Bengal Dilemma

[Meekie]

I have a friend who's very well-off financially and tends to impulse buy. Last month he decided to get a cat. This surprised me because he's not really a cat person. Well, he got a cat alright. A Bengal kitten. And as I suspected, he now realizes he made a mistake. He offered her to me, for free.

My first thought was No, because I'd rather get a rescue. I've always wanted a black cat and the rescue groups are full of them around here. But he wants to sell her on Craigslist. I won't allow that. So, in a way, she's already in the rescue system.

It's useless to try to get him to find a more responsible home for her because that takes work and commitment. He's not really an animal person. He means well, but he doesn't understand. The simple solution would be for me to take her, BUT......

I wasn't planning on getting a cat any time soon. As I explained in "Afraid to get Another Cat", I want to wait a few months. My beloved Aniki just died and now is a bit too soon (I think). Plus I need to save some money. Caring for a cat with chronic kidney failure is expensive. Blood tests for senior cats are $300 where I am, and prescription diets are expensive. Money is very tight. If I take the Bengal, she will need a spay before the year's end.I need to spend a couple months NOT paying for k/d and vet bills. On the other hand, I could conceivably do it.

I don't know if he got papers with her. And because he got her from Craigslist, who knows? She could have a preexisting condition. He only paid $1,000 for her.

Also, I didn't really want a kitten. They're too crazy. The way my head is right now, I"m not sure if I want to wait two years for her to stop bouncing off the walls all day and night. Still, I could cope. I met her and we clicked. Believe me, I know cats. I felt it. I think we both did.

But here's the problem that is hardest to rationalize: I need to move. I can't afford this apartment anymore and I hate the neighborhood. I have no prospects. I want to get out of the city, but I'm on a fixed disability income and finding something will be difficult. I'm just beginning to explore possible options but it will probably take a while. Bengals need space. I would be fine with a getting a lazy old man cat and moving into a tiny apartment. Or even a room. But not with a Bengal. The only positive here is, as I said, I'm just beginning to explore options. The cost of living will be much cheaper almost anywhere I go. I've already gotten an offer to relocate to South Carolina, but that's unlikely for reasons I won't go into here.

Part of me says that if I try hard enough, I can find something. But that's not a guarantee. If I were to adopt a Bengal, I would need a guarantee that I could always take care of her properly.

The only option I have now is to foster her and rehome her myself. That way I can be sure she gets a good home. And if I do it independently, it can also be a test run to see if I can handle a crazy kitten.

Reading this over, I see plenty of reasons not to adopt her. But I really do want her. I just spent fifteen years caring for an incredibly nervous feral, a handicapped tabby, and a FIV cat. I deserve an awesome cat. But then again, any cat I end up with will be an awesome cat.

Thoughts?

 

[Maurey]

He should give the cat back to the breeder, as he’s most likely not allowed to give the cat to anyone, much less sell it, legally. If the breeder is reputable it would’ve been in the contract he signed to get the kitten. If the breeder isn’t reputable, I’d be wary taking in a poorly bred Bengal. They can have pretty bad heart (life limiting) and temperament issues when not bred by a very experienced ethical breeder.

 

[Meekie]

I never considered that. I just looked it up and they're illegal here.

But as far as I'm concerned, this is about the cat. I don't want her going back to a breeder who likely sees her as revenue and will sell her to anyone who has the $$$ regardless if they might be a good home or not. This is New York, where they hardly enforce laws. This city has gotten so crazy I doubt anyone would care. But I have to consider this nevertheless. What if I couldn't find a vet that would take her?

Just called my vet. The receptionist asked "What's a Bengal?" I explained that they were an exotic breed and were illegal in New York. As soon as I said "illegal" she cut me off and said "No, no, no".

What would happen if I just brought her in? Would they turn me away?

As you can see I'm doing everything I can to avoid the reality of this situation.

 

[Maurey]

Rehoming is done for free by any ethical breeder, so they wouldn’t be double dipping for money. The breeder, if ethical, is in the best position to find a good home for their kitten, even if they weren’t able to get it right the first time. Breeders are definitely more stringent if one of their kittens gets returned for whatever reason. If, again, they’re ethical.

Bengals are legal in New York as long as they’re at least 5 generations away from their wild ancestor. You must have paperwork to prove this if the cat looks anything like a Bengal. Rosettes or marbled pattern, and their general head and body shapes are a dead giveaway. If there’s no paperwork, that’s a backyard breeder, and the cat might even be a moggy. If it’s obviously a Bengal and you don’t have paperwork to prove that it’s legal, you may end up in a bad position.

 

[Meekie]

Thank you. I will find out about the paperwork.

 

[Maurey]

Have your friend check his contract, too, if he has it.

 

[Meekie]

Will do.

 

[tarasgirl06]

I have a friend who's very well-off financially and tends to impulse buy. Last month he decided to get a cat. This surprised me because he's not really a cat person. Well, he got a cat alright. A Bengal kitten. And as I suspected, he now realizes he made a mistake. He offered her to me, for free.

My first thought was No, because I'd rather get a rescue. I've always wanted a black cat and the rescue groups are full of them around here. But he wants to sell her on Craigslist. I won't allow that. So, in a way, she's already in the rescue system.

It's useless to try to get him to find a more responsible home for her because that takes work and commitment. He's not really an animal person. He means well, but he doesn't understand. The simple solution would be for me to take her, BUT......

I wasn't planning on getting a cat any time soon. As I explained in "Afraid to get Another Cat", I want to wait a few months. My beloved Aniki just died and now is a bit too soon (I think). Plus I need to save some money. Caring for a cat with chronic kidney failure is expensive. Blood tests for senior cats are $300 where I am, and prescription diets are expensive. Money is very tight. If I take the Bengal, she will need a spay before the year's end.I need to spend a couple months NOT paying for k/d and vet bills. On the other hand, I could conceivably do it.

I don't know if he got papers with her. And because he got her from Craigslist, who knows? She could have a preexisting condition. He only paid $1,000 for her.

Also, I didn't really want a kitten. They're too crazy. The way my head is right now, I"m not sure if I want to wait two years for her to stop bouncing off the walls all day and night. Still, I could cope. I met her and we clicked. Believe me, I know cats. I felt it. I think we both did.

But here's the problem that is hardest to rationalize: I need to move. I can't afford this apartment anymore and I hate the neighborhood. I have no prospects. I want to get out of the city, but I'm on a fixed disability income and finding something will be difficult. I'm just beginning to explore possible options but it will probably take a while. Bengals need space. I would be fine with a getting a lazy old man cat and moving into a tiny apartment. Or even a room. But not with a Bengal. The only positive here is, as I said, I'm just beginning to explore options. The cost of living will be much cheaper almost anywhere I go. I've already gotten an offer to relocate to South Carolina, but that's unlikely for reasons I won't go into here.

Part of me says that if I try hard enough, I can find something. But that's not a guarantee. If I were to adopt a Bengal, I would need a guarantee that I could always take care of her properly.

The only option I have now is to foster her and rehome her myself. That way I can be sure she gets a good home. And if I do it independently, it can also be a test run to see if I can handle a crazy kitten.

Reading this over, I see plenty of reasons not to adopt her. But I really do want her. I just spent fifteen years caring for an incredibly nervous feral, a handicapped tabby, and a FIV cat. I deserve an awesome cat. But then again, any cat I end up with will be an awesome cat.

Thoughts?

My reason for adopting has ALWAYS been need: 99.999% of the time, because they need me, and the remainder, because I had just lost a beloved cat and needed to adopt another cat. I would never take on more than I could responsibly and lovingly deal with, but in your case, right now, this cat needs a loving home. I can say that several black cats, longhaired and shorthaired, have graced my life and I have always considered them the most beautiful, elegant, and stylish. I've never adopted a "purebred" cat and never would unless the cat was in a crisis situation and I could provide the lifetime loving home needed. And yes, ALL cats are "awesome" cats.
There are "Breed rescues" in many areas. You could do a search to find out if there are any in your friend's area, if you want, and then provide him with that information. Kittens tend to get adopted a lot more than adult cats, and "purebred" cats generally, ditto.
How old is this kitten? In some locations, there are still reduced/no-cost spay/neuter programs. That would be something to search, too, if you're thinking of adopting. Kittens weighing over 2 pounds are considered candidates for spay/neuter.
I couldn't and wouldn't presume to make your decision for you. But these are some things to consider/investigate before you decide.

 

[Meekie]

I haven't seen my friend since he made the offer via email, so there's a lot I have to ask him.

Yes, this cat (Her name is Maple) needs a loving permanent home, but as you said, she'll probably get adopted quickly. Thanks for noting the breed rescues. I was afraid some rescue groups might not take her because of her breed. And any communication with the rescue group or prospective owner will be done by me. My friend is a good guy, but you really need to have your heart in it 150% when you're placing a cat.

My dreams of owning her are fading, but that's ok because I'm confident I'll find her a good home. Deep down, I was a bit troubled by the idea. And I think giving it some time and saving some money id the most responsible thing to do, I'm really set on trying to find a black cat. Hopefully a male because I want to name him Duncan. When I'm ready, I'm sure my next cat will find me.

 

[tarasgirl06]

I haven't seen my friend since he made the offer via email, so there's a lot I have to ask him.

Yes, this cat (Her name is Maple) needs a loving permanent home, but as you said, she'll probably get adopted quickly. Thanks for noting the breed rescues. I was afraid some rescue groups might not take her because of her breed. And any communication with the rescue group or prospective owner will be done by me. My friend is a good guy, but you really need to have your heart in it 150% when you're placing a cat.

My dreams of owning her are fading, but that's ok because I'm confident I'll find her a good home. Deep down, I was a bit troubled by the idea. And I think giving it some time and saving some money id the most responsible thing to do, I'm really set on trying to find a black cat. Hopefully a male because I want to name him Duncan. When I'm ready, I'm sure my next cat will find me.

That's the way it's almost always worked with me, too. Sometimes I'll be grieving a loss and someone will show up, or I'll get a call from a friend about someone, like I did about Elvis. Or there will be someone at the vet, as happened with Rani. I was grieving my loss of my beloved Simba and my sweet black shorthaired rescue Sun, who was FIP+, was in for his regular innoculations and checkup. The vet tech told me she'd found 2 kittens and adopted one. Did I want to see the other one? No, not really, I said, but Simba's spirit spoke to me and told me to take a look. I did. Her spirit told me to take this kitten home and give her the love I'd given her (Simba) so I did. We had 19 amazing years together and as Simba's personality was extremely loving and concerned, so was Rani's.
Wherever you are, kitten season is here or almost here. You will be absolutely sure to have a lot of black kittens AND adult cats to check out. Duncan is out there. I can't wait to see him!

 

[Silver Crazy]

I applaud you for your knowledge about Bengals and what it takes to have one.
So many people impulse buy them for their looks and dont realise the package that comes along too.They are a delight to own and pure fun as long as you have the time and environment suited for them.
There are a few Bengal rescue groups and they should be able to place the cat into a perfect home.

 

[Meekie]

I applaud you for your knowledge about Bengals and what it takes to have one.
So many people impulse buy them for their looks and dont realise the package that comes along too.

This is why I don't want him re-selling her on Craigslist.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. I wouldn't recommend your friend go back to the original breeder. Didn't you say the cat was purchased for $1,000.00 on Craigslist. If it was me, I would take the cat and rehome myself. Bengals are energetic. I kind of have a feeling this kitten isn't above an F5 if that, so you don't have to worry about the cat being illegal. Most people can't tell the difference between a tabby and a bengal. I wouldn't worry about anything as far as finding a veterinarian or finding a place that will allow the kitten. I do think that if you wait to long your friend may rehome the kitten while you are deciding what to do.

 

[Meekie]

Hi. I wouldn't recommend your friend go back to the original breeder. Didn't you say the cat was purchased for $1,000.00 on Craigslist. If it was me, I would take the cat and rehome myself. Bengals are energetic. I kind of have a feeling this kitten isn't above an F5 if that, so you don't have to worry about the cat being illegal. Most people can't tell the difference between a tabby and a bengal. I wouldn't worry about anything as far as finding a veterinarian or finding a place that will allow the kitten. I do think that if you wait to long your friend may rehome the kitten while you are deciding what to do.

That's what I would like to do. I doubt he'd go and return her after I asked him not to.

 

[Meekie]

Okay, so he doesn't have papers for her. So who knows where she came from of if she was properly bred.
Thankfully, if I chose not to take her, he has someone else lined up. A cat person. So no, he's not going to re-sell her to some stranger.

As a plus, I'm going to be kitten sitting for her while he goes away for two to three weeks. He lives to far away for me to be able to stop by twice a day to feed and medicate her (intestinal parasites) so I am going to bring her here. Otherwise, he would have boarded her.

Will this be a test run? Probably not. Since her heritage is a mystery, what are the chances she might have heart trouble? Can imaging tell if there's a problem? As you can see, I'm looking for any reason to justify adopting her.

This is the only picture I have of her but once I pick her up, there will be more.

As you can tell from her eyes, it was taken at the vet's.

 

[tarasgirl06]

Okay, so he doesn't have papers for her. So who knows where she came from of if she was properly bred.
Thankfully, if I chose not to take her, he has someone else lined up. A cat person. So no, he's not going to re-sell her to some stranger.

As a plus, I'm going to be kitten sitting for her while he goes away for two to three weeks. He lives to far away for me to be able to stop by twice a day to feed and medicate her (intestinal parasites) so I am going to bring her here. Otherwise, he would have boarded her.

Will this be a test run? Probably not. Since her heritage is a mystery, what are the chances she might have heart trouble? Can imaging tell if there's a problem? As you can see, I'm looking for any reason to justify adopting her.

This is the only picture I have of her but once I pick her up, there will be more.

As you can tell from her eyes, it was taken at the vet's.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW. Scared. Pretty little girl! Maple is a beautiful name, too.

 

[goingpostal]

Poor scared looking kitty! As far as heart issues, a real obvious murmur or enlargement would be able to be seen by a regular vet but a cardiologist would be the only one able to see more detailed concerns, they are harder to find and tend to be fairly expensive, $500-600 is what I've been quoted asking around me, your area might be different in costs. I have a byb early gen Bengal and she does have heart enlargement showing already at age 4. Vetting you would likely just want to visit one out of the city or state where they are banned, or find one you really trust but that and housing would concern me. Hopefully she will find a safe place to land, be it your home or another.

 

[Meekie]

My friend knows how engaged I am with this situation and will not settle for a less than perfect permanent home for her.

I can't do it. Before I heard about Maple, I had my heart set on a big black cat. The rescue groups around here are full of them and while browsing the sites, I fell in love with all of them. SIlly as it may sound, whenever I consider keeping the bengal, I feel like I'm betraying some sweet, homeless black cat somewhere. "I want a BLACK CAT" has been my mantra for years.

As I said, my friend has another person lined up for her if I don't take her, and I know this person will provide for her properly. So, as long as that doesn't fall through, Maple is set.

 

[tarasgirl06]

My friend knows how engaged I am with this situation and will not settle for a less than perfect permanent home for her.

I can't do it. Before I heard about Maple, I had my heart set on a big black cat. The rescue groups around here are full of them and while browsing the sites, I fell in love with all of them. SIlly as it may sound, whenever I consider keeping the bengal, I feel like I'm betraying some sweet, homeless black cat somewhere. "I want a BLACK CAT" has been my mantra for years.

As I said, my friend has another person lined up for her if I don't take her, and I know this person will provide for her properly. So, as long as that doesn't fall through, Maple is set.

Excellent. Keep us informed on Maple, please...and on that BIG BLACK CAT in your future!

 

[Meekie]

Will do. I pick up Maple on Sunday. Currently kitten proofing. It's a big job! She's a jumper. And to think I had an empty 20 gallon aquarium on the top of the hutch in my spare room!

Aiming for a male black cat so I can name him Duncan, but anyone who steals my heart will do.

I'm thinking that after Maple leaves (maple leaves...get it?) I will be ready for my new cat. I thought I should wait a while until I get over Aniki, but I've gradually been having more good days than bad. It just might be real soon!

Plus, if I can handle a maniacal bengal in here for three weeks, then I can adopt a kitten instead of an older cat. But again, I will probably choose whoever needs me the most.