Chinook Arch Bengals

Q. How much does a Bengal kitten cost?

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A. Quality Pet kittens are priced $2000-$2200 for Brown Spotted Tabby, and $2200-$2400 for Seal Lynx Point, plus GST. The price includes spay or neuter, age appropriate vaccinations and deworming, microchip, TICA registration papers, health guarantee, 30 days of Trupanion Medical insurance, one bag of food, a toy, and a blanket that smells like mom.

 

Q.  When are the kittens ready to be re-homed?

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A. We keep the kittens for 13-14 weeks to ensure that they are properly weaned, socialized and litter box trained. All kittens will be spayed or neutered before leaving the cattery. The veterinarian has the sole discretion to determine when surgery can be scheduled (12 weeks of age is the minimum for my vet) and kittens will be ready when they have recovered.  

 

Q. Do you have a waiting list?

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A. Yes! You can fill out the questionnaire to be added to the free wait list, or to the Priority Wait List. Names are added to the waiting list in order received, and available kittens will be offered to the Priority Wait List first, then to the free wait list. If the first person declines a kitten, it is then offered to the next person in line. If everyone on both waiting lists passes on a kitten, the kitten is then listed for sale. 

 

Q. How big do Bengals get?

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A. They are an average sized cat, weighing from 8 to 15 pounds. Males are usually larger than females.

 

Q. How long do Bengals live?

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A. They have about the same average lifespan as most domestic cats: 12-16 years.

 

Q. Can they go outside?

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A. Your new Bengal cat should not go outside unless in harness or in a cat-safe enclosure. The risks an outside cat faces are numerous: diseases, traffic accidents, shortened lifespan, injuries from animal fights, and theft to name a few. In addition, Bengals are more adventurous and curious than other cats and can get into trouble by going into people’s homes, garages, sheds etc. and getting themselves trapped. 

 

Q. Do Bengals need a cat wheel?

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A. Bengals are a high-energy, highly active cat and I strongly recommend that they have a wheel for exercise, boredom prevention, health, and mental well-being. They need one because it is not likely that we will be able to play with or walk our Bengals sufficiently to meet their activity needs on a daily basis. Many possible behavioural issues can be prevented by providing Bengals with a cat wheel to give them an outlet for their energy (pent-up energy can manifest in vocalization, aggression or destructive behaviour). Our cats enjoy using the wheel at night when they feel active, and while the house is quiet. The house is a lot quieter without a yowling, frustrated cat tearing it up through the house! My husband would say, “The cat doesn’t need the wheel, YOU do!”. If you are purchasing one of my kittens, they will already be accustomed to using the wheel. You may want to consider having it already set-up before you bring the kitten home.

 

Q. Is a male or female better for a pet?

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A. Neutered males and spayed females are very similar in behaviour. Some say that males can be more affectionate, but it really depends on the individual cat. Personality is shaped by the human/kitten interaction at an early age. Your experiences together while the kitten is young will set the tone for the future relationship.

 

Q. Are Bengals Hypoallergenic?

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A. No, not in the true sense of the word. Some people report feeling less symptoms of an allergy reaction. I have not met a cat-allergic person yet, who did not feel some allergy symptoms with my Bengals. You are welcome to book some time with mine and test your allergy response. Please submit the Questionnaire prior to booking a home visit.

 

Q. Do you ship kittens?

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A. No. You must be able to pick up your kitten when it is ready.

 

Q. Do Bengals get along with other animals?

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A. Yes! Bengals get along well with other cats and dogs when they have been properly introduced.

 

Q. Is a Bengal wild? Is it legal to own a Bengal?

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A. A Stud Book Tradition (SBT) Bengal is at least 4 generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat ancestor, and is considered domestic, however, some states and cities do not allow SBT Bengal pet ownership at all, according to their bylaws (restricted in the same way as Pitbull dogs for example). I only breed SBT Bengals. Please check your local bylaws.

 

Q. Do Bengals have any health problems?

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A. Responsible breeders genetically test their breeding cats for PK-Def (Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency) and PRA-b (Progressive Retinal Atrophy - Bengal) to ensure healthy offspring free from the diseases. HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) is also tested for by a board certified cardiologist as there is no genetic test available. The test is completed every 12 - 18 months because a cat can develop this condition later, even after a clear test.

 

Q. What type of food and cat litter do you use?

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A. I feed Purina ProPlan. I use clumping clay litter as well as Pretty Litter.

 

Q. Can I visit the cattery?

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A. Yes, please book an appointment with me. If you have cats at home I do ask you to follow some bio-security measures, such as wearing clean clothes your cat has not touched, and washing hands before handling my cats. I ask that you do not come if your cats are sick or you have touched someone else’s sick kittens; please postpone your visit. Contagious diseases can be prevented.

 

Q. Where can I learn more about the Bengal breed?

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A. Please read the Bengal Info page. I have included some useful links there. You can attend a cat show if there is one in your area. Most of all, find and talk to other Bengal Cat owners for first-hand experience.

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