The cost of owning a Bengal cat is largely due to the lack of many breeders of this beautiful, exotic breed in our country. The few breeders who do exist can then set prices quite freely, knowing that Bengal enthusiasts are likely to dig deep into their pockets to fulfill their dream. If money is no object for you, then you can now focus on locating the right Bengal cat breeder. What should you be looking for and what should you be particularly careful of? You can find practical tips in our guide.
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Attention to pseudo-breeders
The Bengal cat is still not as popular a breed as, for example, the British one. This has its advantages – cats of Asian origin have not yet been the target of interest for pseudo-breeders. We are unlikely to see them at car dealerships, although there is a growing number of sale advertisements on online portals, especially OLX.
Be very wary of offers coming from unregistered breeders and do not support this type of practice. Unregistered breeders treat cats just like products to be sold for profit, with no concern for their wellbeing. There are no attempts to improve the breed by weeding out undesirable characteristics or to exclude cats with inherited diseases. This puts you at serious risk of buying a cat that will not conform to the breed standard, or be in poor health, with the potential of huge vet bills to treat any medical conditions.
How to know a pseudo breeder?
Never buy a cat from a distance. If the seller claims to bring the animal to your address or wants to meet you in a parking lot, this should be an immediate warning sign. A reputable breeder will always invite potential buyers to their home, so they can show them the conditions in which their cats live. Passion for the breed should emanate from the breeder – this is a good sign.
Another factor that distinguishes a pseudobreeder from a breeder is, of course, the price of the cat. Bengals are among the most expensive breeds in the world, so people interested in purchasing a mew from this family may feel a strong temptation to take advantage of an exceptionally attractive offer. However, it is important to remain sensible. If we know that the lowest price of a Bengal cat from a registered breeder is between $700 and $1000, then encountering an offer to sell a Bengal for, say, $300 should already be a warning sign – such an advertisement almost certainly comes from a pseudobreeder.
The surest way to avoid a nasty surprise is to purchase a Bengal Cat only from a registered breeder. The breeder should give you information on which feline organization they are affiliated with. In Poland, generally only FIFe, WCF and TICA are accepted. If the breeder claims to be part of an organization that you can’t find any information about online, it’s best to look for another place to buy your cat. For peace of mind, make sure to purchase your Bengal Cat from a registered and reputable breeder who is affiliated with a recognized feline organization. This will ensure that you get a healthy, well-socialized cat that meets the breed standards.
A good breeding of a Bengal cat means only benefits for the future owner
Deciding to purchase a Bengal cat comes with an acceptance of the fact that it is an expensive breed. But don’t be tempted by suspiciously cheap offers – this could lead to a host of problems. By choosing a professional breeder, you will gain important benefits, such as:
- avoiding the risk of purchasing a cat with a genetic disease;
- obtaining valuable advice from the breeder, who knows the breed inside out;
- getting to know the parents of the cat, which will allow you to assess its character traits in advance;
- the cat will be comprehensively prepared for adoption, including being vaccinated (first series), dewormed, taught how to use a litter box, and spending enough time with its mother.
Above all, however, you will become the owner of a cat that complies with the breed standard, not only in looks but also in temperament, which will help you avoid the unpleasant (and very expensive) disappointment.
