Before your Bengal kitten arrives
For more in-depth knowledge regarding all things Bengal, read our Blog! It includes information like: how to introduce your kitten to your home or new pets, what you should know before visiting the Vet, does gender matter, what determines quality, how to choose your Breeder, and many more! Please also visit other online resources, including this comprehensive guide about pet safety, which includes chapters on food safety for pets, pet-proofing, and natural disaster prep for pet owners.
http://www.expertise.com/home-and-garden/pet-safety-guide
http://www.adtsecurity.com/resources/pet-safety-guide/
Prior to bringing your loving Lap Leopard Bengal kitten home you are going to want do get a couple things. First, you will want to pick up a cat carrier which will be useful throughout the life of your Bengal. We also suggest setting up a pheromone diffuser at home which will help calm both the transitioning kitten and any other pets present. The diffuser should be set up days before you pick up your kitten and it is recommended to use one diffuser per floor and replace the refill once a month. Comfort Zone is an excellent choice and there is also a spray applicator which is great for specific areas like your cat carrier or car.
Picking up your Toronto Bengal
When you pick up your Bengal kitten it will have already received the first round of core vaccinations and deworming medication. You will need to bring a small cooler with an ice pack to store your kitten’s second and third round of core vaccinations and additional deworming medication that will be given to you when you arrive. The vaccinations will come in two vials for each dose and you will need to dump the liquid from one vial into the powder in the other vial and gentle swirl the liquid until the powder is mixed in well. These vaccinations are intra-nasal and can be applied by you at home by placing half in each nostril at the 12th and 16th week. Expect some level of sneezing for the first couple of days after application and the possibility of a slight fever as the kittens immune system is activated. If your kitten acts sickly by being too sleepy and/or not eating than you should take your kitten to the closest animal hospital, although complications due to vaccinations are very rare and even less so for the new intra-nasal kind.
Bringing your new kitten home
Your kitten will come litterbox trained but be aware there will be a transition period in which the kitten must become use to your home environment so do anticipate a little retraining. Keeping the initial living space small and litterboxes close will help facilitate. Dr. Elsey’s Kitten Attract litter was used to initially train your kitten. It is recommended that you use this Kitten Attract Litter until good litter box habits are established, a month or more. Once established, you can gradually switch this litter out with a natural litter.
If you do choose to feed your kitten different food, do expect a short period of loose stools while the kitten’s digestive tract becomes familiar with the new food. Your kitten will be used to being handled and being in a home environment with children but do expect your kitten to be initially cautious or timid in his/her new environment. Given time and space, your kitten’s natural curiosity should eventually lead him/her to explore your new home and become comfortable. This transition time period is different for every kitten.
Feeding your Bengal
Cats are naturally carnivores and Bengals are more so due to their ALC hybrid roots. Therefor you should feed your Bengal only dry and wet food that is high in protein and grain-free. There are several brands in the market that fit these 2 crucial criteria’s. Wet food is essential and helps with hydration. Dehydration due to a dry food only diet will stress the Liver and lead to a domino effect of problems.
Cat Litter
A good natural litter that you can switch to after initially using Dr. Elseys Kitten Attract is: The World’s Best Cat Litter – Multi-Cat version with Lavender oil. Clay litter is not desirable because it is nonabsorbent , creates dust that coats lungs, is harmful to swallow which curious kittens can do, and is hard on the paws. Corn cob litter is the better alternative because it is safe for kittens to swallow, is virtually dust free, it can be easily scooped since it clumps, it absorbs waste and odors well, and the sand-like consistency doesn’t hurt their paws. We recommend one litterbox (covered or not) per 2 cats placed in a quiet area. Your kitten’s litterbox is currently being scooped twice daily. Cats don’t like using dirty litterboxes, so we recommend scooping them at least once daily and completely replacing the litter once monthly. Plastic heavy duty litterbox liners make that job easier as well as keeping the actual litterbox clean and sanitary.
Cat Exercise Wheel
We strongly recommend having plenty of toys readily available for your new kitten. Bengals are very active and require plenty of toys to “keep them out of trouble”.
Because of how much energy Bengals have, an exercise wheel is an excellent investment. Every Bengal we have runs on our wheel, the kittens start using it once they can climb in! It is a great way for them to stay in shape and provides entertainment for them throughout the day while you are away at work. Wheels have been shown to curb bad behaviors and give you a happier Bengal.
Cat Tree
We suggest also investing in a cat tree for your new kitten which most come with built-in irresistible sisal scratching posts. They are relatively inexpensive and last a very long time. Bengals especially love residing in high places and hammocks. Cat wheels are also wonderful options to stimulate your Bengals.
We highly recommend having a cat tree that’s at least 3 feet tall with at least one level useable for a place for the cat to sleep. They will scratch and play and sleep on them. They recognize them as their own ‘special place’.
They should be located in a place that the family occupies frequently, in a lower traffic area (ie. a corner of a room vs right beside a busy hallway) and having it located near a window where they can bask in the sun is always a bonus!