Hi,
We have a 10 yr old snow bengal, but she came without papers (probably dodgy pedigree) and her personality is not typically bengal. She's not vocal, doesn't leap around much, doesn't play with water and is very calm, sweet and affectionate. She got on really well with our other full pedigree bengal, but sadly he died a few years ago - he was very lovely, more "bengal" and quite full on.
We would like now like to get a kitten and would love advice on which breed to go for.
Would another bengal be best, even though our girl isn't very bengal-ish?
Boy or girl?
Any other recommended breeds?
I considered ragdoll until I read they shed loads of hair and often get poo on their fur - so we probably prefer not long-haired!
Preferably not too talkative (some chat is fine but non stop miaowing would drive me potty!).
Needs to be ok with kids/busy household (our pedigree bengal was actually fine with kids).
I do prefer the look of bengals, ocicat, egyptian mau, singapura, burmilla, abyssinian, chartreux but not the more "extreme" oriental look - which of these are less vocal?
I know whatever cat we get will be lovely, but it can't hurt to aim for "a good fit" for us and our cat.
I'd love to hear your views.

If you've had a male bengal before and they got on why not a male bengal again this time? or do you fancy another breed? realy can't help on the breeds you have mentioned i'm afraid. i'd try googe and type them in and read up as much as possible.

There's only one breed surely

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http://www.elmstarbengals.co.uk



Our darling Foxy is now at Rainbow Bridge. R.I.P. little one, you'll always be loved.

I've got bengals and British, both get on well together. My bengals are very vocal though, although you do get used to it. No chance of a lie in for me, when they are hungry the whole street knows about it

I would reccomend a BSH, they are very sweet and loving and great with other pets and kids.

Just wondering though, if your cat has been alone for a few years , how do you think she would take to another cat?

Ragdolls are semi longhaired and only occasionally get pooh in their fur - it's certainly not something that happens every day!

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving

thank you for replies! yes, we are worried about how she will take to a new kitten. We are hoping she will ultimately enjoy the company, but of course it may take time, or not work out at all. Worst case scenario is we have to rehome a kitten, which I really hope we wouldn't have to do. She has coped with stranger cats breaking into our house quite well and her nature isn't too touchy so hopefully we'll get there.
I did rather fancy another girl but maybe a neutered male would be better?

I think we were lucky with our bengal boy as he wasn't too crazy/noisy!

Hiya just to say that none of my bengals play in water, infact I dont really know anyones who do, but they dont run away when taps are on they like to drink from them, just as my moggy & siamese cross do! Not all are vocal either!

Never heard or ragdolls pooing on fur some cats can whether long or short hair!

What about a cat that is laidback but playful? A norwegian forest? Or a BSH? or Burmese? oriental? maine coon? burmilla? or another bengal?? (can you tell I am reading your cat magazine!!)

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Go for an early generations Burmilla - very pretty, far less vocal than a Burmese or Mau or a "normal" Burmilla. Not that I am at all biased or anything

Liz

thanks for all the replies!

Sorry to be thick but I'm not sure I understand what "early generation" burmilla means?

I think I'm going to rule out the long haired breeds (even though some are absolutely gorgeous)!
BSH - after bengals, I think I'm after that slightly slimmer look!
I think it's between another bengal, ocicat or egyptian mau to satisfy the wild look bug or burmilla because they look so lovely and sound like they have nice personalities.

Even though I have had a bengal, the write ups for bengals sound terrifying - is there a lot of exaggeration out there?

Who knows about ocicats or egyptian maus - especially compared to bengals? Which do you think would suit family life better?
And again, any ideas on which are less vocal?

Oh, and another question - can anyone recommend a cat show where I might see these breeds under one roof? Can a complete novice like me just turn up and look around??

Well their is the suprmeme show at the nec next saturday ?

GCCF Supreme Cat Show

After about 1 pm it is open to the public

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Jemahan Tinkerbell's Magic