Pet passport Scheme re Bengals / Wild Animal Act 1976
Bengals in the UK - DEFRA have recently added the following to their website re Bengals. This will clarify the position for Bengal breeders intending to import Bengals into the UK.
Bengal cats of F5 status and beyond (F6 etc) are permitted to enter the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme. These animals do not require CITES documentation to enter or move around the European Union. Owners bringing a Bengal cat into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme should ensure that their animal complies with the rules of the Scheme and that it is accompanied by a certified pedigree certificate, e.g. one issued by The International Cat Association (TICA), showing the animal’s parentage.
This Act regulates the keeping of certain kinds of dangerous animals as pets. Licences are required for any animal which appears on a schedule to the Act.
The ‘Bengal cat’ is not a true species but rather a hybrid of the domestic cat crossed with the Asian leopard cat. It is not specifically named on the Schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act but it technically falls within the l listing of all species of Felidae (i.e. the cat family) except Felis catus, the domestic cat. Its inclusion in the list of affected species has partly arisen as the Schedule pre-dates the breeding of these animals in this country.
Local authorities are responsible for licensing and enforcement under the Act, However, many exercise their discretion and regard them as domestic cats and therefore not in requirement of a licence under the Act.
Defra is reviewing the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. Last year it published proposals to revise the legislation, including a proposal that the Act’s Schedule be amended to make it explicit that Bengal cats do not require licensing. This was on the grounds that they are not considered to be sufficiently dangerous to warrant such regulation. Public consultation has taken place and we will be taking decisions on these proposals in due course.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do I look after my Bengal kitten? What do they eat?
Bengals are the same as any other domestic cat. I recommend a higher protein food for growing kittens, Iams or Hills tined or dry biscuit, mine also like the Jameswellbeloved dry food. Tuna in sunflower oil drained or spring water (not in brine) twice a week is a high source of protein (make sure it does not contain salt). HiLife do a very good Tuna for cats (nothing but Tuna). Whiskas or Felix Junior in Jelly they all love. Fresh chicken or white fish is great too. No milk, fresh water must always be down. 4 small meals a day, then around 6 months 3 meals, and down to 2 meals at around a year. You should not change the food that the breeder has been feeding for at least a month. Then only do so very slowly if you must. Keep an eye on the litter tray and revert back if they become lose. It is easy to upset a kittens stomach.
You may need to trim the kittens nails if they become too long. Just clip off the ends, if you go into the 'pink' of the nail it will bleed and be sore.
Don't over brush the coat of your Bengal, and never with a rubber brush the fur will start to come out as it is so fine. Use a soft brush or fine comb.
2. Do they get on with other cats and dogs? How to I introduce a new kitten?
In 12 years I have had no problems placing kittens with older cats, they very soon get used to each other. Bengals aren't usually worried by dogs they are very self assured and soon take over the household.
Introduce a new kitten (where there is another cat in the household) into the house by first keeping it in one room for a few days to gain confidence and get used to its new mum and dad and all the new smells, without any other animals. Let the new kitten sleep on a blanket that your other cat has used as it will transfer a familiar smell onto the kitten which your cat will recognise. Then let the cat in to meet the new kitten and try and leave them to it as much as you can. Put them in separate rooms at night for a couple of nights if you need to. They will hiss a bit for 3 or 4 days (ignore it, if you get stressed they will sense it) then when the cat realizes that the kitten is not a threat (but could be fun) they will settle and start to enjoy each others company. Make sure that you then do not give the new kitten more attention then your other cat. Throw a ping pong ball for them BOTH to run after, feed them both tip bits and before you know it they will have bonded. Make sure any existing cat in your home is vaccinated and healthy before bringing in a new kitten.
3. How big to they grow? What are their characteristics.
Males tend to be around 14lbs and females less at around 10lbs. Bengals are very active cats, they are always on the 'go' and want to join in everything from washing up to making beds. If you are looking for a passive cat don't choose a Bengal!
4. Can I let my Bengal out?
Bengals are often stolen as they are so
beautiful. Also there are many diseases out there carried by other cats
e.g FIP which is fatal and there is no vaccine in the UK. I do not
recommend that you let your Bengal out unless you have a very secure garden.
Like most cats they have little road sense.
Another way is build a small area using 3'x 3' or 3' x 6' wire panels on paving
or concrete (so it can be washed down with bleach solution every so often) This
is extremely easy and can be attached to the house or free standing. You
will also need to screw the base into the concrete/paving. The
panels can be bought from larger pet shops (panels for bird aviaries) quite
cheaply, if you are going to stain and treat them, make sure the material is
suitable for pets. Then your kitten/cat can enjoy the fresh air safely and
you can open the windows in the summer!
5. What do I do if the kitten produces loose stools?
Feed chicken and rice or white fish (Coley) and rice (the cheap sticky rice). Live plain yoghurt is also good. If the problem is bad or does not clear within 24hrs consult a vet as you have probably got a bacterial infection. Also your vet can sell you 'Walthams Sensitivity Control' food which is for upset stomachs. If your kitten is being sick and has diarrhoea you need to take it to the vet as it will start to dehydrate quite quickly.
6.Will the pet males Spray?
This should not happen provided the male is neutered at 6 months of age. Pet females should also be spayed at 6 month of age. Sometimes if a household has more than a couple of male cats, spraying does occur. Many vets and breeders now recommend that cats can be neutered/spayed from 3 months as they have been in other countries of the world for some time.
7. How do I clean the litter tray?
I use a diluted bleach. It kills all germs in 15 mins. Clean tray with water first then put in the diluted bleach and wash round, empty, don't rinse but dry off with a kitchen paper towel. If you have a plastic bed that should be cleaned once a week in the same way. Make sure that the tray is cleaned like this at least twice a week, more often if necessary. Food bowls should also be washed after every meal, water bowls daily, and bedding once a week.
8. What litter shall I buy?
I use corn litter or granules, don't use the clumping litter, cats and kittens can digest it and it could block their intestines.
9. How are Bengals with children?
Bengals are the same as any other domestic cat. No young child should ever be left alone with a kitten, cat, puppy or dog. If a child corners an animal or pokes it in an eye, or makes a grab for it, the child could well get scratched or bitten, by the frightened animal. Children must be taught to respect animals. After a meal the kitten must be left in peace to have a sleep. Encourage the child not to carry the animal around but to sit on the floor and let the kitten come to it. A kitten which is constantly frightened does not make a good family pet when it is an adult.
10. Do they revert to the wild? Are they friendly? What do I look for?
In 13 years I have never known or heard of any Bengal to do so. All animals should be handled from birth to obtain a family orientated, trusting pet. Therefore be careful where you buy your pets. See the whole litter and judge whether the breeder has too many animals to care for properly. Check the litter tray for runny stools, the kittens nose and eyes that they are not running. That everywhere is clean.
11. How often should they be vaccinated?
A cat needs to be vaccinated every year against flu and enteritis. FeLv booster should be given each year also if it goes outside, into a cattery or is going to be bred from or shown.
12. Do they like water?
Yes, but be careful your kitten/cat does not jump into the bath. Run the cold water first or close the door. Kittens/cats also often get into tumble driers so you need to be careful. The iron flex is another danger. Also some plants are poisonous e.g lilies.
13. What if they cry at night?
Put one of your old jumpers unwashed into their bed. Try a warm hot water bottle, some people find that the radio or TV left on also helps. They should settle in 3 to 4 days.
14. How often should I worm my kitten?
Your kitten should have been wormed before you have it. But even if your kitten doesn't go out they can still get the odd flea or worms. Your vet will advise you best, but I recommend that you worm your kitten every 3 months. Buy the worming pills from your vet. Cats can get allergic reactions from flea collars so again take your vet's advise, that is what they are there for. (Pill poppers are useful here)
15. Can I use a harness on my cat? I would like it to be able to get some fresh air.
Yes, put the harness on and leave it for 30 mins. a day while your kitten is inside playing, until he is happy about it. (Make sure the kitten cannot back out of the harness). Then attach the lead and just walk around the house, until your kitten is happy about that. Then take the kitten into the garden, but never leave the kitten tied to a tree or unattended, it could strangle or another cat could attack it. You should also vaccinate for FeLv if you are going to do this. See also number 4.
16. Pet Passport:
In my opinion it is unwise to take your pet on holiday abroad for a number of reasons.
a) Bengals get stressed easily, they don't like change. A stressed cat is
more susceptible to disease.
b) If is does wanders off it is not likely to return.
c) If the cat becomes ill abroad it could be put into quarantine here on its return until the problem is solved.
d) There are other cat diseases/illnesses abroad that we don't have over here, speak to your vet about this.
Much better to leave the cat at home and get a friend to come into your home two or three times a day and spend a little time feeding etc. If you are placing your cat into a cattery, inspect it, make sure it is really clean and that there are sneeze barriers between pens. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date including FeLv.
17. Can I breed from my pet kitten?
You should not breed from it if it was sold to you as a pet. Pedigree kittens are registered; pets are registered on the 'non active' register so that no progeny will be registered. Many breeders insist that people buying pets also sign a contract that their pet will be neutered. If however you contact the breeder and ask if they would allow the cat to be bred from, the breeder may agree and sign the necessary 'transfer' from the 'non active' to the 'active' register, but they are likely to ask for the difference in price from pet to breeder. There may be a genetic reason why the breeder wants the kitten not to be bred from, or they are not of good enough quality/type to breed on from. A breeder is more likely to agree to transfer a female than a male to the 'active' register.
18. What are F2 and F3's?
These are foundation Bengals 2 or 3 generations removed from the ALC and used in some breeding programmes. These cats are generally shy and nervous and therefore not suitable as pets in families that have young children rushing around. The cat would not be happy in this kind of environment. F2's are not needed now as we have moved on.
19. What are the 'fuzzies?'
Bengal kittens develop guard hairs around
the age of 4 weeks, which makes their spotted appearance 'fuzzy.' These
are used in the wild for camouflage. These start to clear around 10 weeks of
age.
20. Should I insure my kitten.
Vet fees can be very expensive and I
do recommend that you insure your kitten or cat. Read the conditions
carefully, some you will find only allow for a set sum per illness per year.
Make sure that if your cat does become ill that they will continue cover for
that illness in forthcoming years.
Copyright ©Gayleebengals 2006