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Original poster

Adopting a retired Bengal stud??

136 replies

LittleGinBigGin · 09/08/2019 17:04

So tomorrow I’m off to see a retired Bengal stud who’s looking for his forever home?

I’m already in love with him, what questions do I need to ask??

Any help would be much appreciated I’ve always had cats from tiny kitten ages!

Many thanks

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 09/08/2019 17:27

Read the thug cat thread - then decide if you really want a Bengal.
Is your target cat about 6 or 7 years old?

Original poster
LittleGinBigGin · 09/08/2019 17:29

Thank you I shall have a look now.

He’s 6 years old.

OP posts:
TuttiFrutti · 09/08/2019 17:33

Personally I wouldn't get a Bengal, as they can be aggressive. We know a few in our neighbourhood, and they terrorise other cats - and sometimes their owners! My friend is devoted to her Bengal but he can suddenly turn and start biting and clawing her when she's stroking him. Why would you want a pet like this?

I've had moggies (variable) and Burmese (very affectionate) but would never get a Bengal.

NotMaryWhitehouse · 09/08/2019 17:36

Awww! I know a Bengal and he's a big dope. Very affectionate, VERY noisy! They need a lot of entertaining I think, or they become very naughty. My friend's likes to get in the bath with her family.

Original poster
LittleGinBigGin · 09/08/2019 17:43

Opinions on bengals seem to be very split. Either love or hate them.

I’ve had my eye on them for a few years but never had the time for one as they are slightly more high maintenance than other breeds.

I want an older cat, I’m pretty certain we can give him the kind of home he needs. I’ve been told he’s not aggressive (obviously I won’t know more till I’ve seen and spent some time with him) and very affectionate. I suspect I will be the one who he bonds with.

OP posts:
Allergictoironing · 09/08/2019 18:04

I gather "high maintenance" is the correct term for Bengals Grin

Original poster
LittleGinBigGin · 09/08/2019 18:19

I can live with high maintenance Grin

OP posts:
Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 09/08/2019 18:26

There is a site that rehomes Bengals - there are a lot of 6 or 7 year old cats always with a terribly good reason for needing to rehome them. I have a suspicion that Bengals go bonkers at that age and become unmanageable - hence asking about the age. Good luck but Caveat Emptor!!

tabulahrasa · 09/08/2019 18:29

How has he been living up till now? Some people don’t really treat their studs like pets... which could be an issue.

twilightcafe · 09/08/2019 18:34

Good luck! We adopted a 6 year-old Bengal lady three years ago.
There were several occasions when I would have given her back gladly. She would open packets of food, chase after the children and bite you if you didn't wake up quickly enough to feed her in the morning.

Luckily we have a big garden, so there was enough to keep her entertained without bothering local cats.

She has mellowed (a bit), but we wouldn't be without her now. She definitely likes to be around us. She is VERY chatty, but we have learned to decipher her yowls; so we know the difference between Feed Me Now and I've let a mouse go in the house.

Fluffycloudland77 · 09/08/2019 18:36

Mines 10 and still races round the garden like a loon, doing vertical take offs & running off like his tails on fire.

See him then decide.

Original poster
LittleGinBigGin · 09/08/2019 18:45

As far as I’m aware he’s been living as a house cat, and just asked to perform when he was out to stud. I shall find out more in the morning.

I’m expecting him to be quite hard work to begin with, and give him lots of time to settle.

I’ve got a small study I can keep him in, and will just do the normal of going in to feed him and sit and talk to him, I will work from home for a couple of weeks so he gets used to me etc.

I’ve also ordered some shelves as they like to climb and a few -lots- of cats toys to help keep him occupied and for us to get to know each other.

OP posts:
Original poster
LittleGinBigGin · 09/08/2019 18:48

Between me and dh he won’t be left for the first 6 weeks then he will have an hour a day on his own as work will over lap.

OP posts:
Whitney168 · 09/08/2019 19:46

It would be unusual for a stud cat to be living indoors, they are not the best housemates!

How long has he been neutered for? You certainly want him to have been done for a few months before taking on a retired stud.

Has he been shown? Would suggest a relatively manageable temperament.

HappyHammy · 09/08/2019 20:51

is he neutered now?

is he fully house trained
what food does he eat
has he ever been outside
he will probably want and expect full run of the house
post us a pic when he arrives

FogCutter · 09/08/2019 20:53

There were 4 bengals in the cattery when I went to collect my cat.

I have never heard such screeching noise, from all 4 of them. I couldn't live with it tbh.

Fluffycloudland77 · 09/08/2019 21:09

You get used to the noise. If I had a moggie now I’d be poking it to make sure it was alive.

Bloodycats · 09/08/2019 21:16

I’ve never been brave enough for a Bengal but I do love how naughty they are.
Would you go for a Siamese? They are still high maintenance but less so than a Bengal.

TremblingFanjo · 09/08/2019 21:22

The Thug cat thread has a link to a Bengal rehoming site - something happens at 5-6 and/or 10-11 years old. Each description is full of euphemisms, reading between the lines Bengals seem willing to take on adults, children, other cats, dogs, traffic - good luck!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 09/08/2019 21:24

Are they charging you money for him?

They are rehoming him because he has 'retired'? So he's done his job and now what? They have no use for him?

If (huge IF ) he is what you want and you are prepared to take him on, then he is worth something . It is dangerous to give cats for free -especially feisty ones- they can end up as dog fight bait .

But I would offer to donate to a Cat Rescue so the owners aren't profiting from him, but you are showing your intention.

You'll be responsible for his food , vets bills and welbeing .
They've had his 'good' years .

Bloody sickens me to see these adverts where the animal (usually female) needs a lovely retirement home to treat and spoil her . Yeah , maybe the Breeder should be doing that eh?

Fluffycloudland77 · 09/08/2019 21:28

6 is young, he’ll still be active.

tabulahrasa · 09/08/2019 21:29

“As far as I’m aware he’s been living as a house cat, and just asked to perform when he was out to stud.”

Which would kind of pose the question of why he needs to be rehomed?...why isn’t he now just their neutered pet?

YetAnotherSpartacus · 09/08/2019 21:35

Does he spray? Plus, the idea of an intact male only performing on demand and being docile otherwise is intriguing.

phenomenalcat · 09/08/2019 21:36

I too would be surprised if he has been living in the house as stud boys usually spray - not a scent you can ever get rid of. Check his tail - if it's greasy he's got stud tail and may not have been neutered long. Are they stopping breeding? If not where are their other stud boys kept? Are they GCCF registered?
He may be fine or may be a handful who still sprays.

HappyHammy · 09/08/2019 22:17

Where are you going to get him from. Is it a charity or private breeder. You dont need a stud cat. Are you paying them any money.