We have been researching the Bengal breed because we saw one and they're SO pretty. I've heard good things but a breeder that lives next door to a friend of mine said they can be wild and should never be around small kids.
Anyone know about this breed?
2006-09-10 09:42:27 · 5 answers · asked by Faith 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I'm not sure why anyone thinks I'm taking a chance on the safety of my kids. This is a breed of HOUSECAT for goodness sakes, not a mountain lion! And, I am not taking a chance because I'm asking a lot of questions before getting one. Is it taking a risk when I asked if Beagles are good with children before getting one?
2006-09-10 13:28:30 · update #1
Hi Faith...Bengals are for the most part like most domestic cats and each has a personality that is unique to it's own. Most are fine around children so long the introduction is slow and always pleasant for the cat.
They are very hyperactive kitties and always require plenty of attention so children are wonderful in this aspect. Please keep in mind because they are such active cats nearly all Bengals dislike being held or being lap cats. This is something that disappoints children if they are unable to snuggle with a kitty. Only a small percentage of Bengals are the exception to this rule.
However, if and when you do decide to adopt one of these wonderful kitty's please be certain that that you would teach the kids not to encourage playful behaviours that provokes biting or scratching from the Bengal as they tend to exhibit these behaviours early on like most kittens, but become more difficult to manage later in life. I have rescued a few Bengals who were surrendered because of bad biting tendencies, but all of them were declawed so they overcompensated with painful skin piercing bites. Therefore, declawing is strongly discouraged due to the vicious biting.
Aside from this they are hours of entertainment. Be sure to have plenty of scratching posts, toys and human interactive time as they do rely more on human companionship.
Because you have other pets, they will need a slow introduction to their new furry family members as well. Some Bengals love dogs more than cats because of their dog-like personalities. They can be quite aggressive towards other cats if they dislike them, but like any other cat newly introduced, it can be managed if the introduction is done slowly and carefully.
2006-09-10 11:47:22 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i have a bengal and 3 small kids. when i first got my bengal she would always hide when the kids were up( she was hurt by previous owners son) but after a little while she got used to kids being around and now sleeps at the end of my daugthers bed and cuddles with them she has recently had kittens and even brought a kitten out in to the lounge room where the kids were to show her baby off to them. they need to be indroduce to kids slowly. and just like any cat need to be able to adjust. they will be fine as long as u dont get an older cat because they wont wanna deal with kids. get a kitten and if ur in australia preferbly melbourne i have a litter of kittens that 3 still need homes. but there still bit young to leave there mum
2006-09-10 18:19:24 · answer #2 · answered by mrs nevz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bengals are a breed of housecats.....DUH. Don't answer if you don't have a clue.
Anyway, my mom had 2 of them (1 died), and he gets along fine with everyone. He's very laid back. The one that died, she didn't like anyone except my dad. Guess it's really just going to depend on the individual cat.
2006-09-10 17:03:02 · answer #3 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the link won't let me copy, but this page has info about Bengal cats and children. Talk to a vet. They would know. Good luck!
2006-09-10 16:58:30 · answer #4 · answered by pixiechick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cat will be fine. The kids, however.....
Why on earth would you even take a chance with the safety of your children?
2006-09-10 16:48:03 · answer #5 · answered by Pangolin 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋