittens’ hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which, in turn, affects the sensitivity of the kittens’ HPA axis and their ability to manage stress (Smith and Vale). This clarifies just how the female contributes to her kittens’ emotional resilience. If a mother cat feels safe, she will produce appeasing pheromones both in utero and after birth (Heath). Recalling Dr. Health’s analogy of the parents determining the size of each kitten’s sink of emotional resilience, the kitten will receive a smaller sink if the mother is stressed during pregnancy. In addition, if a fetus is exposed to a stressor after adrenocortical maturation occurs, “subsequent adrenocortical responses to stress might… increase” (Bain and Buffington). Therefore, the mother contributes to a kitten’s emotional health by affecting both the capacity for emotional resilience and the quality of the kitten’s HPA axis. 

 

After the Kittens Are Born

Once the kittens are born, the mother continues to affect their behaviors. From the queen, kittens learn essential aspects of behavior, such as food acceptance, toileting habits, and fear responses to other species – including people and dogs (“Kittens”). In feral situations, the kittens need a mother to demonstrate protective emotions to increase their chance of survival. Kittens need to learn to fear the unknown for their safety.  However, we want the exact opposite in domestic cats.  We do not want a mother to exhibit protective emotions when exposed to situations they will experience in a typical home, including the presence of humans, dogs, and everyday household noises. The kittens will mimic their mother’s behavior in new situations.  Ideally, breeders work with mothers who model good behavior and do not release stress pheromones. If a breeder works with a mother who will not exhibit desirable behavior, the mother should not be present when the kittens are introduced to new experiences. 

Trauma in early life can affect a cat’s emotional and physical health later in life. Unfortunately, the full effect of this trauma is not seen until cats are typically two years of age.    All experiences the kittens have in their breeders’ homes factor into the cat they will grow up to be. To begin with, it is essential that kittens live inside of a home so they are exposed to ordinary domestic experiences. We want the dishwasher, vacuum, TV, kid noise, the existence of dogs, and strangers coming in and out to be typical experiences for kittens before they join the home of their new family (Heath). 

Ideal kitten socialization is a lot of work.  Cats are not naturally social; they are obligatorily social (Heath).  If the cat is not in control, it does not feel safe; thus, it is the breeder’s job to slowly alter this instinct within the kittens. Kittens need to be touched all over, lifted frequently, and gently restrained, all of which are unnatural for a cat (Heath). Before the kittens are seven weeks of age, they must be handled by a minimum of five different people, not just their breeder (Heath). This presents a challenge as kittens do not typically receive a vaccine before eight weeks of age, so the breeder must be able to trust the cleanliness of those handling the kittens.  They should not be people who work with large populations of cats. Breeders should expose the kittens to new situations that allow them to grow their emotional resilience.  However, this must happen in ways that encourage the kitten to engage with the new stimuli instead of fleeing or fighting. For example, the kittens should meet new adult cats, dogs, people, etc., but they need to do this in a way that they learn to face new experiences, not flee from them. Establishing and maintaining a correct feline environment for kittens’ first 14 weeks does wonders for their emotional development, making the cats happier and healthier throughout their lives. 

 

What Does This All Mean?

When looking for a new kitten, select the breeder first, then the kitten.  People typically choose their pets based on appearance and availability without considering how the breeder’s choices affect the kitten’s ability to form a relationship. While appearance is important, personality and behavior affect a cat’s quality of life, particularly whether it is rehomed. One advantage of buying a pedigree pet is that it is bred for purpose.  What is a cat’s purpose? To be a lovable household companion. When rescuing a kitten, it is expected to accept the risks of not knowing the parents’ genetics or how the upbringing will impact behavior, but pedigree cats should not have the same risk.  

When interviewing breeders, ask how they prepare their kittens to be well-adjusted, happy pets.  Listen to their answer.  Does their answer explain:

  • How their choice of parents increases the kittens’ capacity for emotional resilience
  • How the sire increases the boldness factor
  • How the dam models positive reactions to stimuli
  • How the breeders raise kittens in a home (not a garage, shed, cattery, etc) so the kittens experience home life
  • How the breeder exposes the kittens to unnatural experiences that house cats must learn to enjoy: being touched, held, restrained

Even well-intentioned breeders can make mistakes that affect the entire lives of kittens when they do not understand how genetics and socialization shape the confidence and behaviors of cats. 

Works Cited 

Bain, Melissa, and Tony Buffington. “Stress and Feline Health – PMC.” National Library of Medicine, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 27 April 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8801065/. Accessed 27 December 2023.

Cats.com Editorial Team. “Do Cats Have Emotions?” Cats.com, Cats.com, 14 April 2023, https://cats.com/do-cats-have-emotions. Accessed 27 December 2023.

Heath, Sarah. Preparing Kittens for the Domestic Setting. Online Breeder Conference. Crazy Cat Vet, 16 December 2023.

“Kittens.” AAHA, American Animal Hospital Association, 2023, https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/life-stage-feline-2021/behavior-and-environmental-needs/kittens/. Accessed 27 December 2023.

McCune, Sandra. “The impact of paternity and early socialisation on the development of cats’ behaviour to people and novel objects.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, vol. Volume 45, no. Issues 1–2, 2000, pp. 109–124. Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/016815919500603P?via%3Dihub.

Powell, Lauren, et al. “Understanding feline feelings: An investigation of cat owners’ perceptions of problematic cat behaviors.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, vol. Volume 266, no. September, 2023. Science Direct, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159123001971. Accessed 27 Dec 2023.

Smith, Sean, and Wylie Vale. “The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in neuroendocrine responses to stress.” National Library of Medicine, Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8 Dec 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181830/. Accessed 27 December 2023.

 

Five-Year Health Guarantee from Quality Bengal Kittens

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Health, QBK Cattery News. No Comments on Five-Year Health Guarantee from Quality Bengal Kittens

We’ve Extended Our Health Guarantee to Five Years!

We invest so much into the health of our kittens. We have twenty years of heart testing behind our cats. We have tested more of our breeding cats to older ages than any other breeder. When your kitten has SolanaRanch or Wildernesswell parents, it often has two to three generations of heart-tested cats behind it. Many of these ancestors have been tested beyond the age of five, with several reaching the critical milestone of eight years.

In addition, we feed our cats, including our kittens, a raw diet. This approach ensures they receive bio-available nutrients directly from their food, without the need for synthetic additives often found in processed feeds.  When people adopt our retired, adult breeding cats, they are amazed at their health and energy level. We credit our cats’ long-term health to the all-natural diet.  

Additionally, we maintain a toxin-free environment in and around our home to protect our cats from potential carcinogens. We abstain from using pesticides and poisons, both indoors and outdoors. Living in a residential forested area, we are surrounded by more trees than cell towers, minimizing their exposure to harmful agents and promoting a healthier, cleaner lifestyle.

Understanding the importance of long-term health for your new family member, we have decided to increase our health guarantee from three years to five years. This enhanced guarantee reflects our confidence in our breeding program and our ongoing commitment to the health and happiness of our kittens.

Why the Extended Guarantee?

Peace of Mind: Enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your Bengal kitten is covered for a wide range of genetic health issues for up to five years.

Commitment to Quality: Our extended guarantee underscores our commitment to the highest breeding standards and health practices.

Support and Guidance: Gain ongoing support and guidance as you raise your Bengal kitten, knowing that we are here to help every step of the way.

Secure Your Future Kitten with Confidence
Choosing  Quality Bengal Kittens means more than just welcoming a new pet—it’s about adding a healthy, joyful companion to your family. With our extended five-year health guarantee, you can feel even more confident in choosing one of our kittens.

See Our Current Kittens At
Quality Bengal Kittens – Available Kittens
Facebook Page Photo Albums

Bringing a Bengal Kitten into a Home with Other Cats: What You Need to Know

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog, Bengal Cat Care, Enrichment. No Comments on Bringing a Bengal Kitten into a Home with Other Cats: What You Need to Know

Bringing home a new Bengal kitten is exciting. Careful preparation is essential for a smooth transition when you already have resident cats at home. Like other high-energy and intelligent cats, Bengals thrive when introduced with the right knowledge and approach.

Before Bringing A Kitten Home

Before deciding to bring a Bengal into your home, you must ensure your existing cats are healthy and active enough to interact positively with a high-energy companion like a Bengal. Bengals thrive on play and mental stimulation and generally do best with other cats that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Introducing a Bengal to a low-energy or senior cat may lead to frustration for the Bengal and discomfort for the more laid-back or senior cat. According to certified cat behaviorist, Pam Johnson-Bennett, it’s important to consider the energy levels of cats in a multi-cat household to avoid stress and potential conflicts. Cats with differing activity levels often struggle to harmonize because their play and social needs are incompatible. For Bengals, having a companion with a similar energy level helps meet their social and physical needs, preventing boredom.

Preparing Your Home for a Bengal Kitten

When preparing your home for a Bengal cat, space is key—not just physical space, but mental stimulation too. Bengals thrive in environments where they can explore, climb, and play. Ensure your home has vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves to allow them to exercise and satisfy their curiosity. Interactive toys and regular play sessions are essential for engaging their intelligent and active minds. Bengals love to climb, so creating height is just as important as floor space when preparing for their arrival. For further details on how to set up your home for a Bengal, please read “Do I have enough space for a Bengal cat?”.

Like any new cat introduction, setting up a safe room is key. This gives your Bengal kitten a dedicated space to adjust without feeling overwhelmed by the presence of resident cats. In this room, provide resources such as food, water, a litter box, scratching posts, and toys. Before your kitten comes home, you must create your Safe Room by following the guidelines in The Safe Room and the Integration of Your New Bengal Kitten.

Removing potential hazards such as toxic plants, exposed electrical cords, and heavily scented items is crucial when preparing your home for a Bengal cat. Many common household plants like lilies, philodendrons, and pothos are toxic to cats and should be kept out of reach or removed entirely. Being naturally curious, Bengals will likely chew on things they shouldn’t. Secure electrical cords with covers or hide them behind furniture to avoid accidents. Additionally, strongly scented items, such as air fresheners or cleaning products, should be avoided as cats have sensitive respiratory systems.  

Synthetic feline pheromones can greatly ease your Bengal’s transition into a new environment. These pheromones mimic the natural ones cats produce, helping them feel calm and confident during stressful situations. According to certified cat behaviorist Rachel Geller, synthetic pheromones can be particularly helpful in reducing stress and anxiety during the transition to a new home when cats are bound to feel insecure. 

Introducing Your New Bengal Kitten to Resident Cats

The introduction process should always start with scent, not sight. Begin by swapping bedding or soft toys between the new kitten and the resident cats, allowing them to become familiar with each other’s scents. As the “Step-by-Step Guide” explains, this gradual introduction reduces stress and builds familiarity. Before progressing to more direct interactions, ensure no signs of tension, like hissing or growling.

Visual access is an excellent next step. Use barriers like screens or baby gates to let the cats see each other without direct interaction. Positive reinforcement through treats and toys will help the cats associate each other’s presence with good experiences. Supervised playtime, where the Bengal and resident cats can engage separately but within sight of each other, helps diffuse tension. Final integration should involve short, supervised visits in a large room where the cats can interact freely. Play with them with a wand toy so they have something to focus their attention on other than each other. Monitor body language closely; any signs of aggression or fear should prompt you to slow the process down. 

When introducing two cats, it’s important to remember that vocalizations, such as hissing or growling, are normal and part of the process. These sounds are the cats’ way of communicating their feelings of uncertainty or establishing boundaries. While these vocalizations may seem concerning, they don’t necessarily indicate aggression and are often a natural part of cats getting to know each other. Do not intervene if the cats are vocalizing to one another. 

Maintaining Harmony in a Multicat Household

Contrary to the common belief that cats are solitary creatures, research has shown that many cats enjoy companionship and thrive in social environments. While cats may have a reputation for being independent, they are highly adaptable and can form strong bonds with other cats and humans. For instance, cats living in groups often engage in social behaviors such as grooming each other, playing together, and sharing spaces, which contribute to their overall well-being (“Are cats Solitary”). Cats do enjoy the company of other cats. 

However, maintaining harmony in a multi-cat household requires providing sufficient resources and managing play and interaction. One of the most common causes of tension between cats is competition for resources, such as litter boxes, food, water bowls, and hiding spots. Ensuring that there are enough resources for each cat—ideally one of each per cat, plus one extra—and spreading them out throughout the house helps prevent territorial disputes and stress.

Daily play sessions are another important tool for reducing tension. Playtime allows high-energy cats to release their energy healthily, preventing them from redirecting their frustration onto other cats in the household. Make sure to break up any staring contests by placing a barrier or using distractions such as toys. Staring often results in aggression; preventing conflicts before they start is best. If tension occurs, temporarily separating the cats with access to their own resources can help them calm down and reset​.

In conclusion, bringing a Bengal kitten into a home with other cats is most successful when there is preparation and a gradual introduction process. By using the proper introduction techniques, you can ensure a smooth transition for all your pets. With the right balance of patience, knowledge, and attention to each cat’s needs, you’ll create a peaceful and harmonious multi-cat household where your Bengal can thrive.

Works Cited

“Are Cats Solitary? Debunking Myths about Feline Social Behaviors.” Isaac Mewton, https://isaacmewton.net/feline-social-behavior/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.

Geller, Rachel. “Feline Pheromones: The Science Behind Them.” Fear Free Happy Homes, 2024, https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/pheromone-science/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.

Johnson-Bennett, Pam. “Introducing a New Cat or Kitten.” Cat Behavior Associates, https://catbehaviorassociates.com/introducing-a-new-cat-or-kitten. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.

“Step-by-Step Guide: How to Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats in Your Home.” American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2024, https://catvets.com/resource/2024-intercat-tension-guidelines/  Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.

Bengal Breeders: Know the Facts About How Mislabeling Affects Shelter Statistics

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog, Miscellaneous. No Comments on Bengal Breeders: Know the Facts About How Mislabeling Affects Shelter Statistics

Regarding Bengals, there’s a persistent and misguided belief circulating that Bengals frequently end up in shelters due to behavioral issues, making them poor pets. This assumption, however, is based on a series of misunderstandings. One of the most significant contributors to this misconception is the frequent misidentification of cats in shelters. As a result, statistics about purebred cats, including Bengals, are often wildly inaccurate, leading to the false perception that Bengals are commonly abandoned. Misidentification, along with flawed DNA testing, has distorted the reality of how many Bengals truly end up in shelters. This misconception needs to be addressed so Bengal breeders are armed with facts.

Misidentification of Pedigree Cats in Shelters

To address this misconception, it’s essential to first understand the actual proportion of cats purchased from breeders. In the United States, only 3% to 4% of cats are purchased from breeders, according to both the American Pet Products Association and the AVMA. Globally, this percentage is only slightly higher, hovering between 3% and 6% (“Pets by the Numbers”). Despite the small proportion of cats that are purebred, shelters often report a high percentage of “purebred” cats. So, how do these numbers make sense? The explanation lies in how shelters identify cats, where misidentification plays a considerable role.

One of the most significant issues is that 16% to 31% of cats in shelters are labeled as purebred (“Pets by the Numbers.”). This is an obvious discrepancy when compared to the small percentage of breeder-purchased cats. As Smithsonian Magazine points out and The Humane Society confirms, shelters frequently misidentify the breed of cats and dogs based on appearance alone, significantly overestimating how many purebred animals are in shelters (“Pets by the Numbers”). With Bengals being a popular breed known for their appearance, the chances of misidentification are even higher. From 1993 to 2021, Bengal cats were The International Cat Association’s most registered breed. This popularity increases the likelihood of a domestic shorthair with no pedigree cats in its genetics being mislabeled as a Bengal. 

The Bengal’s coat patterns play a significant role in why they are frequently misidentified. While Bengals are known for their coats, which can be spotted or marbled, these coat patterns aren’t exclusive to Bengals. Many domestic shorthairs or mixed-breed cats naturally develop spots. Shelters that rely on visual traits alone often categorize any cat with spots as a Bengal, even if they don’t have Bengal ancestry. This mislabeling is even more likely when it comes to the classic tabby gene, which is present in approximately 80% of mixed-breed cats (“Tabby Cat”). This gene, responsible for the circular pattern on many tabby cats, can resemble the marbled patterns of a Bengal, further complicating accurate identification. The assumption is that potential adopters are often attracted to specific breeds, especially purebreds, which are seen as more desirable. According to Fear Free Happy Homes, “shelters often attribute breed names to feline residents to make them more appealing,” resulting in a faster adoption (Bahner)​.

 

In addition, the Best Friends Animal Society indicates that adoption trends of younger adults favor pedigree pets ​(“2023 National Data Report”); therefore, cats labeled as pure breeds boost adoption rates due to the perceived value of purebred pets. This mislabeling practice can significantly improve a cat’s chances of finding a home, with many adopters mistakenly believing they are getting a specific breed when, in fact, the cat most likely has no pedigree cats in its lineage at all.  Unfortunately, cats with no known ties to being a Bengal other than a similar coat pattern are labeled as Bengals to get them a home faster. 

When a cat is inaccurately labeled as a Bengal, the initial misidentification can create a mismatch cycle between the cat and its adoptive family. Often, adopters take home a cat expecting breed-specific behaviors, only to be surprised when the cat’s temperament or needs differ from their expectations. For instance, a mislabeled Bengal might not display the high energy levels or playfulness that people associate with the breed. This disconnect can lead to frustration, and the cat is sometimes returned to the shelter. The problem is further compounded when the cat re-enters the system with the same inaccurate label, making the cycle more likely to repeat. Returned pets are already at a disadvantage, and the continued mislabeling can reduce their chances of finding a permanent home. Not only does mislabeling cause initial adoption issues, it can lead to repeated shelter stays, ultimately hindering the cat’s chances of finding a suitable and lasting home.

Furthermore, shelter cats may experience various forms of trauma, such as abandonment, neglect, or being shuffled between multiple homes. This trauma can manifest in behaviors like insecurity, anxiety, or even aggression. The adopter may become frustrated when the cat acts out. These behaviors, stemming from trauma, are then seen as “Bengal problems,” further cementing the misperception of the breed. When the cat is returned to the shelter, this can exacerbate the issue. Trauma-related behaviors are mistaken for breed traits on a mislabeled cat. If those mislabeled cats are repeatedly returned, it perpetuates the myth that Bengals are difficult or aggressive pets. This creates a compounding issue, where breed labels are incorrectly tied to trauma-induced behaviors, distorting the reputation of Bengals.

Breed Identification DNA Testing: A Flawed Tool

While DNA testing may seem like a good solution for accurately identifying a cat’s breed, it, too, comes with its own set of problems. DNA breed identification tests compare a cat’s DNA to a reference database of known breeds. However, these tests often produce inaccurate results because their accuracy depends on how comprehensive the reference database is. Smithsonian Magazine explains, “the reference database may not cover all the possible genetic lineages” (Solly). This means that DNA tests can indicate that a cat belongs to a particular breed even if it has no direct lineage to that breed. For instance, a moggies cat may share some genetic markers with a Bengal, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has Bengal ancestry. 

DNA tests were initially developed for use with pedigree animals, which have well-documented lineages. However, most cats worldwide are “moggies”—naturally occurring mixed-ancestry cats with no specific breeds in them. Unlike dogs, where mixed breeds sometimes have pedigree breeds in their background, most moggies don’t come from recognized breed lines. As Cats Protection explains, pedigree cats are rare, and most cats don’t belong to a lineage that would be recognized by breed registries (“Getting a Pedigree Cat”). DNA tests identify breed markers, but that does not mean that moggies have a cat with that breed in their ancestry. Many breeds of cats share similar genetic markers due to common ancestors or traits not exclusive to one breed. For example, coat colors or patterns, like tabby markings, are present in multiple breeds and moggies. 

Pedigree cats – all of which originated from moggies – share genetic markers with modern moggies due to common ancestry before the creation of pedigree cats.  Modern breeds have existed for less than 150 years (“Domestication of the Cat”).  Domesticated cats, in general, have less genetic variation compared to dogs. As a result, moggies may show genetic similarities to multiple breeds, even if they don’t have a direct lineage from those breeds. If a test finds that a moggie has markers resembling a certain breed, the DNA test will report a “match,” even if that breed is not part of the cat’s actual lineage. The test essentially finds similarities in the genetic code, which can happen by chance or due to distant genetic overlap. So, a DNA test might pick up a marker associated with a particular breed, but this does not guarantee that the cat has a purebred ancestor from that breed. For the millions of moggies, these DNA tests produce misleading results that imply a moggie is created from pedigree cats when it is not.  Pedigree cats were created from moggies, and the ancestry is so close that the DNA markers are shared.

While some Bengals do end up in shelters, they are not disproportionately represented compared to other breeds. The perception that Bengals are overrepresented in shelters due to behavioral issues is not grounded in accurate data. Mislabeling of mixed-breed cats as Bengals, along with flawed DNA breed testing, has inflated the number of supposed “Bengals” in shelters. Bengals are not inherently problematic pets—they, like all other high-energy cats, need a family that will engage with them to provide mental and physical stimulation. Bengal breeders must take the time to educate their buyers on the needs of a high-energy cat and ensure the buyer has the time and dedication to meet the cat’s needs before placing a Bengal in their home. As breed identification becomes more accurate and shelters move away from unreliable visual assessments, the myth surrounding Bengals in shelters can be dispelled.

Works Consulted

“2023 National Data Report.” Best Friends Animal Society, Best Friends Network, 2023, https://network.bestfriends.org/research-data/national-dataset. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“Adopter Handout: Breed Labeling.” HumanePro, Humane Society of the United States, 6 Oct. 2024, https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/adopter-handout-breed-labeling. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“The American Pet Products Association (APPA) Releases 2024 Dog and Cat Owner Insight Report.” American Pet Products Association, www.americanpetproducts.org. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Bahner, Sally. “Want a Pedigree Cat? Here’s What to Know.” Fear Free Happy Homes, Fear Free, www.fearfreehappyhomes.com. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“Cat Coat: Tabby and Genetics.” The Little Carnivore, 2024, www.thelittlecarnivore.com. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“Cat Genetics: A Progressive Look at Coat Colors & Patterns.” Liz’s Kitty Boot Camp, Tails & Tips, 2022, www.lizskittybootcamp.com. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“Decoding the Tabby Cat: Purebred or Mixed?” Cat Breeds List, 1 Feb. 2024, www.catbreedslist.com. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“Domestication of the Cat.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestication_of_the_cat. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“Getting a Pedigree Cat.” Cats Protection, www.cats.org.uk/advice/getting-a-cat/getting-a-pedigree-cat.

“Pets by the Numbers.” Humane Society of the United States, https://humanepro.org/pets-by-the-numbers.

“Pet Statistics.” American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Solly, Meilan. “Genetic Testing Shows Animal Shelters Often Misidentify Dogs’ Breeds.” Smithsonian Magazine, August 27, 2018, www.smithsonianmag.com.

“The State of U.S. Animal Sheltering, 2022.” Best Friends Network, Best Friends Animal Society, network.bestfriends.org/research-data/state-us-animal-sheltering-2022. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

“Tabby Cat.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabby_cat. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

 

 

Shared Responsibility: How Breeders and Owners Can Address Inappropriate Elimination to Counter False Claims

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog, Bengal Cat Care, Enrichment. No Comments on Shared Responsibility: How Breeders and Owners Can Address Inappropriate Elimination to Counter False Claims

Bengal cats are noted for their intelligence, energy, and appearance, all of which contribute to their popularity. However, like all cats, Bengals can develop behavioral issues, including urinating outside the litter box. Contrary to what some believe, multiple studies have confirmed that Bengals are no more prone to litter box avoidance than other breeds or moggies (naturally formed domestic cats with no purebred heritage). For instance, an extensive study of over 8,000 Finnish cats did not identify Bengals as more likely to exhibit inappropriate elimination (Ahola et al.). Similarly, the “Prevalence of 17 Feline Behavioral Problems in Japan” found that inappropriate urination occurs across various breeds, with no particular breed, including Bengals, being overrepresented (Yamamoto et al.).

Litter box avoidance occurs among all domestic cats, typically stemming from stress, poor litter box hygiene, or medical conditions. Environmental stressors, such as multi-cat households, can trigger this behavior in any cat, not just Bengals (Salonen et al.). Veterinary experts confirm that inappropriate elimination is one of the most frequent reasons for surrendering cats, including Bengals (Herron et al., Yamamoto et al.). While environmental stress is the number one cause of litter box avoidance, breeders should avoid placing all the blame on pet owners for not providing the correct environment, just as owners should not attribute the issue solely to the breed. A balanced understanding of how environment and genetics play a role is crucial. 

Breeders have the most power to improve the likelihood of inappropriate urination behavior by ensuring proper breeding practices, proactively educating pet owners, and offering ongoing support. With this behavior often cited as a reason Bengals make poor pets, Bengal breeders who want to protect their breed will take steps to mitigate inappropriate urination in Bengals. 

Environmental Causes of Inappropriate Urination

With environmental issues being the top cause of litter box avoidance, the owner of a cat urinating inappropriately needs to investigate extensively to pinpoint the cause. Owners should start by observing their cat’s behavior around the litter box. If the cat approaches the box but hesitates or quickly leaves without using it, it could indicate that the box is unclean, poorly placed, or not to the cat’s liking in size or litter type. 

Additionally, owners should assess whether there have been recent changes in the household, such as new furniture, pets, or people, as these can create stress and lead to avoidance. With their high sensitivity and intelligence, Bengals are particularly susceptible to stress caused by environmental changes. Minor alterations, like furniture layout changes or daily routine adjustments, can trigger stress-related behaviors, including litter box avoidance (Harvey et al.). Like all cats, Bengals thrive on consistency, and disruptions to their environment—such as changes in their owner’s schedule or the introduction of new people—can lead to anxiety-driven urination. Maintaining stable routines, providing gradual introductions to changes, and offering ample enrichment can help mitigate the impact of stress on Bengals. 

It’s also important to watch for signs of territorial behavior, especially in multi-cat households, where one cat might be preventing another from accessing any cat resources (food, water, litter box, sleeping spaces, etc). Cats may mark their territory through urination when they feel their space is threatened or perceive another cat as an intruder. Monitoring feeding schedules and interactions with family members can also provide clues, as disruptions in routine can trigger anxiety-driven behaviors.  Stress from territorial disputes, such as blocking other cats from accessing resources like food or litter boxes, can lead to anxiety-related marking (Herron et al., “Are Bengal Cats Territorial?”). Addressing these issues through proper management of space and understanding a Bengal’s territorial instincts can reduce the occurrence of stress-induced urination.

If an owner, with the guidance of their breeder, cannot identify the cause of the issue, consulting a behaviorist is essential to determining the root of the problem and developing a targeted solution.

The Breeder’s Role in Preventing Environmental Issues

Breeders play a crucial role in ensuring that Bengal cats are placed in homes capable of meeting the needs of a high-energy, intelligent cat. Thoroughly screening potential buyers is essential to this process. Breeders should ask specific questions about the buyer’s readiness to provide adequate litter boxes, engage with the cat regularly, maintain consistent routines, and understand a Bengal’s territorial instincts. Additionally, the breeder must confirm that the buyer possesses the knowledge and skills to care for a high-energy, intelligent breed. It would behoove breeders to equip the buyer with a reliable resource, such as a book on caring for active and highly intelligent cats, to ensure the new owner is well-prepared and to reference when offering guidance down the road. Breeders who place Bengals in homes that are ill-equipped for intelligent, high-energy cats increase the likelihood of them being surrendered, which is a blemish on the breed. Critics of the breed often attribute the consequences of irresponsible breeding to the breed itself, using these mistakes as leverage in their efforts to call for the breed’s elimination. Breeders must prioritize the well-being of the breed over personal profit by conducting a thorough screening process for potential buyers. Selling kittens without properly vetting the clients puts the breed at risk. By screening applicants carefully, breeders can ensure their cats are matched with responsible owners, thus safeguarding the breed’s future.

To assess how well a potential buyer understands the importance of engagement, breeders can ask about their plans for physical and mental stimulation for their Bengal. Bengals are intelligent and active cats, and buyers should demonstrate knowledge of enrichment tools like climbing structures, interactive toys, and daily play sessions. Inadequate engagement often leads to stress-related behaviors, including inappropriate urination. Research shows that bored cats, particularly high-energy breeds like Bengals, are more prone to behavioral issues when not appropriately stimulated (“Enrichment and Mental Stimulation in Cats”). Breeders should stress the need for regular interactive playtime, the use of puzzle feeders, and environmental enrichment to satisfy a Bengal’s high activity level. When Bengals feel mentally and physically fulfilled, they are less likely to develop stress-related litter box problems (Turner and Bateson).

Breeders must ask potential buyers about the structure of their daily routines, especially regarding feeding and playtime, to assess if they can provide the consistency Bengals need. Buyers who lead unpredictable lives may not be ideal candidates, as lacking routine can cause stress in Bengals. Research suggests that cats thrive on predictability, and deviations from a stable environment can lead to behavioral issues, including inappropriate urination (“Feline Medicine and Surgery”). Breeders should explain to buyers that Bengals benefit from set meal times, consistent play, and regular sleep schedules. By keeping routines predictable, buyers can create a sense of security for their Bengals, reducing the likelihood of territorial marking or other stress-related litter box issues (“Stress and Cats”).

In addition, breeders should inquire about how the buyer plans to set up their home to give their Bengal expanded territory, especially the use of vertical space.  Bengals stem from a cat who lives in trees, so many of them are genetically wired to enjoy being up high. Buyers must be prepared to meet this need.  Research shows that Bengal cats, like other territorial breeds, can become anxious if their space feels threatened, leading to behaviors such as marking (“Territorial Behavior of Domestic Cats”). Providing Bengals with high perches and ample territory to explore can help satisfy their territorial needs and prevent inappropriate urination caused by stress or competition (“ISFM Guide”).

Medical Causes of Inappropriate Urination

Medical issues are a common cause of inappropriate urination. However, it is not unusual for a cat to be tested for urinary issues, only for the results to return as normal. At this point, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) must be considered if a cat exhibits inappropriate urination and no other cause is found. FLUTD can be a baffling condition, often driven by stress and anxiety, especially in Bengals. Affected cats may associate the litter box with pain, leading them to avoid it in search of relief elsewhere. Bengal Rescue stresses that FLUTD is curable with veterinary care, particularly with the use of Amitriptyline Transdermal, a medication that reduces bladder discomfort and tones down the anxiety that fuels FLUTD in Bengals (“Litter Box Issues”). Bengal Rescue has saved hundreds of cats using Amitriptyline, turning around even extreme cases with this affordable treatment. They have found it to be more effective than alternatives like Prozac or Gabapentin. In all of the cats Bengal Rescue has worked with over many years, they never had a urination problem that was not resolved, and for many of them, the solution was often Amitriptyline (“Litter Box Issues”). These resolutions are not temporary; their longest-lasting case has remained resolved for eight years.

Temperament as a Cause of Inappropriate Urination

Temperament plays a critical role in a cat’s likelihood of urinating outside the litter box, as this trait impacts the animal’s ability to manage stress and environmental changes. 

Breeders are crucial in reducing these behaviors by selecting cats with stable temperaments. Research shows that the sire significantly influences kittens’ boldness, sociability, and overall temperament (Salonen et al.). The sire’s temperament impacts how kittens respond to stressful situations, such as new people, other animals, or routine disruptions, all of which can trigger anxiety-driven behaviors like inappropriate urination. Resilient cats handle these changes better, reducing the likelihood of stress-related issues. A confident and social sire interacting positively with humans and other animals is more likely to produce less fearful and more adaptable kittens (McCune). Confident and resilient sires pass on traits that help their offspring cope better with stress, reducing anxiety-driven behaviors such as inappropriate urination. This makes it essential for breeders to choose sires with non-reactive, confident personalities to help produce kittens that are better equipped to handle stress and exhibit fewer behavioral problems (McCune). Ultimately, breeders should not be flexible when choosing their sires. They must prioritize friendly, curious, confident sires to produce better-equipped kittens to handle stress and environmental changes.

The dam’s temperament is equally important – both genetically and through early socialization. A calm and nurturing mother provides emotional security to her kittens, modeling positive stress management behaviors (Yamamoto et al.). Kittens are highly sensitive to their mother’s emotional cues, and a calm, resilient mother can model positive stress management behaviors. Research shows that kittens exposed to a low-stress environment during early development are more likely to develop well-balanced, confident temperaments (McCune). Additionally, a calm mother is more likely to provide consistent care, ensuring the kittens receive adequate nutrition and emotional security during their crucial early weeks (Ahola et al.). Therefore, breeders should prioritize selecting calm, non-reactive female cats and avoid breeding anxious or overly territorial females.

Inappropriate urination in Bengal cats is a complex issue influenced by environmental, medical, and temperamental factors, but it is not an inherent trait of the breed. Bengals require dedicated owners who understand their high intelligence, energy, and sensitivity. Owning a Bengal means more than admiring its appearance; it requires a commitment to providing consistent mental and physical stimulation, a stable environment, and proper care. Breeders play a crucial role in shaping these animals’ well-being by selecting sires and dams with stable temperaments and educating buyers on how to meet a Bengal’s needs. By doing so, they can reduce the risk of stress-related behaviors like inappropriate urination. 

Ultimately, both breeders and owners share the responsibility of ensuring Bengals thrive as well-adjusted pets. That starts with addressing the underlying factors contributing to behavioral issues and maintaining a high standard of care throughout the cat’s life.

Works Cited

Ahola, M. K., et al. “Health and Behavioral Survey of over 8000 Finnish Cats.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, vol. 16, 2016, pp. 26-34. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27622188/.

“Are Bengal Cats Territorial? Exploring Their Marking Behavior and Territory Protection.” ThePetFAQ, 26 Sept. 2023, https://thepetfaq.com/are-bengal-cats-territorial-exploring-their-marking-behavior-and-territory-protection/.
 

“Enrichment and Mental Stimulation in Cats.” Pet Behavior Science, petbehaviorscience.org.
 

“Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines.” American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), 2013.
 

“Feline Medicine and Surgery.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2020.
 

Harvey, N. D., et al. “Companion Cats: Behavioral and Welfare Considerations in the Multi-Cat Household.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, vol. 29, 2019, pp. 47-56.
 

Herron, M. E., et al. “Feline Behavior Problems: Inappropriate Elimination.” Today’s Veterinary Practice, 2020, https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/feline-inappropriate-urination/.

“ISFM Guide to Multi-Cat Households.” International Society of Feline Medicine, 2019.

“Litter Box Issues in Bengals.” Bengal Rescue, https://bengalrescue.org/resources/litter-box-issues/.

McCune, Sandra. “The Influence of Maternal Behavior on Kitten Development.” Animal Behaviour Journal, 1995.
 

Salonen, M., et al. “Breed Differences in Behaviour of Cats: A Study of the Finnish Domestic Cat Population.” Scientific Reports, vol. 9, no. 1, 2019, doi:10.1038/s41598-019-52277-z.
 

“Stress and Cats: Behavioral Reactions to Environmental Changes.” Journal of Feline Behavior, 2020.
 

“Territorial Behavior of Domestic Cats.” Animal Behavior Journal, 2018.
 

Turner, Dennis, and Patrick Bateson. The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour. Cambridge University Press, 2014.
 

“Welfare Implications of Feline Inappropriate Elimination.” International Cat Care, 2016.
 

Yamamoto, M., et al. “Prevalence of 17 Feline Behavioral Problems and Relevant Factors of Each Behavior in Japan.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, vol. 22, no. 5, 2020, pp. 411-417. PubMed, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7118490/.

Indoor Bengals Make Happier Cats: How Breeders Can Lead Change

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog, Bengal Cat Care, Enrichment. No Comments on Indoor Bengals Make Happier Cats: How Breeders Can Lead Change

Concerns about Bengal cats’ predatory instincts and their impact on wildlife, notably birds, raise questions about their suitability as pets. While it is true that outdoor cats impact wildlife, particularly birds and small mammals, this truth is not exclusive to Bengals. The real problem all cat owners face is that studies estimate that domestic cats kill billions of animals annually, contributing to population declines in species already vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change (Carrington). Birds are particularly at risk.

Several countries have implemented laws restricting outdoor cat roaming in response to these concerns. In Australia, some regions have enacted curfews requiring cats to stay indoors at night. Similarly, the EU and UK have introduced legislative efforts to minimize cats’ environmental impact. These measures include requiring bells or other warning devices for cats, mandating cat-proof fencing in new housing developments, and restricting outdoor access in ecologically sensitive areas (Stephens). These actions reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance pet ownership with environmental stewardship.

Despite this broad issue, some legislators have unfairly targeted Bengals and other hybrid breeds, claiming their hunting skills are more advanced than those of other domestic cats. This perception lacks evidence and stems from biases that place undue blame on Bengals. Hawaii’s ban on Bengals exemplifies this misplaced fear rooted in past ecological missteps. The mongoose was introduced to Hawaii in the 1800s as a biological control method to curb the population of rats in sugarcane fields. However, the introduction turned disastrous. The mongoose, a diurnal animal – active during the day – had zero impact on the nocturnal rat population. Instead, the mongoose began preying on native species, particularly ground-nesting birds – who have no natural defenses against this new predator. This led to a significant decline in native bird populations, many of which were already vulnerable or endangered due to predation by rats and through habitat loss. While Hawaii still battles the problems caused by the mongoose, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture has banned Bengal cats due to potential threats to the state’s unique ecosystems.  In essence, the Bengal is being punished for the past mistakes of humans who introduced a daytime predator to eradicate a nighttime pest, which was an epic failure. 

The Truth about the Bengal’s Hunting Skills

Hunting behaviors are common to all felines, and studies on domestic cats do not single out Bengals as having an unusually high predatory impact. Research from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute underscores that domestic cats, regardless of breed, tend to stay close to their home base, impacting local wildlife populations similarly. This is precisely why humans domesticated cats in the first place. On average, each outdoor cat is responsible for the deaths of about 130 animals per year, including birds and small mammals (Loss et al.). Furthermore, other studies confirm that breed does not notably influence hunting habits in cats. Domestic cats generally have a strong predatory instinct, which manifests in similar patterns across breeds, as shown in multiple studies examining hunting behavior and the environmental impact of all cats (Cecchetti et al.; Loss et al.). 

How can Bengal Breeders help with this problem?

Even though Bengals are no more a threat to wildlife than other breeds, Bengal breeders still need to be aware that this claim will be made against our breed. By educating buyers about responsible pet ownership, Bengal breeders play a crucial role in addressing the issue of outdoor cats contributing to bird population declines. By equipping owners with the knowledge and tools to meet a Bengal’s physical and mental needs indoors, breeders can help minimize the environmental impact of Bengals and ensure a harmonious relationship between these energetic cats and their ecosystems.

Breeders should proactively inform potential Bengal owners about

  • The ecological impact of allowing any cat to roam outdoors
  • The benefits of keeping Bengals indoors

    • Increased lifespan
    • Reduced risk of injury
    • Decreased predation on wildlife 
  • Techniques to create an enriching indoor environment

    • Climbing structures
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Interactive play sessions 
    • Clicker training
    • Appropriately sized cat wheel
  • alternatives to unsupervised outdoor access

    • Leash training
    • Catios
    • Cat fencing 

 

Breeders Can Evoke a Shift in Cultural Norms

Attitudes toward keeping cats indoors vary globally. Around 70% of cat owners in the United States keep their pets indoors (Carrington). In contrast, only about 30% of cat owners in the UK keep their cats indoors, as outdoor roaming is a traditional practice, and the EU is likely to align with the UK (Stephens). Australia has begun shifting toward indoor-only cat ownership, particularly in urban areas, due to the devastating impact of cats on native wildlife (Carrington). 

Cat owners let their cats roam freely outside because they feel they cannot be truly happy unless they get to roam outside. However, this is not actually true. A study by the University of Lincoln found that indoor cats with access to controlled outdoor environments, such as enclosed gardens or “catios,” exhibited improved welfare indicators, including reduced fearfulness and health issues, compared to those with unrestricted outdoor access (“Indoors, Outdoors, and the Lifestyle of Pet Cats”). Thus, cats with access to a limited outdoor space are ultimately the most satisfied. 

Screening Buyers: A Crucial Step for Bengal Breeders

Bengal breeders are responsible for ensuring their kittens are placed in homes fully prepared for owning an intelligent, high-energy cat. Screening potential buyers is essential, not only for the welfare of the cats but also for preventing behaviors that could lead to rehoming or outdoor living—both of which contribute to the broader problem of cats impacting wildlife.

Breeders should ask detailed questions to gauge a buyer’s knowledge, preparedness, and long-term commitment. Examples of critical screening questions include:

  • Living Arrangements: “Do you plan to keep your Bengal indoors, and how will you manage their energy levels?” Buyers must understand that Bengals thrive in enriched indoor environments, and outdoor living poses significant risks to both the cat and local wildlife.
  • Lifestyle: “How much time can you dedicate daily to interactive play and enrichment?” Bengals require significant mental and physical engagement, and a buyer who cannot commit to this may not be the right fit.
  • Problem Solving: “How would you address unwanted behaviors such as scratching, excessive vocalizing, or litter box issues?” This will indicate any proactive steps pet owners will make and the effort they will put into problem-solving. 

Placing a Bengal in a home unprepared for the breed’s needs can lead to unwanted outcomes, including behavioral issues, rehoming, or outdoor access that threatens the Bengal’s safety and that of local wildlife. These questions help assess whether the buyer is willing to address challenges proactively instead of letting their Bengal roam outside freely as an easy way to meet the Bengal’s needs. Breeders must recognize that improper placements not only affect the individual cat’s well-being but also contribute to the misconception that Bengals are unsuitable pets. Every Bengal placed in an ill-prepared home risks reinforcing stereotypes about the breed’s behavior and impact. By carefully screening buyers and educating them about the responsibilities of Bengal ownership, breeders can ensure their cats are placed in loving, capable homes. This proactive approach not only enhances the cats’ quality of life but also reduces the likelihood of problems contributing to broader issues, such as the impact of outdoor cats on wildlife. Through responsible placement, breeders can help protect both the reputation of the Bengal breed and the natural environment.

Conclusion

Domestic cats undeniably impact wildlife populations, but the narrative unfairly targeting Bengals as particularly harmful is both misplaced and unsupported by research. Studies show that the hunting behavior of Bengals is no different from that of other domestic cats. However, the responsibility for mitigating this impact falls squarely on human shoulders. By embracing indoor enrichment, catios, leash training, and responsible ownership practices, Bengal owners can ensure their cats live fulfilling lives while safeguarding local ecosystems.

Bengal breeders have a unique role in this process, as they are responsible for educating buyers on how to meet the breed’s needs within an enriched indoor environment. Through careful buyer screening, education, and support, breeders can evoke a shift in cultural norms, encouraging indoor lifestyles for cats that protect both the pets and the environment. With commitment and care, Bengals can thrive as indoor pets, debunking the myth that they are unsuitable companions due to their hunting instincts. Ultimately, responsible ownership and proactive measures ensure that Bengals—and all domestic cats—can coexist harmoniously with wildlife.

Works Consulted

American Veterinary Medical Association. “Household Cat Lifespan and Risks of Outdoor Access.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2021.

Carrington, Damian. “Cats Kill Billions of Animals Each Year so Should They Be Kept Indoors?” The Guardian, 14 Aug. 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/14/cats-kill-birds-wildlife-keep-indoors. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Cecchetti, M., et al. “Provision of High Meat Content Food and Object Play Reduce Predation of Wild Animals by Domestic Cats.” Current Biology, 2020.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture. “Administrative Rules.” Hawaii Department of Agriculture, https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/admin-rules/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

“Indoors, Outdoors, and the Lifestyle of Pet Cats.” International Cat Care, https://icatcare.org/indoors-outdoors-and-the-lifestyle-of-pet-cats/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

“The Indoor Pet Initiative: Enriching Indoor Environments for Cats.” Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 2020, www.indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/basic-indoor-needs. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

“The Indoor Pet Initiative: Understanding Your Cat’s Needs.” Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/understanding-cats. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Loss, S. R., et al. “The Impact of Free-Ranging Domestic Cats on Wildlife of the United States.” Nature Communications, 2013.

Rosenberg, K. V., et al. “Decline of the North American Avifauna.” Science, vol. 366, no. 6461, 2019, pp. 120–124.

Stephens, Thomas. “Feline Felons: What to Do with Switzerland’s Killer Cats?” SWI swissinfo.ch, 7 Sept. 2024, https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-abroad/feline-felons-how-to-fix-switzerlands-killer-cats/87475848. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

The Color That Captures Our Hearts: Why We Love Brown Bengals with White Bellies

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Miscellaneous. No Comments on The Color That Captures Our Hearts: Why We Love Brown Bengals with White Bellies

The Vision That Drew Us In

The goal of the Bengal breed has always been clear: to create a wild-looking cat with a domestic temperament. That vision resonated with both of us from the very beginning – not just because of how breathtaking these cats can be, but because it felt like a preservationist goal. Wildcats are beautiful, but they aren’t meant to live in homes. They need expansive territory and near-constant stimulation to thrive. By contrast, the Bengal gives people the beauty and awe of a wild animal in a companion that truly belongs in a home. That balance – the reverence for nature without compromising a cat’s quality of life – is something we deeply respect.

Both of us were independently drawn to brown Bengals with white bellies long before we met. There’s something about that look – warm golden tones, dramatic contrast, and the unmistakable softness of countershading – that felt like the closest thing to the cats we admired in the wild. For me, it was Rosettea’s breeding program that first brought this vision into sharp focus. Rosettea was producing white-bellied Bengals better than anyone else, and I knew I had found what I was looking for. I’ll never forget picking Rosettea Lothar – my first true countershaded Bengal – up from the airport. Seeing a true, as Lisa would say, “blue white” bellied Bengal in person was a heart-stopping moment. You don’t just see it; you feel it.  Lothar didn’t just meet my expectations; he redefined them.

To this day, producing a beautiful brown Bengal with countershading makes us feel like we’re doing what the breed was meant to do—bringing the wild beauty of the forest into people’s homes, without taking a wild animal out of it.

The Aesthetic Ideal (And the Challenge Behind It)

What Bengal breeders refer to as a white belly is actually part of a scientific concept known as countershading. This ancient camouflage pattern, dating back to some of the earliest known land vertebrates, and possibly predating those, is most commonly found in animals that are viewed from below, such as dolphins, sharks, squirrels, monkeys, and, of course, wildcats that spend their lives in trees, forests, or jungles.

Countershading is more than a cosmetic detail. It is one of the defining features of the tree-dwelling wildcats our breed was created to emulate. From clouded leopards to margays to the leopard cat, this gradient from brown and black to bright white underparts helps these wild cats blend seamlessly with their environment. On a Bengal, it brings the pattern to life in a way no solid-colored belly can. It’s not just color – it’s evolution, art, and instinct all in one.

The combination of rich, warm brown, crisp black pattern, and a true white belly is incredibly difficult to achieve. The pigments fight each other. If you push for warmth in the brown base coat, you risk losing the black outlines to chocolate or charcoal tones. If you stabilize the black and white, you often sacrifice the golden warmth of the background, leaving you with grayish or sandy tones. Achieving all three – golden brown, true black, and clean white – is like chasing a unicorn.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a jaguar at the zoo or the striking coat of an ocelot under sunlight. The intensity of their colors was breathtaking – bold, wild, and unapologetically vivid. That level of pigment saturation and contrast has always stayed with me. It’s something we want to bring into the homes of our kitten families. We aren’t there yet – but every brown Bengal we breed with that wild level of contrast and countershading brings us one step closer.

These colors are undeniably more wild-looking. Why? Because they mimic the palette and structure of actual wildcats. No other combination of colors and pattern placement reflects nature with the same accuracy. A Bengal with a rich brown coat, bold black markings, and a white belly doesn’t look like a pet pretending to be wild. It looks like a wild animal that somehow belongs in your living room.

Why It Matters to the Breed

Jean Mill, the founder of the Bengal breed, had a vision that went beyond beauty. She wanted to create a cat so stunning that it would make people think twice before wearing real fur. Her dream was that people who shared their lives with a cat that looked like a leopard or ocelot might stop to consider the consequences of fur fashion. She believed that beauty could inspire compassion.

When we breed brown Bengals with white bellies, it feels like we are honoring her legacy. This look – the one that takes your breath away and makes your guests pause – isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about connection: to nature, to purpose, and to a more ethical way of living with animals.

The Breeder’s Dilemma (And Why We Still Strive for It)

It’s important to say that color alone doesn’t guide our program. A cat must be healthy, well-tempered, structurally sound, and emotionally resilient. Sometimes, we move forward with cats who have less white than a parent but who represent important advances in other areas – bone structure, temperament, or type. Sometimes we hold onto a kitten because the white is everything we’ve been working toward, even if other traits aren’t as refined. Breeding is always a balance.

But make no mistake – the white belly still pulls at our hearts. It reminds us what we’re aiming for. When we see it in a young kitten, we pause. We ask if this might be the one that brings us closer to that elusive, complete picture: the cat that looks like it stepped out of the rainforest, but sleeps curled on your lap.

 Why Browns with White Bellies Will Always Be Our Favorite

There are many beautiful Bengals in all colors, but silvers, snows, charcoals, and other novel variations don’t reflect the palette of the leopard cat. They may catch the eye, but they don’t capture the heart in the same way. Brown Bengals with white bellies are different. They feel true. Familiar. Ancestral.

With so many other cat breeds already offering every color under the sun, Bengals don’t need to mirror the full domestic color palette. What makes this breed special is its preservation of the wild – the way it holds onto the essence of the leopard cat while living comfortably in our homes. 

For us, this isn’t about novelty – it’s about legacy. Brown with countershading is the look that first pulled us in, the look that still stops us in our tracks, and the look that keeps us grounded in what the Bengal breed was always meant to be. This color combination doesn’t just look wild – it is wild, in the most beautiful, thoughtful, and intentional way.

More About Us
We are dedicated Bengal breeders who focus on preserving the breed’s original purpose: to bring the beauty of the wild into our homes – ethically, responsibly, and with heart. Our program centers on producing brown Bengals with white countershading, honoring the leopard cat lineage while prioritizing health, structure, and temperament.

Want to dive deeper into what makes the white belly so special?
Read our blog post on the science and beauty of countershading in Bengals.

Bengal Cat Behavior – How Does It Compare to Other Cats Based on Research Surveys?

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog. No Comments on Bengal Cat Behavior – How Does It Compare to Other Cats Based on Research Surveys?

by Robyn Paterson

“Are Bengal cats aggressive?” is one of the most common search phrases placed into Google about Bengal cats. Plug it in, and you will read stories. But stories are just that, stories. A handful of anecdotes should not result in a conclusion regarding the Bengal breed. In 2020 the Journal of Veterinary Behavior published a study that asked Bengal cat owners to share what behaviors they see in their cats.

According to the Journal of Veterinary Behavior’s study, the most common behaviors exhibited in Bengal were

  • Climbing 89.5%
  • Vocalizing 88.7%
  • Playing with water 79.7%
  • Hunting 78.9%

However, these behaviors were not considered to be problematic by their owners. Most of the owners who participated in the study had researched the Bengal breed before getting a Bengal and knew what to expect from a highly active cat. 

In the Journal of Veterinary Behavior’s study, the most frequent behaviors often classified as problematic by the owners were

  • Destructive behaviors 33.2%
  • Pica 16.4%
  • Aggression toward animals 16%
  • Inappropriate elimination 13.3%

How does this measure up to the average cat? Also in 2020, The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science published a similar study that examined the problematic behaviors of all types of cats, not just Bengals. Most of the cats in this study were considered mixed breed cats. This is what that study revealed in categories comparative to the top problematic behaviors in Bengals:

  • Inappropriate scratching (destructive behavior) 40.7%
  • Pica 30.2% 
  • Chasing or jumping on small animals (Aggression – ?) 49.9%
  • Inappropriate elimination  19%

The study conducted on all cats did not have a category labeled aggression towards other animals, so I used “chasing or jumping on small animals” as the comparative category. These two categories may not be a fair comparison. The two categories of aggression in The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science’s study on all cats were aggression towards family 27% and aggression towards unfamiliar people 24.7%. Both of those numbers are higher than the aggression towards animals 16% in Bengals. Furthermore, according to the study on Bengal cats, “Aggression toward people was only described in cats from F1 to F4, but the percentage was low” (Martinez-Caja).

Across the board, the incidence of behaviors considered problematic is higher in the average cat than in the Bengal breed. 

Why might this be? Behavior is known to have both genetic and environmental factors. Cats coming from unknown origins have an unknown genetic and environmental history. The genes that make a cat more likely to survive a feral lifestyle may be counterproductive to creating the desired behaviors of pet cats. In regards to the Bengal, some have “debated if the selection for morphological traits brings with it behavioral traits” (“Owner’s Opinion”). The comparative evidence from the two studies suggests that breeder selection reduces problematic behavioral traits better than natural selection. 

While breeder selection benefits cat behavior, a breeder’s responsibility does not stop there. The environment they create for their kittens affects behavior as well. Raising a kitten in a secure and comfortable environment results in more confident, less anxious adult cats. This security involves when kittens wean, how long they are raised around their Mom and other supportive adult cats, how much play they engage in while growing up, and how they are introduced to everyday household activities. Please read our article on why a kitten should stay with its breeder for 12-14 weeks to understand this further. 

When buying a purebred cat of any breed, the cat should come with a known genetic history and an upbringing in a safe, comfortable environment. Both of these have a direct effect on behavior. Unfortunately, behavior problems do not tend to surface until a cat is over a year old, so one must be careful. Not every breeder puts equal effort into ensuring their Bengal kittens’ behavior is better than average, so buyers must determine how each individual breeder addresses the genetic and environmental factors that affect behavior before buying a Bengal.  
 

Works Cited

Martinez-Caja, AnaMartos, et al. “Behavior and Health Issues in Bengal Cats as Perceived by Their Owners: A
Descriptive Study.” Science Direct, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2021, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787820301428?via%3Dihub.

“Owner’s Opinion of Bengal Cat Behavior – Good, Bad or ?” TICA Science Newsletter Vol.15: March 2022, TICA, Mar. 2022, https://tica.org/resources/our-newsroom/science-newsletter.

Yamada, Ryoko, et al. “Prevalence of 17 Feline Behavioral Problems and Relevant Factors of Each Behavior in Japan.” National Center for Biotechnology Information Search Database, The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 23 Jan. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7118490/.

Why We Recommend Viva Raw along with NuVet for Bengal Cat Food

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Food/Nutrition. No Comments on Why We Recommend Viva Raw along with NuVet for Bengal Cat Food

by Robyn Paterson

In the summer of 2022, Viva Raw opened up a warehouse in the west, cementing our decision to recommend Viva Raw to our clients seeking convenience. We had previously admired Viva Raw’s product from afar, but with its headquarters in North Carolina, it was unrealistic to recommend it due to shipping. Making raw food by following a balanced recipe or buying locally, as we do for the bulk of our food, is cheaper. However, the convenience of buying food that comes directly to your doorstep is a priority for many with busy lives. For those wanting the convenience of raw food that comes to their doorstep, we switched our recommendation from Darwin’s to Viva Raw because of the variety of proteins they consistently offer, their chunked food selection, and their high-quality, limited ingredients. 

 

Why Raw? 

To summarize, raw feeding is best for cats because “cats are strict, obligate carnivores with characteristic dentition and a short digestive tract. They rely on animal tissue for nutrients and require a high protein diet and a dietary source of taurine” (Craig). We have discussed how this affects the Bengal in our article “What is the best cat food to feed a Bengal?” 

Why A Variety of Proteins are Important 

Consider how a cat would eat in the wild. When the opportunity to catch a meal presents itself, the cat takes it. Cats do not limit themselves by hunting only mice, only birds, only lizards. They will catch what they can. Therefore, cats are biologically created for protein diversity. Diversity in protein sources allows the cat to get a variety of nutrients. Different proteins offer different nutrients.  When you offer the cat protein variety, it gets a better balance of nutrients over a week’s feeding. If you only provide one protein, it will always be high in some nutrients and low in others.  

In addition, cats who are fed a single protein over long periods can develop an allergy to that protein. When studying cats who developed food allergies later in life, it was discovered that “Before the onset of clinical signs, the animals have been fed the offending food components for at least two years” (Verlinden et al.). This has become quite common with chicken because it is the most commonly fed protein. It is important to offer a variety of proteins to reduce the likelihood of food allergies. Viva Raw consistently offers turkey, chicken, beef, duck, and rabbit. In the time we have been purchasing from them, they have never claimed to be out of stock of any protein source, so they have proven reliable. We purchase the Variety pack and encourage others to do so to reduce the risk of creating a food allergy and offer various nutrients.  

In addition to its consistent selection of proteins, Viva Raw has offered novelty proteins when they are available. For example, in the fall, they offered venison and elk. Their seasonal offering of additional proteins allows a pet owner to increase the protein selection even more. 

Why We Recommend Viva Raw Pure (even though it is labeled incomplete) 

While Viva Raw offers a complete diet for cats, we also recommend that you buy their Chunked Pure Recipe even though it is not considered complete for two reasons. The diet is not certifiably complete because Viva Raw cannot control the variety of proteins you feed your cat, and it is not entirely clear how many nutrients are lost in the freezing and thawing process. 

Viva Raw’s Pure recipe is balanced at an ideal ratio for most cats: 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% secreting organ. All recipes include liver; the beef includes liver and kidney; the rabbit includes liver, kidney, and lung. Hearts are in all recipes. All poultry recipes include hearts and gizzards; hearts and gizzards are appropriately considered muscle meat, not organs. The variety of all the recipes in combination provides a good balance. Viva Raw cannot control what recipes individuals feed. In addition, some pet owners are restricted in what proteins they can offer due to pre-existing food allergies; therefore, Viva Raw cannot legally call their food 100% balanced.   

Furthermore, some nutrients, such as taurine, degrade in the freezing and thawing process and are inadvertently at risk of being thrown out when the owner feeds. Because taurine is water soluble, “most of the taurine contained in tissues will be dissolved into water if exposed” (Spitze et al.). Because Viva Raw cannot predict whether or not each pet parent will offer the pet the juices from the meat that appear once it is thawed, they cannot guarantee that the pet will be provided all of the available taurine. Not getting enough taurine is extremely dangerous for a cat’s health as they cannot make their own. 

For these reasons, we recommend that people add a full teaspoon of the NuVet supplement to Viva Raw Pure Chunked Recipes. Thus, adding the NuVet supplement ensures that the cat gets the necessary amount of taurine and other trace elements that may be lost or damaged by the freezing process. Because taurine is water soluble, it will not hurt a cat to get too much taurine as the excess will be expelled through urine.  

Why We Recommend NuVet Plus Feline Powder

There are many supplements on the market. Years ago, we happily used a different supplement, but it changed its base ingredient to rice flour. Rice binds to taurine and removes it from the body before absorption. Consequently, we discovered multiple cats with thinning hearts when doing our annual heart scans. The switch to a rice base within the supplement was the only change in our diet. Once we switched supplements, our cats’ hearts returned to normal. Our experience was a lesson on how ingredients affect nutrients and their absorption. We searched for a new supplement with this at the forefront of our minds.

Our supplement search ended with NuVet as our choice for one significant reason: “NuVet Plus ingredients and nutrients are compounded to maintain their integrity and bio-digestibility for complete cellular infusion” (“NuVet Plus Feline Powder”). Comparing supplements can be challenging because they can appear equal when looking at the nutrients offered, yet not every ingredient is bioavailable to a cat because it is an obligate carnivore. Cats’ bodies cannot utilize the nutrients the same way dogs or humans can because they cannot metabolize the ingredient that contains the nutrients. A simplistic example is that cats cannot live off plant-based proteins like peas or other legumes. It must be animal-based protein. The same is true for the ingredients used to offer nutrient supplementation. The ingredients must be bioavailable for the cat to utilize them.

Bioavailability depends not only on the ingredients themselves but how they are processed. For example, heat alters and often destroys the bioavailability of nutrients.  The NuVet company ensures that all of the ingredients used in their feline powder come from ingredients that cats can metabolize. 

Because NuVet considers the bioavailability of its ingredients, cats can benefit from the nutrients. In addition, the NuVet supplement contains ingredients meant to build their immune system and protect them from unnatural chemicals, toxins, and pollutants in the modern world. Cats’ bodies have evolved very little, if at all, from their natural, wild ancestors. The NuVet supplement helps them thrive in a world that has evolved much faster.  

By adding the NuVet Supplement to the Variety pack of Viva Raw meats, your cat is getting the most bioavailable nutrients to fill in the gaps of any nutrients that may not be complete due to lack of variety in proteins and those that may have degraded in the freezing and thawing process. In addition, Nuvet offers additional nutrients that boost the immune system to help the cat’s body properly function in a modern world that has evolved faster than the cat’s body.   

Why We Recommend the Chunked Meat 

One of the primary reasons we recommend Viva Raw is that they offer their foods in a chunked variety. If your cat is new to raw, you may want to stick with the ground varieties, to begin with, but for those who are regular raw eaters, the chunked varieties offer an opportunity for teeth cleaning. Cats’ teeth are not designed for chewing. They rip and tear meat. As they pull the chunks of meat into sizable bites to swallow, the friction of the meat rubs against the teeth and gums like a toothbrush. The chunked variety does not replace feeding meaty bones once a week to keep your cat’s teeth and gums in prime condition.  

Viva Raw’s Shipping 

When raw food companies decide to ship their product, they are taking a risk. They must trust that their product will maintain quality in the shipping process. Viva Raw anticipates shipping complications in advance and makes modifications based on what is realistic. Their standard shipping procedure is only to ship out Monday through Wednesday. This is done to ensure that their product never gets delayed by a weekend. With their headquarters in North Carolina and their warehouse on the west coast, they can reach most parts of the United States within three days. Their product only takes one day to ship to Northern California locations, where most of our pet parents live.  

Furthermore, Viva Raw knows how the holidays affect shipping and does not ship during the riskiest weeks of the year, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are very proactive about warning their customer in advance about when a break in shipping is coming, so people know to preorder their food. Viva Raw and Nuvet are relatively small businesses and therefore take considerable pride in their customer service.  

Disclosure of Affiliate Programs 

Because we never attempt to deceive people, we disclose that we do receive a benefit when you purchase Viva Raw and NuVet through our links. With Viva Raw, we get credit towards our purchase of their product. With NuVet, we receive an affiliate payment. However, we do not recommend products because of a kickback. We use both of these products and believe in them for the above reasons. The reason for writing this article is to explain WHY they are our recommendations. 

If you purchase Viva Raw through our link, you will get 20% off of your purchase. You get free shipping if you order over $250 worth of food. This is the most cost-effective way to purchase Viva Raw if you have the freezer space to store the food.  

Works Cited  

Craig, J.M. “Raw feeding in dogs and cats.” MAG Online Library, Companion Animal, 18 December 2019, https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/coan.2018.0068. Accessed 27 November 2022.  

“NuVet Plus Feline Powder.” NuVet Labs, NuVet Labs, 2022, https://www.nuvetlabs.com/order_new2/nuvet-plus-feline.asp. Accessed 27 November 2022.  

“Pure Recipes for Cats & Dogs.” Viva Raw, Viva Raw, 2022, https://vivarawpets.com/pages/pure. Accessed 27 November 2022.  

Spitze, A.R., et al. “Taurine concentrations in animal feed ingredients; cooking influences taurine content.” UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA, 20 January 2003, https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/aal/pdfs/spitze.pdf. Accessed 27 November 2022.  

Verlinden, A., et al. “Food Allergy in Dogs and Cats: A Review.” Taylor and Francis Online, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 18 Jan 2007, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408390591001117?scroll=top&needAccess=true. Accessed 27 November 2022.

How to Keep Your Bengal Cat Litter Box Smelling Fresh and Clean

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Food/Nutrition, Health. No Comments on How to Keep Your Bengal Cat Litter Box Smelling Fresh and Clean

by Robyn Paterson

 

When people visit a cat breeder’s home, the automatic expectation is that it will stink. We have visitors frequently as people come over to pick out and pick up their kittens. It always makes our day when people ask, “how come it doesn’t smell here?” Here is our secret. 

Cat poop should not stink. Period. End of story. If it stinks, something is not right.

Several medical reasons may cause an unpleasant odor in cat feces: parasites, bacterial infections, medication, IBD, and liver or gallbladder disease. When the cause of the smell is medical, other symptoms often accompany the foul-smelling poo: weight loss, butt scooting, separated hair, fever, or overgrooming. If your cat is experiencing any accompanying symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian about potential causes. 

The most common cause of offensive-smelling cat poo is diet. Cats are obligate carnivores with no dietary need for plant-based ingredients. Many plant ingredients pass through the cat without being digested, fermenting as they go through the digestive tract. 

 

The most effective step you can take to eliminate odors is to switch your cat over to food with ingredients that are all animals based. To switch a cat from its current diet to raw food, we recommend you first switch to an all-canned diet. We have successfully used Fancy Feast Pate Varieties to switch cats to raw food. Once the cat is happily eating the Fancy Feast, add raw food. Start with a quarter of raw food with three-quarters of canned food. If the cat eats this, add a teaspoon more raw food the next day. If the cat rejects the food at some point, revert to the previously successful ratio for a couple of days, then move forward. Continue in this manner until the cat has fully transitioned.  

Most people prefer to purchase raw food before venturing out to make their own. We like Viva Raw’s protein variety and shipping reliability and recommend people start with it along with the NuVet Supplement. For an explanation of why we recommend these products, please read Why We Recommend Viva Raw along with NuVet for Bengal Cat Food.

 

 

 

Another contributing factor to unpleasant smells is cat litter itself. Many have perfumes added, which don’t always mix well with cat urine. The fragrances added to cat litter are added for people’s benefit; cats do not like fragrances. They intend to mask order, but they are rarely successful. We recommend using unscented litter, but not all unscented litters are the same. We use Cat Butler litter in our house. Cat Butler litter is made from pea fiber, a natural byproduct of gluten-free food production. The starch in the peas absorbs liquid quickly, forming tight clumps that stay separate and lift easily from the box. Because the clumps stay intact, the box remains fresher and drier, which helps control odor more effectively. The dense structure of the pea pellets also produces very little dust, so the litter doesn’t break down into fine particles the way clay can. In addition, the pellets are shaped to resist sticking to paws, which reduces tracking and keeps both cats and floors cleaner. When you keep the box filled to the proper depth, Cat Butler locks in waste and odor just as well as clay—without the residue, weight, or environmental impact.

It takes two simple steps to have an odor-free house – feed raw food and use Cat Butler cat litter.  

Works Referenced

 

Addie, Diane D. Ph.D., BVMS, MRCVS. “Dr. Addie – How to prevent FCoV transmission.” Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Coronavirus Website, 14 May 2019, https://www.catvirus.com/PreventionS1.htm#CatLitter. Accessed 27 December 2022.

 

Are you thinking of getting a Bengal cat and want it to come with a lifetime of expert advice? Check out our available Bengal kittens.  

Backcrossing, Hybridizing, and the Bengal Cat

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Miscellaneous. No Comments on Backcrossing, Hybridizing, and the Bengal Cat

The Bengal cat falls into a category of cat breeds known as hybrids, but this label is not scientifically accurate. The confusion this creates can be problematic for the so-called hybrid breeds. Breeds labeled hybrids are, essentially, backcrossed breeds. What is backcrossing? How is it different from hybridizing? Why is the difference significant for the Bengal cat?

Hybridizing versus Backcrossing – What is the difference?

Hybridizing is when two different types of animals (species or breeds) are bred together. Hybridizing aims to combine the desirable characteristics of both types into a single offspring. The F1 Bengal is a hybrid; one parent is a leopard cat, and one parent is a domestic cat – often, but not always – a Bengal. To continue a line of hybrids, both genders must be fertile. F2 hybrids come from two F1 hybrids breeding together. This is not possible with the F1 Bengal hybrids.

The male F1 hybrid between a leopard cat and a domestic cat is not fertile. Therefore, two F1 Bengals cannot be hybridized to make F2s. Thus, F2 and F3 Bengals cannot be created. Backcrossed Bengal males remain sterile until the fourth generation. Even then, fertility can be unreliable at the fourth and fifth generations when too much leopard cat DNA has passed down.  Therefore, female F1 Bengal hybrids are backcrossed to fertile domestic Bengal males. 

Backcrossing is when an individual from a hybrid population is bred back to one of the original parent types (species or breed). Backcrossing aims to transfer specific traits from the leopard cat to the Bengal population while retaining the desirable characteristics of the Bengal cat.  The first cross between a leopard cat and a Bengal is a hybrid; however, every generation after that is a backcross.  

F1 females are backcrossed to a domestic Bengal cat to create the second generation.  This generation is scientifically called N1 or BC1.  However, this terminology can cause confusion within the Bengal breeding world because N1 or BC1 could easily be confused with F1 creating a misunderstanding of how many generations the cat is removed from the wild species.  To keep the generations from the wild species clear, Bengal breeders started using G as an abbreviation for generation. Instead of calling the second generation an N1 or BC1, we call them a 2G for second-generation backcross. 3G stands for the third-generation backcross.  At four generations away from the leopard cat, over 50% of both genders are fertile.  This is considered the true start of the Stud Book Traditional (SBT) Bengal breed.  

The distinction between hybridizing and backcrossing is important for the Bengal cat. When hybridizing, one is maintaining equal parts of both species. When backcrossing, the leopard cat genetics reduce, and the domestic Bengal cat genetics increase with every generation. The goal of the Bengal breed is to create a domestic cat with the appearance of the leopard cat, but the personality of the domestic cat.  

How much leopard cat DNA does a Bengal have?

Through Chris Kaelin’s recently released research study, we have learned more about the limited number of genes that the leopard cat passes down to the Bengal. The leopard cat’s genes are not evenly spread through Bengal DNA. Furthermore, they had passed down at a lower rate than expected, suggesting that there may have been times when only certain types of leopard cat genes were selected to be passed down. Researchers studied the genes of 722 Bengal cats and found that only a few of their genetic regions showed signs of leopard cat DNA. Problems with incompatible genes appear to have limited how much leopard cat ancestry Bengal cats have.

It isn’t easy to bring a new leopard cat line down to SBT Bengal. For example, we have one 2G female who did not produce her first litter until she was seven years old. Not every breeder has the patience to work with cats who do not breed quickly; thus, some hybrids never contribute to Bengal cat genetics. This creates a situation where only some leopard cats’ genes get passed on, leading to some genetic bottlenecks. 

After the F1 generation, some leopard cat genes simply do not pass down. In the study of 722 SBT cats, researchers learned  7% of the Bengal cat genome does not have any leopard cat genes in any of the SBT Bengals. The leopard cat DNA ranged from .4% to 16% in SBT Bengals. The average Bengal cat has less than 3% leopard cat DNA.

Why is all of this important?

As regulations on wildcats spread worldwide, the Bengal cat must be recognized for what it is – a domestic cat. At times the Bengal cat is misrepresented as the genetic equivalent of a liger or coydog because they are called a hybrid breed. Bengals are NOT a hybrid breed. The breed begins with an F1 Hybrid, but after three successive generations of backcrossing to domestic Bengals cats, the offspring are genetically domestic cats. It is important that breeders, owners, and legislators all recognize the Bengal as the domestic cat that it is.

Work Cited

Kaelin, Christopher  B., et al. “Ancestry dynamics and trait selection in a designer cat breed.” bioRxiv, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 12 December 2022, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.12.520105v1.full.pdf. Accessed 12 February 2023.

 

Are you thinking of getting a Bengal cat and want it to come with a lifetime of expert advice? Check out our available Bengal kittens.  

Cleaner Paws, Fresher Floors: Our Switch to Cat Butler Litter

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Bengal Cat Blog, Bengal Cat Care, Miscellaneous, QBK Cattery News. No Comments on Cleaner Paws, Fresher Floors: Our Switch to Cat Butler Litter

For over fifteen years, Dr. Elsey’s Unscented litter has been our go-to recommendation. We try nearly every other litter that people swear by, and none of them compare. The number one factor that always rules a litter out for us is the smell. If we can smell it, it is an absolute no-go for us. Fortunately, the cats agree with us on this factor. Dr. Elsey’s has kept our house odor-free for a very long time.

We were not looking to change, but at a recent cat show, we met the owner of Cat Butler and agreed to try his product. We were thrilled to open the bag and discover that it is, as proclaimed, odor-free. Many litters claim to be odor-free, but the reality doesn’t measure up. Not this one.

Within the first few weeks, we saw that Cat Butler offers benefits that make our lives easier and keep our cats cleaner. The first thing we noticed was the lack of residue. Bengals have a habit of playing in their water bowls and then playing in the litter box. I know, it’s disgusting, but they are Bengals. With Dr. Elsey’s, this means gray paw prints across our Saltillo tiles and residue on the cats’ coats. With Cat Butler, the pellets are shaped to resist sticking to paws, which reduces tracking and scatter, therefore leaving no marks on the floor and no residue. Furthermore, the pea fiber is also naturally dense, so it doesn’t break down into fine particles and produce the same dust you get with clay. This means cleaner paws, cleaner coats, and cleaner air. That alone is a noticeable benefit.

Scooping is also easier. With Dr. Elsey’s, if we get behind on scooping, a cement-like block forms at the bottom of the litterbox. These are especially challenging when we have a pet sitter whose scooping skills are never quite up to par with our own. With Cat Butler, the cement block does not form. The starch in the pea fiber used in Cat Butler quickly absorbs liquid. It binds it into strong, tight clumps that not only don’t break apart but also stay separate from each other, making them easier to scoop out, even when the litterbox scooping gets behind schedule. In addition, the litter is about 60% lighter than clay, which makes pouring and refilling less of a chore. These may seem like small changes, but when you are cleaning multiple litter boxes every day, they add up.

The most important test is always going to be odor. Cat Butler passes the opening of the box odor test, but does it pass the your-house-does-not-smell-like-cats test? Answer – yes, it does. The litter itself has no strong fragrance. When the cats urinate, there is a faint Play-Doh-like scent that disappears quickly. Because the pea fiber locks in moisture so fast, the box stays drier and fresher, which helps keep odor down even more. Combined with the fact that our cats are raw fed, which already reduces odor, the result is an odor-free house that visitors still comment on.

Our one hesitation in trying Cat Butler was the texture. Cats naturally prefer a sand-like litter, and Dr. Elsey’s provides that. Cat Butler is a small pellet made from pea fiber. At first, our Bengals hesitate, and we wonder if they will reject it. To give them the choice, we set out one box of Cat Butler litter next to a box of Dr. Elsey’s litter. Over time, they begin using the Cat Butler box with as much ease as the Dr. Elsey’s box, and within a month, they are choosing the pellets regularly. If we ever face litter box problems again, we will temporarily use Dr. Elsey’s Cat Attract until the issue is resolved, just as we still advise anyone struggling with litterbox issues to use Cat Attract until they are resolved. But when everything is status quo, Cat Butler is our daily litter.

Another benefit worth mentioning is what Cat Butler is made from. The litter is created from peas, specifically a byproduct of gluten-free food production. Instead of going to waste, that pea fiber is reused in a way that is safe for cats, biodegradable, and sustainable. It is food-grade material, naturally low in dust, and free from chemicals. We’ve seen the infamous Jean Mill cat litter mound visible by Google Earth’s camera, so it does make us feel better knowing we are choosing something lighter on the environment.

For us, the change is worthwhile. Our floors are cleaner, our cats are cleaner, the litter is lighter to handle, and the boxes remain odor-free. Cat Butler earns its place as our new favorite cat litter.

How to Read Our Kitten Profile Charts

Written by Quality Bengal Kittens on . Posted in Behavior, Bengal Cat Blog. No Comments on How to Read Our Kitten Profile Charts

Bengal Kitten Personality Traits

April 6, 2026
by Robyn and Jon Paterson

People often ask us to describe our kittens’ personalities. It sounds like a simple question, but in reality, it’s one of the hardest to answer well.

A Bengal kitten’s personality isn’t just what you see in a single moment. It’s shaped by genetics, development, and how the kitten responds to its environment over time.

Because of that, we developed a rating system to help families better understand what to expect—so they can choose a kitten that truly fits their home and lifestyle. Our ratings are built from three layers of knowledge.

First, we rely on multi-generational lineage knowledge. Some of the lines in our program go back over 25 years and span five or more generations. Because these cats have been part of our lives for so long, we start to see characteristics of parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents emerge as the kittens develop. 

Second, we understand how traits are passed down genetically. Not every kitten will mirror its parents exactly. Sometimes we see a kitten whose personality clearly reflects a grandparent or even a great-grandparent. Because of that, we do not assume. We observe.

Third, we evaluate each kitten’s development. We begin assigning ratings after six weeks of age, when the kittens are interacting more fully with their environment. We watch how they respond to change, how they engage with people, how they interact with other cats and dogs, and how they play. We look at whether they seek attention or prefer independence, whether they confidently enter new situations or take time to assess them.

Allergen expectation is evaluated differently. That rating is based on known Bengal traits that influence allergen production, including gender, coat length, density, texture, pigmentation, and whether the kitten is glittered.

These ratings are thoughtful and experience-based, but they are not guarantees. A kitten’s personality will continue to develop in its new home, shaped by environment and daily interaction.

 

 

There Is No “Best” Rating

One of the most important things to understand is that there is no good end or bad end of any scale. Every trait exists on a spectrum, and every home has different needs. Our goal is not to produce one “ideal” type of cat. Our goal is to match the right kitten to the right home.

For example, a highly interactive, very dependent cat can be an incredible companion for someone who wants constant engagement. That same cat may struggle in a home where people are busy, frequently on calls, or away for long periods. In the same way, some families want a cat that is always with them, while others want a cat that is present but not constantly underfoot.

We often see people drawn to certain traits without realizing what those traits require. A good example is harness training. People love the idea of a cat that hikes with them. What they do not always realize is that this kind of cat requires consistent, daily interaction. That personality is not something you turn on for the weekend. It is something you commit to every day.

The charts exist to help set realistic expectations, so both the cat and the home are set up for success.

Understanding Each Trait

Energy Level

All Bengals are high-energy cats. This scale reflects where a cat falls within that range. A cat on the higher end of the scale wants to play throughout the day. If it is the only cat, it may need multiple structured play sessions daily to stay happy. These cats often do best in homes with another high-energy companion. A mid-range cat still has plenty of energy, but its needs are more manageable. A couple of intentional play sessions each day is often enough. A lower-energy Bengal is still active compared to most breeds, but it is more moderate in activity. These cats may be satisfied with a single consistent play session each day.

Adaptability

This scale reflects how easily a cat adjusts to new environments, people, pets, and experiences. We evaluate this by watching how cats respond to real changes in our home. They are born in our bedroom and are later moved to our main living area, where there is more activity, more space, and interaction with our dogs and daily household life.

Highly adaptable cats settle in quickly. They explore, engage, and become comfortable without needing extended time to assess every change. These cats are often a better fit for homes that plan to travel with their cat or pursue activities like harness training.

Lower adaptability is not a flaw. It is very normal cat behavior. These cats tend to observe first and engage once they feel secure. They are thoughtful and aware of their surroundings. These cats are homebodies and enjoy the stability and familiarity of home.

 

Independence

This scale reflects a cat’s ability to entertain itself and enjoy life as an only pet. A cat on the lower end of the scale seeks frequent interaction. It wants to be involved in what you are doing and will actively pursue your attention. These cats thrive with companionship and dislike social isolation. On the high end of the scale, a more independent cat is comfortable spending time alone and does not rely on constant interaction. These cats will enjoy you while you are around, but they are okay when you are otherwise engaged with life. These cats are often better suited to homes with busy schedules or those who prefer a more balanced level of interaction.

Neither end is better. The key is alignment. Some people want a cat that is always by their side. Others want a cat that shares their space without constant engagement. 

Intense Bengal Kitten

Intensity

Intensity reflects how strongly a cat engages with the world. Higher intensity cats tend to respond quickly and expressively, while lower intensity cats are more measured and consistent. A high-intensity cat feels like a strong personality in every area. A high-intensity cat expresses each trait exuberantly. A lower-intensity cat still shows clear personality traits, but in a more subtle way. The tendencies are there, just not as strongly expressed.

This trait often has the biggest impact on daily life. Two cats may both be high energy, but the one with higher intensity will feel much more demanding. When energy needs are not met, Bengals do not simply become quiet. They become frustrated. That frustration can show up as destructive behavior or withdrawal. Their intensity score will affect how they express their frustration, with more intense cats more likely to display destructive behavior and less intense cats more likely to withdraw into depression. 

For example, a high-intensity, high-adaptability cat is more likely to take on new experiences with gusto, whereas a low-intensity, high-adaptability cat will walk in with calm confidence. As another example, a high-intensity, low-independence cat will demand attention non-stop; whereas, a low-intensity, low-independence cat will quietly sit on your lap the minute you sit down. 

seal lynx and charcoal Bengal kittens

Allergen Expectation

This scale reflects how likely a cat is to produce allergens based on known Bengal traits. Several factors influence this. 

  1. Females tend to produce fewer allergens than males. 
  2. Darker, more heavily pigmented coats produce fewer allergens than lighter coats, such as snow or silver. 
  3. A shorter, tighter coat holds fewer allergens than a longer or looser one. 
  4. Glittered coats also tend to hold fewer allergens than non-glittered coats.

These factors guide our expectations, but no cat is truly free of allergens. Individual sensitivity will affect a person’s reaction. Individual reactions will always vary.

Our Role in the Process

Our goal is not simply to place kittens. Our goal is to place them well.

We have spent over 25 years working with these lines, studying how traits are passed down, and continuing to educate ourselves on behavior, health, and development. That experience allows us to look at a kitten and understand not just who it is today, but who it is likely to become.

We take that responsibility seriously because the outcome matters. We want our cats to stay in their homes for life. That only happens when the match is right from the beginning.

Every rating, every conversation, and every recommendation is made with that goal in mind.

What to Do Next

Understanding how to read our kitten profiles is the first step in finding the right match—but it’s only part of the process.

If you’re still in the early stages and want to better understand how we approach breeding, health, and placement, you can start here:
Why Buy from Quality Bengal Kittens

If you’re ready to begin thinking about timing and how selection works, we recommend learning more about our process here:
Advisory Membership

And if you’d like to see the kittens we are currently working with, you can explore them here:
Available Bengal Kittens