The difference between a Bengal cat and other cat's I've looked after.
Fur - softest fur I have ever felt. Think of soft belly fur all over or the softest teddy bear in the toy shop. Gorgeous!
Cuddly- I have never had a cat that actually will let you rub its belly, for 30 mins. Probably like it longer but my arm felt like it would fall off.. Also normally belly tickling is allowed for about 10 seconds before cat turns into a fluffy ball of razorblades. Fantastic temperament, far better than mine.
The voice. Quite simply the loudest, weirdest and largest vocal range I have ever heard come out of a cat. Doesnt sound like other cats.. noise is interesting and endearing for- oooh, about 4 mins. 2 days of 9 hours a day no so endearing. I felt like howling myself, and frequently did. Bengals not getting their own way are bad for humans with a nervous disposition.
However, saved! A parcel arrived containing a hammock, a scratch mat made of cardboard and a desperation purchase, a harness. The first two completely ignored by cat, despite previous owner telling us those were his fav things. Fickle creatures cats.
But, certain the harness would be met with the same disdain and look of utter contempt, I stealthily fastened the harness while the cat was sleepy and then took it in the garden. Nervously sniffed and snuffed around, occasionally shooting back into the house when something wimpy, like a leaf moving spooked him, but coming out again when he realised I was laughing at him. The result after these walks on a lead? A very tired, hungry and oh-so-happy cat that comes back in as quiet as it a teeny mouse. YAY! Plenty more walks over the next week I think, until the day comes when I can let him out alone. Tick tock :-)
What a beautiful cat. i’ve never heard of a Bangal cat. I’ve always had “mutts” that were rescued strays. The fur looks very silky and I love those stripes!
@lisjam1 Please accept my apologies for a typo - its Bengal, not Bangal, lol. Sorry. And I love strays, only took this one on because he was unwanted - I prefer not to put money into breeders.
"a fluffy ball of razorblades"
LOL! I had to laugh when I saw that description. So true.
It looks like you've gotten yourself a very special cat. He sure is gorgeous.
Too bad we don't have an audio file to go along with this pic. Now I'm curious about the unusual purr.
Any idea how old he is?
@pasadenarose I think he's around 5, I was told but forgot! And if you would like to hear what one sounds like, this vid of someone else's may give you an idea. They are a bit more varied that this one, sometimes really guttural, but the volume is the same. Anyhow - urm... enjoy!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhSKqmV19Y0
@judithg He left me to do something else! But I saw Gary walk off, lol. All good press :-) I only really like the auditions part of it, thats great entertainment!
haha cool... I had a flat cat (well, not exactly a flat cat but a cat who only lived in my flat..lol) and occasionally took him out on a lead at mum's.. he loved it but was weird taking a cat for a walk :-)
Hi Freida - was just in the vet with Monty and there was a lady there with two gorgeous British Shorthair silver tabbies. She said she was from Cats Protection and they are for re-homing so I was telling her about your Bengal. She asked if it was vocal and if it wanders... Anyway, she said they recommend keeping them in for three weeks when they move house because of their roaming tendencies - may drive you crazy!
@judithg Thanks!! His new vet said the same, thing is that he is just so miserable, and really cries, hours on end. Just ordered a catflap which will arrive in about 7 days, so I think he'll have 2.5 weeks at home, nearly there! Oh, and when he escaped last year, he walked 17 miles back to Leeds from where his owners had moved from - all on his lonesome. Wow huh?
That's really amazing isn't it? My cat couldn't find her way home from quarter of a mile away! Have you tried Feliway for the crying - they are plug-in cat pheromone atomiser things - supposed to be very good for anxiety?
@judithg Aww, bless your cat! I guess she doesnt roam too far then? That would be ace!
I havent got the feliway - but only on the recommendation of the previous owner - she said it didnt work on him (but did with her other 5 cats). I guess he's so strong willed..
He is enjoying the walks on the lead tho, and is giving us a quieter life, but he today is starting to get impatient with that while outside, wants to go his own way. I think its coz a boy cat '-)
I guess will have to be cruel to be kind and keep him longer and get some earplugs!
This is gorgeous!! My boyfriend owns a Bengal and you're right on all counts! His name is Milo and he will drop and roll over and let you rub his belly til your heart's content! And he chirps and yowls unlike any other cat I've heard! And he is very silky and soft :)
LOL! I had to laugh when I saw that description. So true.
It looks like you've gotten yourself a very special cat. He sure is gorgeous.
Too bad we don't have an audio file to go along with this pic. Now I'm curious about the unusual purr.
Any idea how old he is?
I havent got the feliway - but only on the recommendation of the previous owner - she said it didnt work on him (but did with her other 5 cats). I guess he's so strong willed..
He is enjoying the walks on the lead tho, and is giving us a quieter life, but he today is starting to get impatient with that while outside, wants to go his own way. I think its coz a boy cat '-)
I guess will have to be cruel to be kind and keep him longer and get some earplugs!
There's a mixed reviews on the Feliway, like catnip, works on some cats and not others. Expensive stuff too!