Breeding Bengal Cats 101: Proven Tips & Insights For Success
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on breeding Bengal cats. Here, we will discuss the less talked crucial elements that contribute to the achievement of successful breeding outcomes. Our journey will encompass various topics, from financial planning to understanding Bengal cats’ behavior.
Breeding Bengals entails a significant responsibility, as the new breeder assumes the caretaker role for the delicate kittens’ and the mother’s well-being. The process of bringing up kittens demands a substantial commitment from the breeder. Yet, when done with care and proper knowledge, breeding can transform into a rewarding and fulfilling job, benefiting both the cats and the breeder.
Bengal Cat: A Beloved Breed
A Bengal cat is a captivating hybrid breed resulting from pairing domestic cats, notably the spotted Egyptian Mau and the wild Asian leopard cat. Despite their wild heritage, Bengal cats are considered a domesticated breed.
To ensure a harmonious blend of characteristics, Bengal cats are thoughtfully bred, often incorporating other breeds known for their pleasant personalities, should the desire for a friendly demeanor be emphasized.
Bengals have a wild appearance; their coats may have spots, rosettes, or arrowhead markings, and they have a golden sheen from their leopard cat ancestry.
They are an active breed requiring much physical activity and exercise. The Bengal is a domestic cat with physical traits unique to small forest-dwelling wildcats and a household pet’s devoted, obedient nature. As a result, the Bengal has some physical characteristics that set it apart from other domestic cat breeds.
Breeding Bengals: A Cursory Glance
Learning how to breed Bengal cats involves understanding their unique genetics and desirable traits. Bengal breeding might sound easy initially, but it is a hard nut to crack. Let’s understand why:
Breeding Bengal cats involves carefully selecting and pairing these unique feline companions to create new generations. It’s like matchmaking to create kittens with desirable appearance, personality, and health traits. Responsible breeding considers factors like genetics, health, and well-being to ensure happy and healthy kittens.
Having said the above, is it an impossible job? Definitely not! While it may sound challenging at first, it is not impossible. All it needs is commitment and dedication; Bengals are intelligent and sharp, with a personality that can be managed easily.
Factors Involved In Breeding Bengal Cats
Anyone aspiring to start Bengal breeding should consider the following.
1. Financial Considerations
Finances play a significant role, regardless of how many or few breeding cats you have. This is before you start receiving money from kitten sales. Our breeding specialists have listed their Bengal cat breeding costs in the table below to give you a clearer idea:
Start-Up Costs
Studs and Queens purchased in 2017 | $10,100 |
Entrance health testing | $3,300 |
Initial building of cattery and housing setup | $3,800 |
Total Before First Litter | $17,200 |
Basic Operating Costs | Depends on vet |
Cat litter | $480 – $960 |
Cat food | $6,700 |
Water | $52 – $85 |
Expected Medical Costs
HCM screening | $1,650 – $3,850 |
Unexpected Medical Costs | Depends on issue |
Cherry Eye | $100 |
Pyometra (emergency) | $3,500 |
Total Unexpected Medical Costs | $3,600 |
Costs to Raise Kittens
Food per kitten | $50 |
Health certificate per kitten | $40 |
Spayed/Neutered per kitten | $100 |
Optimal selection health and color test per kitten | $100 |
Microchipped per kitten | $7.75 |
Registration with TICA per litter | $15 |
Kit Pack (includes various items) | >$60 |
Total Costs to Raise Kittens | $372 per kitten (Approx) |
Other Expenses
Toys, cat trees, medical equipment, etc. | Depends on region |
Office expenses, advertising, website, etc. | Depends on region |
Yearly Profits
2017-2018 | $7200 |
2018-2019 | $8,000 |
2019-2020 | $7,900 |
2020-2021 | $12,700 |
2021-2022 | $18,000 |
Note: Please bear in mind that the cost analysis provided earlier may not perfectly reflect the actual expenses. Market prices for cat-related goods and services can fluctuate significantly based on regional variations.
2. Housing Requirements for Bengal Breeding
Bengal cat breeding requires ample space. This is because Bengals are active and agile cats. They do not like to be caged for extended periods.
Moreover, these cats need physical stimulation for their well-being during and after pregnancy. Hence, breeding Bengal cats might be the best option if you have sufficient space.
Additionally, you ought to have a location set aside for cat isolation. Imagine having sick kittens; They shouldn’t interact with your other cats because illnesses can spread quickly and cause trouble.
You might need more cattery space to use your living areas. In such cases, you should be prepared to make space for them out of your living room.
3. Medical Care and Health
Like all breeds of cats, there are specific medical issues that you should be aware of before breeding Bengals. Bengals can be prone to particular health issues like PRA-b (blindness), PK-def (anemia), and HCM (fatal heart condition). Regular tests for these and other concerns like FeLV, FIV, blood disorders, and parasites are crucial.
Expect medical surprises even with thorough research, vaccinations, and care. Breeding can lead to unexpected emergencies, diseases, and treatments. Vets may differ in expertise and attitudes.
When breeding Bengals, consider HCM screening by a certified cardiologist, which can be costly and location-dependent. Moreover, spaying/neutering is vital to prevent unintended breeding. Expenses for this procedure have risen, making responsible breeding a financial commitment.
4. Supply and Demand Factor
Both established and small-scale breeders compete in the Bengal breeding market. Standing out in a saturated market can be challenging, particularly when considering low prices from dubious sources. Beyond friends and family, genuine demand is essential.
Bengal breeding entails more than just mating cats; it also involves the moral obligation to advance the breed’s and the cats’ welfare. It’s about improving the breed and caring for the cats, not just about you.
Advertising is also tricky because of Facebook Marketplace limitations and breeder competition. This requires investment in terms of time, money, and resources. You can always use other online domains to boost your marketing.
5. Food and Nutrition
Although it’s common knowledge that animals need to eat, buying the best food is crucial for breeding males, females and raising kittens. The cheapest cat and kitten food won’t do when breeding Bengals.
The quality of nutrition also directly affects the overall appearance of your Bengals cats. Someone paying over $2000 would want a cat with an overall charming appearance.
To ensure that your Bengals are healthy and able to bear children in the right conditions, you must also be vigilant about giving them supplements or other nutrients in the right amounts.
You might need more than double your food intake and cannot leave food out all day. The same is true for kittens; they consume a lot of food and require several meals daily, even after they leave your house.
6. Cleaning and Hygiene
When breeding Bengals, people often forget to consider the cleaning factor. In the end, you play the role of a devoted cleaner. You will need to scoop frequently, especially if there are active kittens, as each adult and their kittens need their litter box.
Cleanliness is only one aspect of maintenance; hygiene is another. Preventing problems like pests and illness requires routine mopping and cleaning walls, kennels, and litter boxes. An oversight could result in the rapid spread of diseases among your cats, so being diligent is essential.
Kennels, rooms, and unforeseen messes all require daily cleaning. There will also be some dishes to do. Cleaning water bowls regularly is necessary because some cats have odd urination patterns.
7. Behavioral Aspects
Male cats spray, fight for mating with female cats and exhibit sexual frustration. Females may also spray, engage in confrontations, and sometimes go on heat shortly after giving birth. Kittens are curious, testing claws and teeth on everything.
Redirecting their behavior and understanding their inexperience is vital. Accidents, like soiling floors and furniture, are common during their learning phase.
8. Time Management
Bengal breeding is a difficult task that demands commitment above and beyond simple interest.
Our expert breeder recalls, ‘’When we got our first female at four months old, she frequently went into heat. We had to send her to a stud early to protect her health and prevent a harmful uterine infection.’’
Consequently, Bengal breeding requires patience because it involves waiting for sexual maturity, mating, pregnancies, births, and homes. It can frequently be monotonous.
Despite being considered a hobby, breeding is a time-consuming job. It may be necessary to feed kittens every two hours around the clock. Long waits and uncertain outcomes are common during emergency vet visits at odd hours.
9. Emotional Well-being
Talking with other breeders frequently involves tense debates about morals, principles, and breeding practices. Pet owners or rescue advocates may criticize your decisions, while others may choose to report you or damage your reputation.
Breeding Bengals entail significant emotional burdens. It can be heartbreaking to deal with birth complications or kitten illnesses. Caring for sick cats is upsetting, and it’s emotionally draining to rehome kittens you’ve grown attached to.
You might lose track of their development or observe them not being raised as you would like. These factors increase the already taxing role of breeding’s emotional demands.
10. Planning for Vacation
Breeding Bengals might sometimes include giving up on your personal life. Are you prepared to give up extended trips and vacations? Finding a reliable pet sitter can be difficult and expensive, especially if you have multiple cats or unpredictable situations.
A caregiver’s responsibilities must be comprehensive and must mirror your own. Breeding Bengals can interrupt your plans anytime due to their unpredictable timing, including pregnancy and other medical emergencies.
How Much Does A Bengal Cat Cost?
Bengal cat prices can vary depending on the breeder, the age of the kitten, its pedigree, and the color of its coat. However, a Bengal kitten typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000.
Expert Tips For Bengal Breeding
New breeders should seek guidance on how to breed Bengal cats from experienced mentors in the Bengal breeding community. Here are some practical tips for Bengal breeding by our team of experts.
- Health Screening: Prioritize cat health with thorough genetic tests. Nobody would want to buy an unhealthy kitten.
- Networking: Connect with fellow breeders for insights. Breeding is an evolving discipline where your success depends on continuous learning.
- Responsible Marketing: Transparently represent your Bengals through online websites. You can try a bunch of online sites.
- Early Socialization: Early exposure for confident kittens. Let the kittens learn; do not cage them for longer durations.
- Ethical Breeding Practices: Prioritize cat well-being and responsible ownership. Let your Bengals mate in a healthy environment; never force them into mating.
- Genetic Diversity: Avoid inbreeding for healthier cats. Only purebred Bengals are the ones sold expensively.
- Enrichment and Play: Stimulate with toys and activities. Active and playful Bengal kittens sell themselves like hotcakes.
- Balanced Diet and Nutrition: Provide a balanced, quality diet. This ensures their overall health and how they look.
- Maternity Care: Prepare for births, and seek help if needed. Consult your vet if you see any irregularity; do not rely on internet remedies, especially during your cat’s pregnancy.
Conclusion
As you finish reading this extensive manual, you will know what is necessary for ethical Bengal cat breeding. Educating oneself on how to breed Bengal cats involves learning about genetics, cat care, and responsible breeding practices. Remember that combining knowledge, consideration, and commitment ensures the welfare of both cats and breeders
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