​Bengal Buyers Checklist

Some important guidelines when searching for your Bengal cat or Bengal kitten. Buying a Bengal kitten is a costly investment. 
Be sure you choose the right breeder. ​

These are the important questions to ask your Bengal breeder:

Ask these questions. Even if you do not buy a kitten from Registered Bengals it will still be helpful for you to have a list when you find a Bengal breeder.

If the breeder does not want to answer these questions, you should find another breeder. 

1. Is the kitten Internal Parasite free? Ask the breeder what is the parasite protocol.  Each breeder should have protocol that they use to “worm” the kittens.
2. Is the kitten Free of external parasites (fleas ticks ear mites)? Are they on a preventive program?
3. Is the kitten free from ring worm (external fungus)? This is easily treatable
4. Are the kitten’s parents FeLV/FIV tested (feline Leukemia)? 
5. Is the kitten Virus Free (herpes) and conjunctivitis free bright eyes and clear nose? 
6. Are the kitten’s parents PK deficiency Screened and PRA screened? (PK is a very serious kind of cat anemia and PRA is blindness)  
7. Has the kitten had its first age appropriate shots administered? 
8. Does the kitten come with a microchip to identify it if it is lost or stolen? We pay for a lifetime registration for your chip.
9. Does the breeder provide a deposit receipt or agreement in writing.
10. Does the breeder have a written purchase agreement that spells out specifically everything that has been agreed to?
11. Does the breeder offer a health guarantee against genetic defects? If so how long is the guarantee?  We offer 2 Year guarantee against genetic defects  and 2 years for kittens purchased as breeders.
12. If buying the kitten as a Breeder, does the breeder guarantee that the kitten is fertile or will they replace the kitten? Male and Female.
13. ​Are the Kittens CFA & TICA registered. CFA is the Cat Fanciers Association & TICA is The International Cat Association.
14. Is the Breeders Cattery CFA & TICA Registered?  (We are Bengaltime Cattery in both CFA and TICA)
15. Is the kitten well socialized?  Socialized kittens do not hiss at you and are not shy.  (Shy is a code word for un-socialized).
16. Does the breeder offer after purchase support if you need it?
17. Take a look around the breeder's house…does the breeder's home appear clean and without smell?  What is the condition of the breeding cats?  If you are not allowed to see the breeding cats or visit the home, this is a red flag.  Buy at your own risk.
18. Can you visit the breeders home and or facetime to see the kittens? Are they raised in the home or in cages? How can they be socialized if they are raised in cages... 
19. When you call or visit does the breeder need to get the kitten from a cage? Our kittens are in our home with us 24/7.
20. Proper socialization is critical! watch the kittens, do they run from the breeder? Are they "Shy"? properly socialized kittens are NOT shy.

*As a rule you should buy from breeders who test the breeding cats for PK Deficiency, FeLV, PRA and who also have a consistent worming and flea protocol .  

​If you can check off each one of these things on this list, it is a good bet you will have a healthy Bengal.  

All reputable breeders have a contract between the buyer and the seller of the kitten. When you get your Bengal you must realize that we have a large investment in your new kitten. The investment is not only monetary - A reputable breeder cares for kittens even after they are placed. Also when a breeder has a CFA and or TICA registered cattery there are standards for health and cat care which must be adhered to. 
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The contract is a legal document which spells out how you must treat your Bengal, and what penalties apply if you violate the agreement. The contract also provides you with some important health guarantees.  The Breeder and pet contracts are available in a pull down menu from the forms tab in the menu.