Kitten socialization starts with the breeder

We do our very best to produce consistent, excellent temperaments. Most of the alleles responsible for the genetic inheritance of temperamental traits have not been identified. However, we do know through experience that the parents must be carefully paired to produce the best personalities. Bengals get a bad reputation sometimes. Bengallily is dedicated to bringing Bengals into the world that will change those stereotypes. 

The first few weeks of a kitten's life is a time of rapid neurological growth. We handle the kittens daily for short periods of time in a variety of positions, tickle their toes, expose them to different temperatures and textures associated with humans. Eventually this leads to higher stress tolerance and capacity to bond with its human family. 

Have you ever seen a cat in a car that was so terrified it threw up or tried to jump out the minute you opened the door?!  We take our kittens on several car rides at an age when they are more likely to accept change and see that riding in the car can be fun!  Kittens practice riding in carriers and in our laps.  

Kittens are frequently fitted with a harness here so they more readily accept it when they come home with you! Bengals make excellent adventure cats. Whether you plan to take your cat on a short outing or hiking in the mountains, your Bengallily Kitten will have a head start with our socialization program!

Kittens are taken on outings to stores or shows while still in our care to meet new people and experience new places. Not only does this allow them opportunities to socialize, it increases their stress tolerance and adaptability when presented with new situations. 

Bengals love water but usually on their own terms. It’s important to expose kittens to having to be bathed especially if they are going to be show cats. We start by putting a little bit of warm water in the tub with some toys and playing with them.  Next time we add a bit more water and eventually they get an actual bath. 

For a cat who has never seen a dog it can be a terrifying even dangerous experience. Many of our clients already have dogs. Our gentle Giant Schnauzer "Kaiya" meets kittens after their first vaccines at a critical age window when they are not as afraid of dogs.  This way it happens in a controlled and calm environment.  The less fear a cat shows, the safer the initial interaction can be because the dog's prey drive is less activated. 

Think of all the different noises, smells and textures in your home. We will expose your kitten to hundreds of different stimuli before they leave here. Just a few examples of what your kitten will have been exposed to are dishwashers, vacuums, washing machines, dogs barking, loud kids, carpet, wood floors, music, rabbits, chickens, other unrelated cats and the outdoors. 

Contrary to popular belief, kittens will be better adjusted and happier if they go to their new home at 14 weeks rather than taken away from their mother too soon.  This is due to the fact that cats are naturally solitary animals as adults and those first 3 months with their mother and littermates is the best time for a kitten to learn cat on cat socialization, body language, boundaries and good behaviors.  We also need that extra time to expose your baby to as many different stimuli and experiences as possible to prepare them for your home. Most Kittens are spayed and neutered at 12 weeks old so those last two weeks are also for healing.