Q: Is bengal hypoallergenic?
The answer is not precise, but it seems that Bengal has no or little protein contained in its saliva that causes allergies. This would be due to his wild ancestor. There is also the secretion of sebum that can cause allergies. So unfortunately, it is wrong to believe that Bengal is 100% hypoallergenic. However, many testimonials collected from people with allergies to cats who have a Bengal as a living companion indicate that they do not have allergic reactions to them. The best way to know if Bengal will cause you allergy symptoms is to come and spend some time with us and our cats to see if you will have any reactions.
Q: Is it true that Bengal loves water?
Yes, the Bengal cat loves water! He inherited from his ancestor leopard cat of Asia this attraction for this one. Do not be surprised if your cat comes to find you in the shower or in your bath. Many enjoy boat rides and swimming at the beach or at the pool. Also you will often see your Bengal tapping in his bowl of water. So, you should preferably opt for a bowl that is difficult to spill.
Q: What is the life expectancy of my kitten?
The life expectancy of a domestic cat that stays inside the house is more or less 15 years. Those who live or go outside have a much shorter life expectation. Because they are at risk of catching diseases, parasites, accidents, getting lost or being stolen. So, to protect your kitten you will have to accompany it in its outings. It is wrong to believe that a cat that does not go outside is an unhappy cat. A cat is happy and fulfilled if his environment allows him to be entertained.
Q: Why does my cat have a microchip?
The microchip is a small device that is put under the skin of the kitten's neck. This makes it possible to identify the cat by a unique number. If the cat is lost or stolen, its owner can be contacted through the microchip of the cat when it will be found.
Q: How many kittens are in a litter?
For the Singapura generally 2 to 3 kittens and for the Bengal from 3 to 6 kittens.
Q: Should I have the vet see my other cats before my kitten arrives?
Yes, if you have other cats at home they should have a veterinary examination and screening for:
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). This incurable virus destroys the cat's immune system, causing cancer and deadly infections. It is spread by saliva, urine and other body fluids. This virus is relatively common in our regions. At first, the cat may appear to be healthy and normal, but it is contagious for other cats.
Feline immunodeficient virus (FIV). Also known as feline AIDS. This virus will also attack the cat's immune system and predispose the cat to cancer and fatal infections. It is transmitted in the same way. All our cats are negative for FIV and FeLV.
Q: What is PK deficiency?
Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency) is a genetic disorder that causes hereditary hemolytic anemia that affects Abyssinians, Somalis, Bengals and some short-haired cats. Unfortunately, in recent years, it has been discovered that the disease also affects Singapura. It is very important that all breeders do the required tests before producing offspring, otherwise kittens may be affected by PK deficiency. All cats in our cattery are tested negative for PK deficiency.
Q: What is progressive atrophy of the Bengal retina (PRA-B) and PRA-CEP290 at Singapura
Progressive atrophy of the retina is a loss of the receptive cells of the eye. The loss of these cells begins around the age of 7 weeks and continues slowly. The vision of the cat will be very affected by this deterioration of the cells, the majority of the cats will become blind towards the age of two years.
This eye disease is caused by a genetic mutation. Both parents of a kitten must carry this mutation for the kitten to be affected. All cats in our cattery are tested negative for PRA-B and PRA-CEP290.
Q: what is the HCM?
It is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is a hereditary heart disease found in many cat breeds including Bengal. The disease is manifested by thickening of the heart muscle. Some cats with HCM will be able to live a good life, but many will die. There is no treatment to cure the disease and the HCM greatly reduces life expectancy. To date, there is no genetic test that can detect HCM in Bengal. Only a cardiac ultrasound performed by a veterinary cardiologist can detect the warning signs of the disease. As the disease can manifest at any age, conscientious breeders test all their breeding cats each year to make sure they are HCM negative. Affected cats are removed from breeding programs. For now, this is the only way to not transmit the disease.
The Singapura is not known to be a breed attacked by the CMH, but by prevention, we test each year our Singapuras and our Bengals.
Q: Should I have only one kitten?
Singapura: are you away from home more than three hours a day? The Singapura tends to put up with being alone for long periods. You should think of taking two kittens, unless you already have other pets (cat, dog) at home. Singapura is very attached to its masters.
Bengal: Bengal is a very social cat, but he can remain alone of greater period. On the other hand if you are absent more than eight hours a day it would be better to have a companion (cat or dog). Plan during your absences an attractive environment; a cat tree placed in front of a window, toys, etc.
Q: Why are kittens spay / neuter at a young age?
Kittens recover faster from surgery than an older kitten and usually are ready to leave for their new family in the same week for the Bengals and the next week for the Singapuras. Clients like the fact that they do not have to pay for the surgery and this saves them many visits to the vet. It is best to have the kitten spayed / neutered before the age of six months before the kitten reaches sexual maturity. This helps to eliminate unwanted behavior of territory marking, and also to eliminate certain health problems. At Khaleesys, we prefer to assume all the risks related to all surgeries and to avoid to our customers all the possible inconveniences which can go up to the death of the kitten during the surgery. Also, studies show that spaying / neutering kittens at a young age has no negative impact on their health, development or behavior.
Q: Why wait twelve weeks for Bengal and sixteen weeks for Singapura before receiving my kitten?
There are two major reasons: health and socialization. The kitten receives antibodies via the breast milk, then following the vaccination that the kitten will receive at 8 and 12 weeks, it will develop all the necessary antibodies for a good health. The kitten will have less risk of developing diseases. The kitten's childhood is very short and needs a balance during the socialization period. We can not separate kittens from their mother or other kittens too soon. The mother has to educate them, too fast a break could cause behavior problems. Our work as a breeder is very important during this period. We need to make sure that each kitten gets all the tools he needs to have a fulfilling life when he leaves us for his new family.
Q: Which litter do we use?
We use hardwood pellets, the same as those used for pellet stoves. It can be bought in supermarkets. Since we use them, our kittens no longer have rhinitis, coryza and watery eyes caused by the dust contained in conventional litter. You can change the kind of litter if you do not want to use the wood pellets. Your kitten will adapt well to the change.
Q: What is my cat's diet?
In Bengal, high quality, high protein, high energy is required and also grain and gluten free food is required. Grains and gluten cause diarrhea in Bengal. We must also control the quantity it receives. There are several options available to you.
At Singapura, we must also give a food of superior quality. Singapura has no intolerance. A greater variety is offered to him.
Whether your kitten is a Bengal or a Singapura, we will guide you.
Q: How do I know if the Bengal or Singapura cat is purebred?
It must be registered with a recognized association such as CCA, TICA, CCC or ACFA, etc. If there is no paper, chances are the cat is not purebred. Pay attention to fraudsters! Same thing, be careful if the asking price for the kitten seems like a bargain.
Q: How to choose your breeder?
First, find out about the breed of cat you are looking for. You will be able to ask the right questions to the breeder. Search the sites of feline associations (TICA, CCA, CCC, ACFA, etc.) to find a breeder. Contact the breeder to start a discussion, do not hesitate to ask him questions. A breeder must be transparent and clearly answer your questions. Ask to visit the cattery and see the cats if this is possible for you. A visit to the breeder will tell you a lot about it. Go see the web site and the breeder's Facebook page, you will find a lot of information or not ... Listen to your instinct!
Q: Does Bengal and Singapura lose hair?
Hair loss is minimal in Bengal and moderate in Singapura. A brush stroke each week and a quality diet will greatly reduce the loss of hair.
Q: Why do not we declaw the kittens?
Declawing is an amputation. This surgery is an amputation of the third phalanx of each cat's finger. This surgery is now banned in several countries. In Canada, there are more and more veterinarians who refuse to do this and it is only a matter of time before it is banned.
It is now useless to make this intervention to his cat, several options and alternatives are available to you. Cats do not destroy furniture and do not hurt people who are informed and educated about the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
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