Welcome to our monthly blog page, for cat enthusiasts to learn and discover more about the Bengal breed!
October 2024
Bengals and playtime!
Bengals are a very intelligent, energetic, and athletic breed who require more simulation to maintain their happiness than a typical domestic cat. It is essential to provide a wide range of toys, puzzles, and boxes. Ideally you can offer toys/puzzles on a rota basis. This is a great way to prevent your Bengal getting bored of their toys and maintains enrichment. When shopping for cat toys, the obvious of small soft mice, small balls etc are the first thought but consider dog toys too. Dog toys are stronger and more durable than typical cat toys.
Due to a Bengals high energy and love to climb you must provide a high cat tower, that gives them opportunity to climb to burn off their energy. Bengals love to sleep and perch up high to watch over their ‘pride land’. The Best Bengal proof cat trees are RHR Pets UK. These cat trees are extremely strong and built to last! The best feature is that parts are replaceable, so you can simply replace a hammock without replacing the whole tree.
Bengals love to play in water and there are many great water fountains on the market. Water fountains provide great simulation for a Bengal to play but be warned I have not found a water fountain that is Bengal proof! Due to their super intelligence they want to ‘explore’ how the water fountain works, which usually results in water ever where, so be warned if you would like to provide a water fountain for fun make sure its under supervision. I prefer to offer them a running water tap!
Feathers are a MUST have toy for Bengals, they love to hunt and have an instant pull to any toy with feathers on. Feather wands are incredible for helping a Bengal burn off some of their energy and are fantastic for play time bonding with your Bengal.
Bengals love their food and get very excited when you provide food puzzle’s. Their senses become heightened to engage with the puzzle providing mental stimuli.
Cat wheels are a great way of allowing your Bengal to release their energy, especially for indoor house cats. I would certainly recommend Cazami Cat exercise wheel. Be warned cheaper/smaller cat wheels can cause health issues, they are not large enough and can cause damage to their spine.
I do think some of the BEST toys are FREE! You can spend endless hours playing fetch with your Bengal with a simple scrunched up piece of paper. Again, their super intelligence allows them to understand the concept of playing fetch. Boxes- any cat will want to explore a new box but a Bengal will hunt, climb, and destroy the box for fun, providing endless hours of free fun!
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September 2024 blog
Anxiety of a Bengal breeder!
Breeding is a roller-coaster of emotions and not for the faint hearted. If a breeder is breeding with love and passion, they will always be experiencing some worry. From ensuring all cats remain healthy, happy, fully vaccinated, up to date with parasite control, to monitoring appetite, food consumption, weight, monitoring behaviours and much more!
The monitoring of expectant mothers is particularly important, making sure they are gaining a healthy gradual weight, they are not too athletic during late days of pregnancy to cause injury, monitoring nipples are pink and healthy and that milk presenting ready for the arrival of babies.
Then the anxiety of ‘birth,’ making sure the expectant mother cat is settled and happy, knowing your individual cats’ preferences; some prefer the company and support while others may prefer to be alone and have a space to hide while birthing. If a mother cat prefers to hide, we ensure cameras are in place to watch and monitor from a distance in case intervention is needed. When mums are giving birth it’s important to make sure mum has cleaned the kitten well to prevent suffocation and that mum has successfully delivered the placenta too! A retained placenta can lead to infections and become very dangerous.
When kittens arrive, the anxiety of making sure they are active, healthy, and able to suckle. Weights need to be monitored closely to confirm they are feeding and thriving, if not tube feeding may need to be considered to help the kitten survive. The worry of monitoring mother and kittens to ensure all are happy, that mum is not rejecting her off spring, which can be a sign of illness either of mother or kittens. From the moment kittens arrive until they leave us here at Dreamstone, they are monitored constantly to ensure happy, healthy, and confident kittens are ready for their forever homes.
A special thanks to our fabulous vet, Dr Simoen who is always on hand to offer advice, guidance, and instant treatment (if needed). Knowing we have the support of a great vet does help to keep my anxiety under control!
We provide lifelong commitment to families of Dreamstone Kittens, and are always on hand to offer advice and support if needed.
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August 2024 blog
Are Bengal cats hypoallergenic?
While no cat breed is completely hypoallergenic, Bengal cats produce less dander than other breeds, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers. When something is hypoallergenic, that means it’s relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. With this in mind, yes, Bengal cats are hypoallergenic! However, if you have cat allergies, don’t assume that you will have NO allergic reaction to a Bengal. Relative to other cats, Bengals may cause less of an allergic reaction.
DO you know… You are not actually allergic to cat hair!
What you’re reacting to is actually a tiny, lightweight protein called Fel d 1. This protein is found in a cat’s saliva, urine, and dander. While cat fur doesn’t cause allergies itself, it is a key way that saliva and dander are shed throughout the environment. When a cat grooms themselves, their fur sheds, and it carries the allergy-causing protein with it. EVERY cat produces this protein, but some people have found that they seem to have less of an allergic reaction to certain cat breeds, including Bengals.
When most people pet a Bengal for the first time, they immediately feel that there’s something different about their coats. Bengals’ fur has a short silky pelt and shed a lot less than other cats. This means fewer allergens are spread around the home environment, resulting in less or no reactions.
So, are Bengal cats hypoallergenic? No cat is allergen-free, but Bengals may be considered hypoallergenic and cause less of an allergic reaction than other cats!
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July 2024 blog
Cats body language
Bengals are a very vocal breed and will communicate with their distinctive chatter if they want your attention for play or food. They are happy to ‘chat’ with their owners. You must also be mindful that a cat will communicate through body language. Examples of non-verbal communication would be a cat head-nudging, the cat is transferring its scent to you, rather than requesting to be stroked. Cats will roll on their backs and expose their stomachs, to communicate they feel safe and content, not that they want their stomachs tickled. Cats will also blink their eyes slowly to a person or another cat; to communicate they are aware of your presence and that they trust you. A cat’s tail is a good sign of body language that is used to express a cat’s feelings. A tail held high communicates confidence, curled around a human’s leg signals friendliness, tucked below/between legs shows insecurity and upright bottle brush tail shows the cat is feeling threatened. It is very important to recognise and understand these simple communications to grow the bond between you and your cat/kitten.
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June 2024 blog
Poisonous flowers & plants to our feline friends
Its important to know some common house plants and flowers can cause serous harm to our feline friends. Bengal cats are curious creatures that like to explore everything in their environment, including plants and flowers. Here is a simple list of the most dangerous and toxic plants/flowers that you need remove from your home and avoid to protect your kitten/cat…
- Lily (All varieties) in particular Lily of the Valley
- Cyclamen
- Oleander
- Foxglove
- Angel Trumpet
- Autumn Crocus
- Diffenbachia
- Azalea
- Castor Bean plant
- English Ivy
- Aloe Vera
- Sweet Pea
- Peony
- Carnation
- Poinsettia
Cat friendly plants include …
- Sunflower
- Roses
- Marigold
- Orchid
- Pansy
- Camelia
- Fuschia
- Spider Plant
- Ponytail Palm
- Polka dot Plant
- Boston F
- Sweet Potato Vine
- Venus Fly Trap
- Bamboo
- Baby Rubber Plant
Please be mindful that consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset.
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May 2024 Blog
Dreamstone Amber.
Bengals & water!
Common belief is cats hate getting wet! But not a Bengal!
Another amazing unique characteristic of a Bengal cat is their relationship with water. They love to
play with, swim in and watch water. The fascinating world of a Bengal sets them apart from other
feline friends. Their love for water originates back to their ancestors, the Asian leopard cat. Asian
leopard cats are natural swimmers, living in southeast Asia they need to cross rivers and marshlands
in their natural habitats. Bengals have inherited this natural love for water adding to their
uniqueness amongst domestic cats.
Water play can be added to your Bengals routine and helps provide mental stimulation, preventing
boredom and provides a sensory experience, keeping their minds engaged. Water play may include a
running tap, a large bowl with toys in to catch, a water fountain or even a bath time! Be warned
most cat water fountains are not Bengal proof! And can lead to large puddles in the house if not
supervised.
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April 2024 Blog
Bengal cats glitter
Do you know Bengals are the only cat breed that glitter? But not all Bengals.
Bengals are a remarkable breed and their striking appearance is one of the many reasons we
are attracted to the breed. A Bengals coat shimmers and sparkles in the sunlight like a
diamond due to a genetic gene. Not all Bengals carry the gene, but all Dreamstone Bengals
do! It is a truly remarkable sight watching a Bengals coat shimmer with glitter.
It is known that there are two different types of glitter found on Bengals: mica and satin.
The glitter gene is a naturally occurring mutation which is not harmful but adds to the
wonders of a Bengal cat.
Mica is a type of glitter that only affects the tips of the hairs. This produces a reflective
effect in the tips of the fur. Whereas Satin affects the whole hair shaft, which contains
pockets of air along their length, giving a pearlescent effect.
Glitter is a highly sort after feature in a Bengal as the glitter gene helps produce a clear
pattern and those without can develop a more ticked coated.
A DNA test can be completed to test if a Bengal carries one or both of the glitter genes.
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March 2024
Indoor vs outdoor debate!
It is a HUGE topic that requires a lot of consideration. We hope by sharing the pros and cons of this valuable debate families feel confident in making a constructive decision to help keep their fur friend safe and healthy. We trust that families giving a loving home to a Dreamstone kitten will consider all these relevant points to find the right conclusion that meets the needs of their new kitten and the whole family.
The Indoor debate
Lack of exercise– going outside accommodates healthy exercise. For indoor cats, families must consider a Cat wheel or Catio to meet the energetic needs of a Bengal.
Lack of mental simulation– this can easily lead to anxiety, depression resulting in behavioural issues. Indoor cats (particularly Bengals!) require a wide range of toys and activity puzzles to keep them mentally simulated. Its best to consider rotating toys and puzzles to help promote interaction.
Not allowing them a diverse environment to explore and express their natural instincts can lead to frustrations. Bengals love to climb and be up high, you will need to consider high shelves, tall cat trees for your cat to explore and feel content.
Require support from there owners– Many indoor cats create exceptional bonds with their humans and often rely on them for more attention than typical cats who can explore outside for socialising.
Control over food consumption and diet– You are in full control of your cats diet and food intake, outdoor cats can often be fed by neighbours.
Indoor cats can certainly benefit from a playmate to keep them occupied and reduce the risk of feeling lonely when their family is at work/school etc
The Outdoor debate
Parasites– regular prevention treatment must be applied to keep your cat protected from parasites which they can easily encounter exploring outdoors. Although it is recommended to keep indoor cats protected too!
Disease– All cats must receive annual boosters to keep fully protected against cat flu (fHV, FCV), feline panleukopenia (FPV) and feline leukaemia (Felv) Outdoor cats pose a risk of encountering other cats carrying disease.
Lost or stolen– It is now a legal requirement for all cats to be microchipped but that does not stop pet theft or your fur friend getting lost.
Road accidents– families need to risk asses their local area, traffic congestion etc to ensure risks are low of possible road accidents. You can never guarantee your cat is safe exploring outdoors.
Cats are natural predators– unfortunately Bengals love to hunt and are fantastic hunters! This does impact local wildlife!
Our conclusion
Here at Dreamstone Bengals we allow our retired cats to live freely in the family home and explore the great outdoors. We feel that risks are low in our local area from road accidents and pet theft, with our cats rarely leaving our acre of garden. Parasite control is paramount to make sure they are protected from fleas, ticks, mites and worms but this is equally important for indoor cats. Bengals are great natural hunters and yes, we have been left ‘presents’ which we do not appreciate but unfortunately this is part of an outdoor cat’s life.
Of course, all our Studs and Queens live a happy indoor life, they have access to large living areas including cat wheels, swings, climbing trees, toys and harness walks to help support their happiness. We offer a rotation of mental simulation toys to help keep their minds busy and to prevent boredom!
Theres no right or wrong answer- you must consider all the facts and risks to reflect on making the right decision that works for your fur friend and family.
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February 2024
Dreamstone Bengals uk
What are the 3 main differences between a Bengal cat and a domestic cat?
People often ask, why do we love the Bengal breed? And the simple answer is, Bengals are not your typical domestic cat. Their striking appearance, energic behaviour and magnificent intelligence makes them such a fascinating breed. Let me explain further…
A Bengals APPEARANCE
The most noticeable distinction between a Bengal cat and typical domestic cat is its appearance. Although Bengals are not the largest cat breed, they are close with most males reaching approx. 8kg, although females are slightly more petite, they are still typically larger than a usually domestic cat. A Bengal cat does not reach their full growth development until 2 years old. They have a strong muscular body structure with longer hind legs, much like their Asian leopard ancestors, which provides them with a powerful but graceful stride. Their coat resembles a wild leopard, with rosettes on a silky pelt. Most Bengals shimmer in the sunlight due to the ‘glitter’ in their fur.
A Bengals BEHAVIOUR
Bengals are the most inquisitive and curious of cat breeds. Their high energy and athletic nature requires lots of physical exercise to maintain a happy Bengal. They have an increased need for daily exercise and metal simulation. Have you heard of the ‘Zoomies’? This is the nickname given to a Bengals crazy hour of the day, where they love to burn off their energy, to race and jump. Bengals love to climb and explore high spaces; they require tall climbing trees and window perches to satisfy their urge for height. Bengals have unique personalities and tend to show their emotions very clearly. A Bengal loves to chat and certainly let you know when they want something. They are extremely loyal to their families, wait to greet you when you arrive home and make the perfect fur friend.
A Bengals INTELLIGENCE
A Bengal is regarded as one of the smartest cat breeds! They have dog like traits due to their high intelligence. You can train a Bengal to come on command, clicker train, walk on a leash, use the toilet, and play fetch! Their high intelligence means they require mental simulation, they thrive on puzzles and challenging toys. Their excellent hunting skills and curiosity of surroundings is all due to their high intelligence. Having an intelligent pet is defiantly fun!
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January 2024
Dreamstone Bengals UK
What does a life of a Bengal breeder look like?
Bengals are a remarkable breed! The creation of the Bengal cat breed was founded by Jean Mills in America. Jean had a vision of crossing a wild Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat, to create this new hybrid. Bengals have a striking beauty resembling a wild Asian leopard, their fur is like silk, covered in glitter and are a larger cat breed. Our boys range from 7-8.6kg!
We were fascinated by this new stunning cat creation and quickly knew we wanted to help develop the Bengal breed. Dreamstone Bengals was established in 2004.
We pride ourselves on importing the best bloodlines from around the globe to create our exceptional kittens. Our kittens are raised in a family home, where we have three age-appropriate rooms, each room specifically designed and adapted to cater for the growing needs of our kittens. RHR cat trees are an important element to our kitten rooms, making sure the kittens have opportunity to climb, play and burn off their Bengal energy. Bengals need to be mentally stimulated and require lots of interactive stimuli to keep them happy. It is very important Bengal kittens are well socialised from an early age due to their wild ancestor’s nocturnal instincts.
Life being a Bengal Breeder is extremely hard work as it means being dedicated to early mornings and late nights, 365 days a year. With breeding brings anxiety and anticipation waiting for the babies to arrive safely. We also have to focus on the mothers wellbeing as well as the kittens, to make sure mum is happy, content and feeding. There are lots of difficulties that can be experienced after the birthing process, for example, kittens are weighed daily to make sure they are thriving and properly feeding to get the nutrition they need to grow healthy, if not we will intervene. Sometimes this requires hand feeding a kitten/s every 2 hours throughout day and night.
Although breeding is a stressful job, it is balanced with the joy of raising kittens from birth to 13 weeks old, when they are ready to leave us. Watching them reach milestones such as starting to be weaned, watching the slow-motion play fighting around 4-5 weeks old, to their little personalities developing and confidence building. We capture their growth and development weekly on videos and photographs, which are shared with families so they have the pleasure of watching their new kitten grow until home time.
Bengals are known for their striking beauty and breathtaking, wild aesthetics, magnificent character, and high intelligence. A typical Bengal has a mischievous personality, that is intrigued by everything! They are not your typical lap cat because of their high energy levels but they certainly love a cuddle when they are ready to relax. Families do ask us, ‘How did you create a lap cat?’ as Dreamstone babies have the balance of a fun personality and loving nature because of the playtime and love received from our three children.
Bengals make the perfect fur friends with most other animals. Our Bengal cats and kittens adore playtime with our cocker spaniel and two Rhodesian ridgebacks. This helps kittens build confidence around dogs, and is particularly important for kittens joining a family with a dog. Bengals are certainly the ‘Boss’ of the dogs!
Bengals are very trainable; and have dog like traits, such as playing fetch and walking on a leash. Some of our kittens have even been trained to use the toilet! They just haven’t learnt to flush yet! We start leash training from 10 weeks old. This gives families the opportunity to continue the training and take their kittens on adventures, to explore beaches, woodlands and much more. Some of our kittens/cats even go on holiday with their families!
What character traits does a bengal have?
- Active: Bengal cats are generally very active and playful. They love exercise and are often involved in a variety of activities.
- Intelligent: These cats are smart creatures who quickly pick up new things and enjoy challenges.
- Curious: Bengals are curious cats who enjoy exploring their surroundings. Bengals are constantly on the lookout for discoveries.
- Social: Many Bengal cats bond strongly with their human family members and enjoy being be involved in daily activities.
- Energetic: No dull moments with a Bengal cat in the home. Their energy level remains they need lots of attention, playtime and mental stimulation.
- Communicative: Bengal cats can be very vocal and make different sounds to communicate with their owners.
We get to meet wonderful families and some of our Dreamstone kittens are privileged to join high profile families, jet setting across the globe on private planes to their new homes. The latest high profile family includes Jos Verstappen. Jos and family now have three Dreamstone babies.
Beware though, Bengals are addictive! We have many families that start with one Bengal baby and now have 3!
Here at Dreamstone we have our own retirement village, which includes two retired stud boys and two retired queens. Most of our retired studs and queens go to live with their offspring, which is always beautiful for a mum to stay with their baby forever but unfortunately, we are aware some of our cats will struggle to adapt to new environments and new people, so they have a family life with us. We offer all
our cats a lifelong commitment of a home with us!
Tory – Dreamstone Bengals