Cross Breeds

BENGAL CATS > good pets? how much do they sell for in canada?

Hello! i'm looking to adopt a new kitten and am very interested in the breed bengal. i'm wondering what the temperament, size, health problems, and how much they cost when bought from a breeder in canada?

Public Comments

1. Since I don't live in Canada, I can't answer about specific pricing, although the majority in US run about $500 minimum from a reputable breeder for pet quality up to $3500 for a show quality. I have a Snow Spotted Seal Lynx Point female named Binnie. I've had her since she was 14 weeks old and she is now almost 11 mos old. I just recently got a Tricolor Brown Marble female named Marble. I've had her for a little over 1 week and she is almost 12 weeks old. They were adopted from different breeders and I can honestly say, there's a HUGE difference in personality and attitude. Marble was adopted from a breeder who, I feel, does a more thorough job in socializing her kittens and making sure they are at their best for their new home. In the week I've had Marble, I've noticed she's more affectionate, tolerant, and more obedient than Binnie. I'm not saying Binnie isn't these things but she really hates being picked up and only sits in my lap on her own terms. Whereas Marble doesn't mind being picked up unless I truly interrupted her having some serious fun and she enjoys jumping in my lap for being petted as well as sleeping. She's also quite obedient and responds on demand to me calling her name and, remember, I've only had her for a week. Binnie took time to respond to her name and only would if I was offering food. The best thing is to adopt from a breeder who is TICA registered and, preferably has more registration. Also adopt from one who shows their cats. In general, you might pay a bit more than $500 but it's worth it than paying less and getting a cat that bites and scratches you from just putting your hand near it. I really love Binnie and enjoy her company, but I notice I'm becoming partial to Marble. Not because she's a kitten, but because her personality, behavior, and attitude is what I really wanted. As far as looks, Binnie definitely overshadows Marble but Marble still has a way to go with developing her pattern. For size, Binnie is approx 10 lbs and about the size of a Shih Tzu. Neither have had any serious or permanent health problems. Binnie had ear mites and an intestinal parasite when I first got her, which is easily treated. The breeder was reluctant to reimburse me the vet bills. Marble came with an intestinal parasite that the breeder was readily willing to reimburse the vet payment. My animal's vet has said Bengals are know to have problems with hip dysplasia but as long as you get your new kitten checked within the 1st 72 hours, you should be okay. Please do LOTS of research on the breeder before settling/choosing.
2. Bengals are a very active, intelligent and vocal breed. The characterisctic chart on this website should be very helpful to you: http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/catprofile.do?id=1050 Good luck!
3. Bengals are affectionate, energetic and intelligent. They bond very closely with their owners and this can be a problem for any other cats you have! If you are away from home a lot, then maybe consider another breed, as Bengals need companionship - yours! They are medium to large sized cats - males bigger than females, typically well muscled and lean. My male is a heavier build than my female, with huge shoulders and a leopard like stance. There are many breeders in Canada - I'm from New Zealand, and many of our breeders import from there. A good place to start is the TICA website (see references below). Cost for Bengal kittens is usually $800 - $1000. You can possibly get young adult ex-breeders for considerably less (about $200), worth considering. Health wise, they are very robust, but prone to IBS (irratible bowl syndrome), which manifests as runny poos. Good quality dry food (not too high wheat content) is essential. I recommend spending quite a bit of time researching on the web about this breed before buying - learn about the Asian Leopard Cat, Egyptian Mau and what they have to do with the Bengal, what F1,F2,F3,F4 and SBT mean and the nature of hybridism (see starting reference below). As part of your research visit some cats shows or breeders and see and touch the cats - before committing yourself. Finally, note that there are competing breed options, the most obvious being the Ocicat and Egyptian Mau - these are wonderful cats too.