top of page
-
What is a Bengal cat Breed?In 1983, the breed was officially accepted by TICA registration, originally started by Jean Mill. The bengal is a domesticated cat breed from hybrids of domestic cats (utilizing the Egyptian Mau, Abyssinian, American shorthair, etc.) with the Asian leopard cat. Bengals have a wild appearance with beautiful spotting/marbling and rosettes. Bengals from the first 3 generations are considered "early generation" Bengals. To be considered a domestic Bengal by the cat registries, a Bengal must be at least 4 generations or more away from the Asian leopard cat, which would the be considered as Stud Book Tradition (SBT).
-
Bengal Coats: Color & Pattern Visual GuideThere are several variations to a bengals color and pattern. Before picking your bengal you should do your research and find out which kitty best fits you! The link below is to an in depth and colorful description of the different coats the bengal breed has to offer: VARIOUS BENGAL CAT COATS: COLOR & PATTERN
-
What is the Bengal temperament like?Bengals are very smart, energetic and playful. They are considered dog-like and because of this, a lot of owners have a really fun time playing fetch with their Bengals without much training necessary. They also love playing in the water. As natural tree dwellers, they really enjoy exploring high places. They are also typically a vocal breed and love to chat with their family. Bengals are generally confident and curious, so a lot of owners will take their Bengals traveling and out hiking.
-
What generation are the Bengals you breed?We breed SBT bengals, this term stands for "Stud Book Tradition" and means they are least 4 generations away from their ancestor, the wild Asian leopard cat. Our earliest generation that we produce here is 5th generation (5G) and as late as 10th generation.
-
How are Bengals with young kids?All Bengals are different and the environment Bengal kittens are socialization in at an early age plays a role. We raise and maintain a cage free environment. All of our Bengals are used to being picked up, carried around and have been well socialized so they usually do very well with young children. Bengals are great family pets!
-
Do Bengals get along with other animals?Yes, Bengals are very social animals and they get along very well with most cats and dogs. In fact, many people that purchase one Bengal kitten decide to purchase another one at some point or add another active pet to their home because Bengals are happiest in an active household and don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Our Bengals met our Husky & Chihuahua when they were 12 weeks old and although it was a scary experience the first day for the kittens after a couple of days our animals where chasing each other around the house for fun! In fact, our adult bengals do better with meeting new dogs than new cats! They love to bump noses with pups!
-
How big do Bengals get?Bengal are usually the size of a typical house cat, however they can also run a little larger. Bengals are very long in the body and very muscular cats. We feed our Bengals a healthy diet with the best supplements to produce Bengals on the larger side. There is always the possibility of them being bigger or smaller.
-
Are parents on premises?All parents are on premises and available upon scheduled cattery visits.
-
Are your breeding cats kept inside or in outdoor enclosures?All of our breeders are kept indoors either within our personal home and/or their personal indoor cattery. When the weather is good we will take them out on "leashed" walks, outdoor activities, and restaurant trips.
-
How long have you been breeding?We adopted our Bengals in 2021 and decided to breed our gorgeous babies in the summer of 2022. We do not plan to breed often as our Queens & Studs are our beloved pets. Our goal in breeding our bengals is to keep each litter unique, special, and intimate. We are focused on the bond between the human companion and their beloved pet. To do so, we have chosen to be strictly a small and intimate cattery that only breeds a selective times out of the year with the soul purpose of raising bengals with beautiful personalities like their parents.
-
Do you allow Cattery visits?Yes, visits are welcome so you can meet the parents and the kittens. You can look, but you can't touch. Under no circumstances will the kittens be held. These policies are in place to prevent injury, disease, and stress on our kittens and breeders. We ask you to please wear clean attire, remove your shoes and use the rubbing alcohol provided before and after visits to protect our kittens and breeders.
-
How much do Bengals cost?Bengal kittens are not cheap. We encourage you to look at other breeders and the quality and pricing of their cats and then compare them to our kittens. We do not cut corners when it comes to our kittens and cats health and well-being. Purchase Info: Marbled $1,500 Spotted/Rosette $1,800 - $2,000 Breeding Rights: Stud (Male) $3,000 Queen (Female) $3,500
-
What is included with your kittens?TICA Registration Health records: Vet Exam, Vaccines at 8 & 12 weeks, deworming, FeLV/FIV Parent tested Kitten food supply "Royal Canin" 30-day pet insurance with Trupanion Generic Cat Toys Blanket with Mom's scent. Litter box & harness trained Weekly video/picture updates via Facebook group Copies of parents health testing including HCM, PRA-B, PK-DEF Parents Optimal Selection genetic tested for 40+ genetic diseases Extensive Health guarantee for first 2 years for HCM, PRA-B, PK-DEF. Lifelong Breeder Support
-
Do you sell kittens with breeding rights?We are temporarily selling kittens with breeding rights. Please send us an email to inquire about the possibility of breeding one of our kittens. Breeding Rights: Stud (Male) $3,000 Queen (Female) $3,500 For PET ONLY Kittens they must be spayed by 6 months of age with proof from a licensed veterinarian in order to receive their TICA pedigree and registration.
-
Once I have picked my kitten, how do I reserve?If you are currently on the waitlist, typically our kittens coat patterns become available between 4-8 weeks old. Once our kittens are presented to individuals on our waitlist, you will have 48 hours to place a $500 reservation fee to reserve your kitten. The remaining balance is due at pick up.
-
· Do you place kittens with a purchase agreement contract and health guarantee?Yes, all kittens go home under a signed contract from both parties with a 72-hour warranty against viral diseases and a 2-year warranty against cognitive and hereditary defects. Our kittens are guaranteed for life against PRA-b (Bengal Blindness), PK-Deficiency (Hemolytic Anemia) and PKD1 (Polycystic Kidney Disease).
-
Do you offer any discounts?We understand that Bengals can be pricey, but we are passionate about educating and introducing more people to the wonderful experience of owning a Bengal. Many Breeders have a firm Bengal price & do not offer discounts, However, we offer a small discount depending on the option that applies best to you. - Second Bengal Kitten adoptions are discounted by $200 - Military Discount: $100 discounted with proof of US service - Local Shelter Adoption: $100 discount applicable to owners that adopt a companion kitten/cat from their local animal shelter. Proof of Adoption required 4 weeks before pick up in order to have the discount applied. * Only one discount may be applied per kitten ** Discounts are not eligible on already discounted kittens
-
Can I get a refund for my $500 deposit if I decide to back out?Deposits are non-refundable and considered holding fees and are required to secure a kitten and credited towards the final sale price. In such an event that a kitten becomes unfit for sale, we will refund the deposit or transfer to another kitten. We reserve the right to cancel any sale at which point we will provide the refund for the deposit or sale. Deposits & Sale is NOT refundable if cancelled by. the buyer. We do not accept personal checks, or cashier checks We only accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. All payments must clear before pick-up.
-
Are the bengal kittens spayed/neutered before pick-up?Kittens must be spayed by 6 months of age with proof from a licensed veterinarian in order to receive their TICA pedigree and registration. If you would like the kitten to be spayed/neutered their is an additional price of $350 for the procedure & the pick-up age for the kitten will be at 4.5 months old. Unfortunately, they cannot undergo the procedure until they are at least 4 months old.
-
Do Bengals need a special diet?In short, No. However cats are obligate carnivores and evolved from getting majority of their water through their diet. Thus, we recommend a species appropriate raw diet. Below are the three pet food companies that we have used for our Bengals. There are some raw alternatives we feed as well that includes freeze dried raw. https://www.darwinspet.com/ https://www.royalcanin.com/us https://www.orijenpetfoods.com/
-
What is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) ?We test all of our kittens for PRA, PK-Deficiency, and HCM (Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) as these three disorders are common in bengals or cats in general. Below is information on PRA: Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause degeneration and atrophy or wasting away of the retina – a layer of light-sensitive cells located at the back of the eye. It can lead to a continuous decline in the quality of vision and even result in blindness. A form of retinal atrophy that is suspected to be hereditary was discovered in Bengal cats. Clinical signs usually become evident at around seven weeks and slowly progresses so that by two years of age, compromised vision is apparent. Most of these cats become blind by around three to five years of age. Some affected cats may not show clinical signs but, eventually become blindness later in life. You may become aware of this condition in your own cat when its vision becomes extensively impaired. For instance, you may notice your affected cats bump into things and also show signs of having difficulties seeing at night. Their eye pupils are usually more dilated than those of normal cats in the same lighting conditions. Cats with only one copy of the mutant gene (heterozygous cats) are known as carriers as they have normal vision but can pass the mutation to their offspring. Those with two copies of the defective gene (homozygous cats) develop retina degeneration and atrophy that progresses to blindness. The mutant DNA variant appears to be common among the Bengal breed and can be traced back to a famous lineage of Bengals from a few decades ago.
-
Understanding Progressive Retinal Atrophy "PRA" Testing:As mentioned earlier, progressive retinal degeneration in Bengals can be tested through DNA examination meant to identify rdAc. The results may take between two and seven days depending on the clinic. This is the most efficient test as compared to eye examination if you are uncertain whether the cat is a carrier. There are three possible results from the testing: A clear result which indicates that the cat does not have the rdAC genetic mutation. This shows that the cat does not suffer from retinal atrophy unless it occurs in future due to other unidentified genetic mutations. A homozygous result which indicates that the cat has two copies of the rdAc genetic mutation. In this case, the Bengal cat will suffer progressive degeneration of the retina. A heterozygous result which shows that the cat has one copy of the mutant gene and does not suffer from the condition. However, the gene is recessive and can be passed on to the offspring. The gene test is not only critical for determining the health of your cat, but it can also help identify the cats that should be bred. It is recommend that two homozygous cats not be used for breeding as they will produce offspring with the gene mutation. Two carriers are likely to produce 25 percent affected cats, while a normal and heterozygous one will provide 50 percent healthy and 50 percent carrier Bengals. The best cats for breeding, in this case, are a carrier and a normal one.
-
What is PK-Deficiency in felines?Pyruvate kinase deficiency in cats is an inherited hemolytic anemia that is passed down from parents to offspring. An affected feline has an absence of the regulatory enzyme, pyruvate kinase, which is responsible for the metabolism of energy used to create more red blood cells. Without this specialized enzyme, the body cannot make enough erythrocytes to meet the demands of the body. A feline with this red blood cell abnormality will be mild to severely anemic. The disorder is commonly seen in Abyssinian and Somali breeds. Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal recessive Alleles: N = Normal, K = PK deficiency Breeds appropriate for testing: Abyssinian, Australian Mist, Bengal, Domestic Shorthair and Longhair, Egyptian Mau, La Perm, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Savannah, Siberian, Singapura, Somali, Toyger Explanation of Results: Cats with N/N genotype will not have PK deficiency. They cannot transmit this PK deficiency variant to their offspring. Cats with N/K genotype will not have PK deficiency, but are carriers. They will transmit this PK deficiency variant to 50% of their offspring. Matings between two carriers are predicted to produce 25% PK deficiency-affected kittens. Cats with K/K genotype will have PK deficiency; severity of symptoms cannot be predicted and may be variable. They will transmit this PK deficiency variant to all of their offspring.
-
Are your Bengals carriers for PK-Deficiency?All of our breeding queens and studs are N/N, so they are not carriers of the disorders nor are they carriers.
-
Do you have any Bengals available?We only plan to breed each queen 2 times per year which means we will likely only have 4 litters each year. Our Bengal's are like family and we prioritize their health & peace of mind above all else. With that being said we will have the "Available Kittens" page updated on our website every week to ensure you are kept up to date with available kittens. However, we do breed for several different colors, patterns and markings which range in popularity. Please contact us to get a better idea of how long it might take to get the Bengal you have been dreaming about. I would also like to add that purchasing a Bengal kitten is like adding someone to your family and if you are seriously interested in buying a purebred Bengal kitten it is well worth the wait.
-
How do I know when kittens are available?1) The best way is to be added to our waiting list, allowing you to be the first to know and choose when your turn comes ($500 reservation deposit required). 2) The second way is to subscribe to our newsletter. It’s free and you will receive an email as soon as new available kittens are posted on our website. 3) Follow @lifeofbengals_ on instagram for daily updates or check the "Available Kittens" page on our website.
-
How can I get on your wait-list?I require a non-refundable deposit of $500 to be added to my wait-list. I also require your mailing address, personal phone number and email address for my records. You provide this information by applying for a kitten on our"KITTEN APPLICATION" page.
-
When I adopt a kitten that has already been named on your website, can I change the name?Yes, of course! You can choose a new name or decide to keep the one we gave him.
-
What does the status of each kitten mean?Status Guide: ​ Available Means that the kitten is available for adoption On Hold Means that we are waiting for a deposit within 24 hours Under Evaluation Means that we are giving the kitten some time to develop more to see if its a keeper for our breeding program Reserved Means that the kitten is not available anymore, deposit has been placed Keeper Means that the kitten will be staying with us for our breeding program
-
What enrichment item should I buy for my new kitten before he/she comes home?Enrichment items are key to a happy Bengal. You want to be sure you have the time available to play with your Bengal daily, as they are a high energy breed. We recommend the following items: Cat wheel Wall mount cat shelving Cat trees Scratching Posts (HIGHLY recommend to avoid scratched furniture) Plenty of Toys Filtered Running Water (Fountain Water) Finally if available, we also encourage a safe outdoor catio for your cat to enjoy fresh air and sunshine! Bengals are very social and do well with other high energy type breeds, so a potential playmate might be good to consider depending on your lifestyle.
-
Cat Lady Subscription Box: 10/10 Recommend!We have tried several pet subscription boxes, but none have come close to the Cat Lady subscription boxes. The boxes treat you the owner & your fur baby to the cutest items imaginable! These monthly boxes come with unique & exclusive cat lady items that include: Cat Themed shirts Jewelry Home Decor Accessories Art Cat toys & more!!!!
-
Do you offer Microchipping for your Bengals?This is another item we HIGHLY recommend for all animals. The company we work with is "Buddy ID". For an additional fee we can provide your Bengal with their microchip before pick-up. The chip is smaller than a grain of rice . It is bio-compatible and safe. It is located on the back, deeply under the skin between the shoulder blades.
bottom of page