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Bengal Cat Breeder We hope you love our fur babies as much as we do!

As you take your new adventure home, remember these tips:

Tips to "Kitten Proof" Your Home

In most aspects, you will treat your Bengal kitten the same as any other breed. However, hybrid kittens tend to be a little more mischievous at times, the way puppies chew and get into things. You should go through your home as if you were preparing for a crawling or toddling baby.

Put away all plastic bags, as they can be chewed and cause intestinal blockage.
Remove all small objects such as rubber bands and chew-able rubber toys, ribbons and strings.
Check toys often and throw out any that are very worn or broken. Feather toys should only be used while supervised.
Lock away medications, (even Tylenol and aspirin can be fatal to a cat) poisons, and cleaning products.
Move heavy objects, vases and other valuables to an area where your kitten will not be injured and your precious possessions will be secure.
Close toilet lids and keep your kitten away from bathtubs or sinks filled with water, as he/she could jump or fall into the water without being able to escape.
Be cautious with rocking chairs, recliners and hot stove surfaces.
Make sure all small crawl spaces are blocked, floor vents included. A curious Bengal will want to explore and can get trapped where you can't reach them.
Watch when opening and closing doors (as they have been known to sit atop them), including refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers.
Always try to keep electric cords out of reach, but especially when you aren't home because kittens love to chew on them.
Check the plants you have in your home, as they could be poisonous if ingested by your kitty.

Food & Drink

It’s important that you feed your kitty the same food that’s been used by the breeder, as sudden changes in diet can lead to an upset stomach. You can change their diet over time if you wish to do so, but this shouldn’t happen until the kitten/cat is completely settled into their new home and it should take place gradually.
Always have plenty of fresh water available and don’t be surprised if your Bengal wants to play with it! A lot of cats don’t like to have water right next to their food so if you can, have it in different place.
A lot of Bengals will enjoy drinking from unusual places such as taps/faucets and even the bath tub or shower when you’re in there! A drinking fountain is ideal if you can accommodate one, the fresh flowing water encourages many cats to drink which is always a good thing.

Quarantine

Your new fur baby will likely be scared and confused due to being removed from its mother and siblings. Then, adding the travel to your home, can be an overwhelming day. Since your kitten will be stressed during this transition period, their immune system is generally weakened and they are more apt to catch a simple "bug". It is common for an adult animal with a strong immune system to carry viral strains that do not affect them, but a kitten with a weakened immune system exposed to the same virus, could easily contract the virus. So, keeping your kitten separate from ALL other pets for 2 weeks extremely important!

Take Time to Bond

When it comes to bringing your new kitty home, bigger is not better. You should start them off in a very small room where there is no place to hide. With food, water and a litter box are all easy for them to find (such as a bathroom). This also aides you in the bonding process with your new baby, since you will be able to find them easily. I recommend sitting on the floor with them, as you would to interact with a small child. If you need to lure the kitten from the carrier when he/she first arrives, feather teaser toys work wonders! Be sure you connect with him/her before introducing them to your other pets (and after the quarantine period). Once you have established your kitten's trust and affection, you are ready to extend their territory into a larger room. Then, gradually extending to the rest of the house if you wish.

Tips and Pointers

It's important to have plenty of litter boxes. A good rule of thumb is one box per cat plus one extra. Also, remind the kitten where the box is located frequently the first couple weeks by placing it inside and gently scratching a paw in the litter. It is imperative that you keep it scooped at least once every day to reduce chances of them refusing to go in it.
Behavior issues should be dealt with right away to "nip them in the bud". A great way to discourage undesirable actions (jumping onto tables, scratching furniture, biting hands, etc.) is by spraying them with a squirt bottle. It may not sound nice but I've found that a quick squirt (water only) does the trick. It is not harmful and they learn quickly when you are consistent. Always easier to break bad habits before they are formed.
A lot of Bengals learn to walk with a harness and leash with ease. They also can be taught to fetch as they are a very smart breed!
A lot of Bengals also love water, even swimming in rivers, lakes and tubs!