New Kitten Care
The Introduction of a Bengal
In our breeding program, we have carefully selected the highest quality cats from Supreme Grand Champion bloodlines. This helps us to continually strive to produce Bengals as close to the standard as possible, while improving the Bengal breed.
The introduction of a Bengal kitten or cat to a new home is usually easily accomplished. Bengals adapt to new situations very readily, and soon make themselves right at home. Wildforest Bengals are well-socialized, so they thrive on human companionship and attention. There are some common questions that are frequently asked about introducing a kitten to a new household, so we are offering a few suggestions to make the transition easier.
ONE vs. TWO - One kitty or two, which is best?
One Kitten vs. Two As a Bengal Breeder I often get the question…
Personally, I myself have never raised just one kitten alone and will not sell a kitten to a home with no other cat or small dog new standing here at Wildforest.
While I feel that we humans can offer a great deal of love and nurturing there is a special type of feline companionship and interaction that cannot be duplicated or reproduced by human beings. Felines crave two types of interaction for a healthy mental self esteem: 1.) Human Fellowship 2.) Feline Friendship We as humans can shower our feline friend with our time, fun cheerful toys, soft fuzzy beds, tall elaborate kitty towers, grooming & brushing, great quality food, cuddling and excellent veterinarian care but the power of feline to feline friendship cannot be cloned by objects or humans.
Diet for Optimal Bengal Health
Bengals eat the same food as other breeds of cats. It is best that the kitten remain on a high-quality dry kitten food, such as Royal Canin 4 - 12 months , Dry food as the main diet is best to help keep kitty's teeth clean. Do not give your kitten table scraps or milk, no matter how tempting. This can cause stomach upset, and make the kitten finicky so that he will not eat his cat food. He can remain on kitten chow for a year, unless you find that he is gaining too much weight. If your adolescent cat is getting plump, switch him to cat (Instead of kitten) food. Cheaper cat foods have more filler, and therefore the cat has to eat more to fill his nutritional needs. This, in turn, makes for more litter-box deposits. If you stay with the premium cat feed, your kitten will have firmer stools and less waste.
Never feed raw poultry or pork.
Liter Box
Bengal kittens are taught by their mothers to use the litterbox, so your kitten will be trained when he arrives. Keep in mind, however, in a new environment, the kitten may not be able to find the litterbox alone. Imagine your home from the kitten's viewpoint, especially if your home has many rooms and several levels. This little creature will be lost, surrounded by a maze of doors, halls, and stairways. Therefore, it is recommended that the kitten be restricted to one area at first, where his food and litterbox are easily accessible. It won't be long before he learns his way round as he follows his new friend--you. If you have several stories to your home, you might find it beneficial to keep a litterbox on each floor.
Litter Box Training - Common Problems
The most common reason a cat will not use its litter box...
Because the litter box is dirty - from the cat's viewpoint, not yours. Cats often react to any type of stress by suddenly urinating or defecating outside the litter box. The stress may be caused by a new cat in the neighborhood; children home on vacation; too many cats in the house; your going away on vacation or a new piece of furniture. Urinary tract problems also cause cats to urinate in places other than the litter box. Any sudden change in elimination habits should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Socializing Dicipling Training
Kittens are like children, they need love and attention, and discipline. They are active and playful, but should not be allowed to be destructive. Provide them with toys, simple things like paper bags, cardboard boxes, and wadded up newspaper are great. Any toy is great, providing it doesn't have small parts that can be swallowed. Our cats LOVE the little fake fur mice, and ping pong balls.
Scratching Posts and Toys
Your Bengal, if he were wild in the jungle, would use a tree trunk for his manicure. Any cat enjoys the stretching and pulling activity associated with sharpening his nails. As he scratches a rough surface, he's removing the outer older sheaths of his claws to expose the sharp new nail beneath. This is a natural function, so you should provide the means for your domesticated house cat to accomplish the grooming procedure. If you don't, he may have to find one for himself, and that might not be the most acceptable to you.
The Pet's Ten Commandments
- My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
- Give me time to understand what you want of me. Don't be frustrated and impatient.
- Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
- Don’t be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
- Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand the tone of your voice when speaking to me.
- Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
- Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet I choose not to bite you
- Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm notgetting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old and weak
- Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old and need love, care, comfort and attention.
- On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone.
