Bengals are one of the most popular breeds of cats, but they’re also one of the most expensive. If you’re thinking about getting a Bengal, make sure you can afford them first!

If you’ve decided that it’s time for a new feline friend and have done your homework on Bengals, then it’s time to start looking for breeders in your area. Here are some tips to help:

ULTIMATE Guide to Bringing home YOUR BENGAL CAT!

Takeaways
– Research reputable Bengal cat breeders in the Chicago area.
– Consider adoption options from rescue organizations or shelters.
– Visit local cat shows or Bengal cat events to connect with breeders.
– Ask for recommendations from local cat clubs or Bengal cat enthusiasts.
– Ensure the breeder follows ethical breeding practices and provides proper care for the cats.
– Schedule visits to the cattery to meet the breeder and assess the living conditions of the cats.
– Inquire about the health guarantees, vaccination records, and pedigree of the Bengal kittens.
– Take time to bond with the kitten before making a final decision.
– Prepare your home with appropriate supplies and a safe environment for the new Bengal cat.
– Stay in touch with the breeder for support and advice throughout your Bengal cat’s life.

Table of Contents

Hint 1 – Decide If They’re Worth It

Are you looking to buy a Bengal cat in Chicago?

If so, you’ll want to know that not everyone is cut out for owning one. Bengal cats are just like any other cat breed they require love, affection and attention! However, they also have some special needs that you must be prepared for before bringing one into your home. For example:

They’re expensive. At around $00 – $1,000 per kitten and up, Bengals are one of the most expensive breeds around.*

They’re exotic. Because of their unique appearance (and high price tag), these kitties will attract lots of attention wherever they go.*

They require lots of care. Bengals need regular grooming sessions every week or two and if you’re thinking about getting two as a pair (which is a popular idea), then this is even more important because their fur gets tangled easily.

If you’re passionate about Bengal cat breeding and want to become a registered breeder, our comprehensive guide on how to become a registered Ragdoll cat breeder will provide you with valuable insights and step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the process successfully.

Hint 2 – Make Sure You Can Afford One

Once you’ve decided that a Bengal cat is the right pet for your lifestyle, it’s important to consider how much it will cost to own one. As with any other animal, costs can be high if you’re not prepared.

The first cost will likely be food and litter. Bengals are known to eat a lot due to their high energy level, so expect to feed yours at least once per day (and maybe more).

Your Bengal will also require regular veterinary care including annual vaccinations and checkups as well as spaying or neutering when appropriate (which is generally recommended for all cats).

Hint 3 – Find A Breeder

Now that you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to find a breeder. A good breeder is one who has been part of the cat association for a while and has a reputation for being honest.

They should also be willing to spend time with you and answer all your questions about the breed in general, as well as about their specific cats.

If there are any health problems that come with this specific type of kitten (like eye problems or asthma), make sure the seller takes precautions when handling them so that they don’t pass on any diseases!

When it comes to providing the right nutrition for your Bengal cat, you may wonder if Fancy Feast is a suitable option. Explore our article on is Fancy Feast good for Ragdoll cats to understand the nutritional considerations and make informed choices for your beloved Bengal companion.

Hint 4 – Remember The Birth Mother Is Important Too

The birth mother is also important. When you’re buying from a breeder, ask about the health of the birth mother and any other cats in the household.

The more information you can get, the better! The birth mother should be healthy and well cared for.

She should also be an example of what a Bengal cat looks like and behave like; this will help ensure that your new kitten has the right genes needed to produce those desirable characteristics in its offspring.

The birth mother could have some health issues or behavioral issues that may not be apparent at first glance but could affect her ability to raise kittens.

If she does she may need special care from you or another experienced Bengal owner before she goes into heat again so that she doesn’t pass along these traits to future generations of Bengals as well

Hint 5 – Get Your Bengal Neutered Or Spayed

Your Bengal will be a lot happier if you get them neutered or spayed. If you plan to keep your Bengal as an indoor cat, then they don’t need to be neutered or spayed because they won’t run the risk of getting pregnant.

However, if you want them to be able to come outside and play with other cats (and therefore potentially mate), then it’s best for their health and well-being if they’re neutered or spayed.

Benefit	Importance
Population Control	Helps prevent overpopulation of cats and reduces the number of stray or unwanted kittens.
Behavior	Can reduce aggressive behavior, spraying/marking, and roaming tendencies in Bengal cats.
Health Benefits	Decreases the risk of certain reproductive-related health issues, such as uterine infections or testicular cancer.
Longer Lifespan	Neutered/spayed Bengal cats generally live longer and have fewer health complications.
Responsible Ownership	Demonstrates responsible pet ownership by contributing to the welfare of the overall cat population.

Hint 6 – Consider Microchipping Your Bengal Cat

Consider microchipping your Bengal cat. If you have a pet, you know how important it is to keep their information up to date.

A microchip is a permanent form of identification that can help reunite lost pets with their families in the event they are separated from them.

They are tiny about the size of a grain of rice but they’re also very reliable and effective for finding lost animals, particularly cats that may not be wearing collars or tags at the time they get lost.

Microchips can be implanted between the shoulder blades or in the neck area underneath some skin where there’s little risk of infection or irritation from having such an invasive procedure done on them.

Maintaining proper eye care is essential for the overall health of your Bengal cat. Learn effective tips and techniques on how to keep Ragdoll cats’ eyes clean in our informative guide, ensuring your feline friend’s vision remains clear and healthy.

Hint 7 – Get A Vet That’s Close By And Reputable

Get a vet that’s close by and reputable. It’s easy to find a vet who is close by, but it’s also important that you get someone that you can trust.

This means checking out reviews online or asking friends for recommendations. Good vets will be able to handle any emergencies, so make sure yours has the experience and expertise for whatever may come up with your cat in Chicago, including emergency surgeries and other unexpected health problems.

They should also be able to give you advice on how best to care for your cat, whether they’re young or old and they should have a good reputation in the community!

Hint 8 – Keep In Mind Their Special Dietary Needs

You should be aware that Bengal cats have a very high protein requirement and are at risk for obesity. This means you’ll need to feed them more than other cats, but not as much as other breeds such as the Maine Coon cat.

It’s also important to keep your Bengal’s weight in check by feeding them balanced diets with controlled portions of high-quality protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber.

Dietary Needs	Key Considerations
High Protein	Look for cat food with high protein content. Opt for quality brands like Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet.
Balanced Diet	Ensure a well-balanced diet with appropriate levels of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients.
Hydration	Encourage water intake and consider wet cat food or adding water to dry food to maintain hydration.
Limited Carbs	Choose cat food with limited carbohydrates to mimic a more natural, protein-based diet.
Regular Meals	Establish a consistent feeding schedule with regular, portioned meals to support digestion and overall health.

Hint 9 – They’re Active And Need Plenty Of Exercise To Stay Healthy

Bengal cats are active and need a lot of exercise to stay healthy. They’re not afraid to jump, climb and explore, which means they need a large space to roam around in.

If you live in an apartment building or have limited outdoor space, it’s probably best to get another type of cat instead.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Bengal cats are indoor-only cats by nature they shouldn’t be allowed outside unless they’re kept on leashes or harnesses that prevent them from escaping into the neighborhood.

This is so they don’t get lost or attacked by other animals (or even other people if there’s no fence around).

Bengals can also be hard for some owners because their strong personalities can make training difficult at times some people find them too much work! However, if you’re willing to put up with these quirks and give them enough attention every day then maybe this could be the perfect pet for you!

Hint 10 – They Need Lots Of Socialization When Young. .

Like all cats, Bengals need socialization when they are young. This will help them to get used to the sights and sounds of the world around them so that they become confident animals.

However, Bengals tend to be shy in nature and may require extra time in their early years before they are comfortable with new people or situations.

To socialize your Bengal cat:

Get out there! When you’re out and about with your cat, take him along on errands or walks as much as possible; he’ll learn more about his environment this way than if he were confined solely indoors at home.

If possible, bring him along when meeting friends or family members who might have pets of their own he can observe how other cats interact with each other while also getting used to being around unfamiliar dogs (if any).

Curious about the average litter size of Bengal cats? Our article on how many kittens can a Ragdoll have offers expert insights and relevant information to help you understand the reproductive patterns and expectations when breeding Bengal cats.

Hint 11 – Get Your Bengal Cat Used To Being Brushed Every Day

Get your Bengal cat used to being brushed every day from a young age.

Brushing your cat’s fur at least once a day can help keep it clean and healthy, as well as prevent matting or hairballs. It’s also a great way to bond with your feline friend!

Hint 12 – The Heat, Fleas And Ticks Are Your Bengal Cat’s Worst Enemies

If you live in a warmer climate, you need to protect your Bengal cat from fleas, ticks and the heat. The heat can cause dehydration in cats.

Ticks carry disease that can make your cat sick or even kill them. You need to keep ticks off of your Bengal cat by making sure they stay indoors where there are fewer of them (or don’t go outside at all).

If you have a room for the kitty to sleep in at night and play during the day that is away from any windows where they might get hit by rays of sun coming through them then this would be ideal because they will be protected from being seen by predators while asleep at night or during daylight hours when they’re awake but not playing with their toys yet this way they can still enjoy all four seasons without having any problems!

Enemy	Impact
Heat	Increases risk of dehydration and heatstroke
Fleas	Causes discomfort, itching, and can transmit diseases
Ticks	Carries potential diseases and can cause skin irritation

Places To Buy Bengal Cats

Online: The internet is a great place to find Bengal cats for sale. You can find breeders that sell their kittens online, as well as pet stores, animal shelters and rescue organizations.

There are even some websites that specialize in selling Bengal cats, so you don’t have to worry about scouring the web for them yourself!

Breeders: Breeders typically have several Bengal cats available for purchase at any given time and they’ll also be able to answer all of your questions about this breed and its temperament. The best part? They’re usually cheaper than other options!

Pet Stores: If you’re looking for somewhere close by where you can buy Bengals without having to travel far away from home (and if you don’t mind paying a bit more)

Then we recommend checking out local pet stores like Petco or Petsmart not only will these businesses offer different breeds than most other retailers would

To fully appreciate the Bengal cat breed, it’s important to understand their fascinating origin. Explore our article on where the Bengal cat originates from to delve into the history and background of these captivating felines, enriching your knowledge as a Bengal cat enthusiast.

Conclusion

And there you have it! If you’re looking for a new feline family member, the Bengal cat might be just what you need. They’re smart, active, and super-friendly.

They make great companions for kids and other pets. As long as you can provide them with plenty of attention and love, they’ll be happy in return.

FAQs

How much do Bengal cats cost?

The cost of Bengal cats can vary depending on various factors, such as lineage, breeder reputation, and the cat’s quality. On average, Bengal kittens can range from $1,000 to $5,000, with show-quality or rare color variations being more expensive.

Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?

While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, Bengal cats are known to produce fewer allergens compared to other breeds. This means some individuals with allergies may experience fewer allergic reactions around Bengal cats, but it varies from person to person.

Do Bengal cats require special care?

Bengal cats have unique traits and require specific care to thrive. They are active and intelligent cats that benefit from mental stimulation, playtime, and regular exercise. Providing them with appropriate toys, scratching posts, and interaction can help keep them happy and healthy.

Are Bengal cats good with children and other pets?

Bengal cats can generally get along well with children and other pets if properly socialized from a young age. Early socialization, positive interactions, and gradual introductions are key to fostering harmonious relationships between Bengal cats, children, and other animals.

Do Bengal cats have specific dietary needs?

Bengal cats have similar dietary needs to other domestic cats. A balanced diet that includes high-quality cat food, preferably formulated for active breeds, will provide them with the necessary nutrients. Consult with a veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations for your Bengal cat.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I’m Dr. Hellen James, a veterinarian who has spent her career working with cats and has seen firsthand how important it is to understand each breed’s unique needs.

Where Can I Buy A Bengal Cat In Chicago (Find OUT)