Meet Tas. Or Cuddles.
We can keep talking about whatever it is we are currently talking about, but I got some pics of the Cuddly Tas and thought I would share them. I'll have to meet him to know his name, but Tas seems good. As in Tasmanian Devil (Love those guys, no idea why) or Cuddles, which I also like.
His current name is, sadly, Leo. And he is currently hiding somewhere is his temporary foster home, having escaped, somehow, from his cage. Poor scared Kitty....
I saw the release forms on him. His first owner was apparently, abusive, and not at all a good home. His second (or third, it's not clear) is convinced he is an ALC, not an F1. I don't think he is, you need serious permits and such to own one of those, including two years of zoo experience. They aren't running around, and he is definitely Bengal. And definitely early generation.
And definately not happy. Poor guy.
I am waiting to hear from the women who is adopting my Girls. Now her girls, she loved the post, by the way, made her SO happy! I am hoping we can move the pickup date ahead so I can get this guy.
Early generation Male Bengals are sterile. So they need homes, and they are lovely, but having experienced F4 Bengals, I can say the general cat lover is not up to handling an F1. You must adapt your home and life to them, they aren't going to change for you. You can't change them and have to be so in tune with them and what they are feeling, and needing.
Venus is still freaky, Hans was over today and Doing Things in the Romance Room and Foster Room. She hid while he was here, but is now prowling and pacing all aroud the Romance Room, as there are a couple new things in it, and sounds of the fosters walking on the plastic. She Does Not Like It. And the fosters are leaping from throw rug to throw rug in an attempt to avoid the plastic and are hanging on the top of the cat tree. These cats like things as they are, and do not like change.
This will be an adventure, like no other. I am certain of it.
Love and Wildcats,
Lorraine
posted by FabulousLorraine @ 4:35 PM
123 Comments
123 Comments:
He looks cute!! Viva la adventure!
Cute???? He looks like something sent from the 7th leval of hell right now, hee-hee.
Cuddles.
Right.
I want to change those eyes.
Wow, he's beautiful in an "i could kill you in a blink of an eye" kind of way. Poor guy, you will be an awesome mom for him!
Dang it, forgot the checkbox...and nothing really to say. just waiting for water to boil so i can make broccoli for my boy---exciting huh?
Wow, Fablo, he looks serious. I wish I knew more animal training tricks. I couldn't do this, I must admit. For one thing, allergies, and for another, patience with animals. It's in my family, though. My younger sister is the animal trainer at the Nashville Zoo, and works with smaller wild cats and did raise a baby white tiger for a number of months before her zoo boss sold it to Seigfred and Roy in Vegas, which gave her a free trip to Vegas! But it sounds like you have all the information you need. I am nervous for you, though. Hope that doesn't sound wrong. I'm just a worrier by nature...
New post! \o/ Tas is beautiful. I hope it works out for him. I thought he looked fairly contented there-- ears forward, eyes half-closed-- but on more careful inspection his pupils are very dilated, and his back is sort of archy and tense. There's definitely a stay-outta-my-space vibe about him. Poor fella. :( Look at those spots, though! And I have to say I love Bengal noses. They have cute noses. That must be what Dan's on about: Cute Nose. Beep!
What have we all been talking about? My parents came over for a while, and then we went shopping for Dinner; then we came back and ate said Dinner in front of someQI on DVD. So that's where I was. Where's everyone else tonight?
Those eyes tell stories. What a gorgeous guy. I think he looks like his IQ is higher than mine and he could start his own blog, when he settles in you might wanna see if he wants his own laptop.
I really have to start saving for a house, I'm a cat person but just don't think it's a good idea to have a cat in my present rental situation. I couldn't bare having to give up my cat because of rental agreements.
How can someone even consider abusing such a cat. grrrrr.
I don't have all the information I need, I have nothing as of yet, barely. I know I have patience and love, but I do need more help, and anyone who has advice to give on wildcats I would love to hear from them.
He does look like he wants to kill, he is scared and alone and has no one.
He is safe now and coming to me, and his whole life will depend on what I can do for him.
Big responsibility.
Hey, CHartelle, broccili can be exciting, I am just glad there are fiends around now!
Fiendoffur you are right, you have to consider where you live. If you want to think about Bengals when you get a place, let me know. I sure as heck can give lots of advice!
Jess, what is QJ?
And what is everyone up to? We need something to narl on about.....
I love the name Tas, but I may be a wee bit biased.
I'm with Stacy. I think it's cruel to mate wild animals with domestic animals in the first place and usually the people who do that sort of thing are never the ones who clean up the mess they inflict on everyone else. Just because we can do things, doesn't mean we should.
He does tug at your heartstrings though and I hope he doesn't demolish to much.
I also have to come clean about the bees. To be honest, we have a lot of crawling things that come under the heading "insects", so I'm not overly fond of insects. I have, however, always had bees in the category of "special insects" with pretty butterflies & moths. Having said that, I read Birdchick's blog and she has made me love bees and I feel really sad that the hive lost it's queen and couldn't make another one.
Jaquib, when you work with bees, you do love them.
I may be leaning twords this is a Bad Idea, breeding wild animals to dommestic, tho I love my bengals so much and would not trade them for gold, but seeing how many end up in rescue breaks my heart.
laundry night here, just took the last load outta the dryer. Lets here it for clean socks! Soon to bed, eyes getting heavy.
Broccoli sounds really good about now, wish I had some.
DDDoooohhhh, I've done it again. I should have researched some history and thought a bit before I let my big fat fingers do the typing. Although, I knew you liked bengals. Doh,Doh,Doh.
Sorry.
(hangs head in shame)
So beautiful! So intense!
Oh the poor darling, you can see the fear and loneliness and confusion in his eyes and stance.
Growing up on our farm, we had quite a few feral cats that I sort of domesticated - and he has that look about him. he just doesn't think he can trust humans but he wants to. Does that make sense?
I hope he comes to you really soon and you can give him some of that security and affection he needs.
Jaquib! No hanging your head in shame! I do love them and am just as sure they are not a great idea. With the right people, they are the perfect pets.
But so many times they end up with people who do not know what they are getting. My first, Venus was from a horrible breeder, she is still freaky and loves only me, my second from a wonderful one, who raised the kittens in a home and loved them and took time to make sure I knew what I was taking on.
They are here and aren't going away, we need to raise awareness about these cats, and what living with them is like.
I will save as many as I can, wish I could do more.
Fiendoffue, laundry is no bad idea, I actually went out today with the object beig buying some socks and completely forgot that and ended up with other things and I now have no socks......
Dragonslly, that is just it, they want so to love and trust and are SO afraid....
My foster girls were a mess from an abusive home whe I got them and now they are so happy, happier stil when they get thier new home.
I have a feral dude who is slowly trusting me. He sleeps on my hot tub cover. And I talk to him and take him food. I am of two minds, not sure he is adoptable, never been able to touch him, and don't want to take him to the shelter, but am worried about winter, may get a house for him...
You do what you can.
I used to be a magnet for feral cat. Not so much since I've had the dogs, but before them I was always ending up with feral kitties. Tysie's father was a feral tom, her mother a neighbors non-neutered queen. Another thing I'm really big on, people nuetering their cats unless they are going to breed from them.
QI or Quite Interesting, that BBC quiz show hosted by Stephen Fry, is what I meant. Contains many Interesting and Surprising Facts about all sorts of things. It's interesting and it's funny, and frequently has Bill Bailey in. And also Rich Hall. And Alan Davies from Jonathan Creek, if you've ever seen that. It makes me happy. :)
/fluffy review
I'm with both you and Jacqui on the breeding issue, I think-- they're beautiful, and if I met one I think I'd fall in love, but I'm not sure it's a good idea that breeders keep breeding them. Not if the price is so many abandoned cats. :( I'm glad, at least, that there are people out there who can help them.
I like clean socks! Yeppers, nothing like a basket full of clean sock balls. Fully Wearable, and cats love to chase 'em.
ok, now, i like this, a BOY cat at the Spooky house.
all the girl energy over there, he wil be king of the Spooky.
how is my little furry friend Kali? she purred me to sleep the nights spent in FabLoHouse.
Danth, long hairth? I liketh. Drew, if you recall, has grown his hair out for me. I love it!
Quiche, we did not get a camera for you, and we did not do a photo session either. However, I have a very cute photo of you & Cabal at the St Paul reading...
will be posting shortly in my blog--
more soon, all...xoxo back in CA tomorrow.
Am talking to my amazing sister, typing as she speaks --- "Environment has to be really stable, not a lot to startle him, not necessarily the type to *ever* curl up in your lap. Needs lots of positive reinforcement, lots of treats to help you get through the day, try to find the triggers that upset them, but be prepared for him to flip out for no apparent reason. When dealing with a cat I (my sister) didn't raise, I always feel like I defusing a bomb I didn't assemble. "Oh no, don't cut the blue wire!!" He needs a place to call his own, his own territory. If he has his own space, give him some enrichment, but due to wildness will need to be left alone a fair amount of the time. My sister really stressed the positive reinforcement and treats. Unfortunately, it's difficult because of the wildness and the multiple owners and subsequent attachment disorders. Will use a litter box for fun, but a wild cat constantly marks his territory so this behaviour might not ever change. The marking behaviour is hardwired, no motivation to use a litter box because domestic cats naturally want to go in a place that's discreet with a certain sandy consistency because most of our cats are originally African/Egyptian cats, and do not wish to mess up too much of their territory. But Bengals are from South American cats, and the wild males constantly mark their territory, he might pick a spot but probably won't be the litter box!"
Okay, you probably already know all this but I did ask...
I know people are really against the mandatory spay/nueter laws and I have heard convincing arguments against them, but there are SO way to many unwated animals.
It is sad and cruel.
All our cats, at Bosses are rescue ferals,, generally right after college ends for the year. For 16 years, we have had so many, cats just out of kittenness and scared and lonely.
When I got my house, I decided I wanted Bengals. They were so lovely and the stories intrigued me.
I spoent $600 for one and $900 for the second.
Then I found out how many were in rescue.
I love Venus and Mim dearly, and they have a great home, but if I had known I would have got rescues instead. I didn't know how many needed homes. I do now.
Makes you think, about a lot of things.
Can't save them all, but you can do what you can.
Agaila, very very helpful, and no I didn't know a lot of it, MANY thanks.
Kitty, that's right you did take pics! Do post them and let us now when you do. Kali is well, but I think I have to many , you know you love her, Batman needs a friend! She may well be YOUR cat and not mine....
Jess, I love Stephen Fry and Jonathon Creek, so up my alley!
It's good to hear that there are good breeders around who take it seriously and aren't just in it for the money. And, of course, people like you who pick up the pieces.
When I was about 15 I used to "lurk" around girls who had horses. One of my favourite places to ride had farm cats and one was run over, leaving two 4 dayold kittens.
One kitten died pretty much straight away, but the other, a ginger, survived and mum let me bring it home.
We called an animal shelter to find out how you would look after a 4 day old kitten and it turned out not so hard after all. We bought a dolls bottle and fed it like a baby with special formula that had to be made up.
Because it was so young it had to be fed every few hours, so mum took it into the office with her. It was amazing, the rearing of this kitten became a real focus for the office and everyone wanted to help. There were playpens made as well as playing implements and there were no shortages of "kitten sitters" if mum wanted to go out at lunch time.
Sadly, we only had him a year and he disappeared and I never saw him again. He was such a friendly cat, he used to sit in the front yard and greet everyone as they walked past.
I know, it's amazing how many animals are bred for a certain reason, often costing lots of money, and then are abandoned because they don't fit what the original idiot owner wanted. Our little dog was from a small/toy dog rescue, she had been terribly abused, and now she is the light of our animal life! The first three days we had her, she hid and she bit my oldest son and growled and barked all the time and I thought, "Oh no! I have a mean dog!" but by the end of the third day she decided she loved us and when she love, she LOVES. I remember singing to her, lullabies I sang to my kids, the entire 2-hour drive home. She was so freaked out. But now, she's the best little dog. And she's brilliantly smart and totally insanely funny.
I think what you are doing is amazing and I really admire your willingness to take care of these difficult to place cats. And my sister concurred: people who have more money than sense breed these animals thinking it will be cool to have a wild animal, not realizing that the wild part will never disappear and so the idiot humans abuse the innocent animals and, oh, I just want to strangle those people! I am so ready to round up a posse right about now.
Anyhow, you are doing a wonderful thing that shows true goodness of heart.
Watch it if you can! It's fun.
I leave you with a cheerful song about the search for a leopard. Warning: contains one swearword.
Jaquib, been there done that and well done for trying, you do what you can to give each one a chance, Wish theere were more of us.
Jesss, you crack me up as useual..Where do you guys FIND these things??????
He is beautiful and damaged by his other homes to be sure. You will have the love and patience for him. That is all you can do and all he needs.
The feral that lives outside is another matter. Most often the best thing to do is to trap him, neuter and give some shots and then feed him outside and let him live the life he knows. I have found that a small igloo type dog house is a wonderful thing to put outside for a feral when it gets cold. I also use heated water bowls so that the ferals can have access to liquid water. As you have so often eloquently said, you can only do what you can and the important thing is to keep him healthy and happy and not reproducing. Not everyone wants or needs to live in the house.
I have never had an F1 bengal (or anything like it) but have had many feral cats as well as a wolf mix, raccoons, wild birds and a faun in my house. The most important thing is to be calm, patient and you will get to where you can with them. I have found that playing the radio when not home helps them get used to human voices. MPR is good for that. Then just leave him alone for a while and let him get used to smells and sounds. I have had ferals that did become tame but it has taken as long as 2 years to get them to the point of trusting me let alone anyone else.
I'm sure the rescue group and your own experience will give you what you need to help him.
Ahh, here is the new post.
The new boy looks so wary. Such a pure wild thing. There's something in feral creatures that I adore; that bit of each of us that is fierce claws and snarling in the dark. . I have a friend who's a zookeeper, and might have some advice for you.
I am thinking perhaps in the new site, we should have an actual chatroom.. Hrm.
Jess, you crack me up :)
How DO you find these all at the right moment?
Thanks Gayle, all very good advice. I feel I should trap and get the dude or girl spay/nuetered, but there is no way it will make a pet I m thinking..
You might be right Val, I do like this tho.....Here we are, chatting, and lurkers de lurking al the time..
My kitty used to sit out and soak up the attention of passing strangers as well. Lestat, he was a sweet kitty. He disappeared last year, I'm convinced he went on to a wonderful home where he's being spoiled terribly (well, he was sick but i'm going to stick to my story!).
When we do get another cat, we'll get one from a shelter or rescue society. I always fall in love w/ the black kitties w/ green eyes.
Alright, i started this post about an hour ago and then the doorbell rang and i just got back to it so i'm publishing it now!
Yeah, it is fun chatting here, too.
I'm avoiding working at the moment. Somehow, I don't have it in me tonight to do more work, after today. I found >a href="http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=117260">the coolest boots today, that I criminally need.>/a> I must bribe myself with wine to finish work tonight.
He is beautiful, and he makes me almost cry. Well...maybe not so almost.
I think his name may be Mephisto.
If Ginger and Sabrina are jumping from throw rug to throw rug, I'm thinking that he's going to be worse. I doubt the plastic feels good on paws, even without claws to get caught in it. Unfortunately, I don't have a solution to the plastic. I know I wouldn't want to have to walk barefoot on plastic sheets. And I didn't think you would be able to completely stop him from spraying.
Maybe I'll say more tomorrow, but I need to go to bed as I've only had about 5 hours sleep in the past 48 hours.
Night.
I wonder if that fake turf stuff would be an option? Probably way too expensive though.
On a totally unrelated matter....I have just watched the first episode of True Blood. I think its every bit as good as the book.
Get out DragonSally. Through which miracle of modern technology are you viewing True Blood.
how're your allergies BTW?
Oh my he IS stunning. But he IS also wild & my first gut reaction was 'he looks like he belongs in a zoo'. My prayers are with you. Wild things are just that, and no amount of anthopromorphising will change them. I'm not saying you're doing a bad thing; please don't misunderstand me; but you will need all the help you can get. My Fod; I'd be frightened for my other girls; especially Kali; she'd make a tasty a snack for that boy!
But did I mention that HE is STUNNING!!! Wow; I had no idea they could retain so much leopard. You're so right; it's heartbreaking; and as I rambled earlier; you have my prayers; good thoughts & I'd definately get your vet to give you some kitty prozak for the time being; he looks major stressed.
Oh; and I'd like to volounteer "Silas"(heehee); but Mephisto awesome too.
Just watched the latest True Blood, i'm so incredibly hooked, i love that show!
nighty night all!
hehe, I have my ways! Having friends overseas certainly helps.
Made an appointment today to see an Allergy specialist in November. By some stroke of luck, within a month.
I'm using Natures Own Triple Strength (woohoo)Garlic, C, Horseradish,Marshmallow and Fenugreek and its helping a lot. Not stopping the problem but I can cope at the moment. My GP said the reaction I had on Sat night was a really bad drug reaction that he hasn't seen for years - lucky me eh.
Goodnight Ariandalen and Chantrelle :)
or even Prometheus. Did they have names for the members of the innermost circles of hell in Dante's Inferno?
El came in & looked over my shoulder; 'Awwww, he's cute!' she says.
ok; stopping the ramble again.
Sounds awful.
It's interesting how allergies pop up. I've never been allergic to anything, I never even get hayfever. Earlier this year I developed hives. It turned out to be from Berocca!! My hangover cure of choice, which is really sad.
Apparently it's the yellow/orange colouring they use.
I like Prometheus or Sysyphus.
Oh he's SO pretty! (I know I know beautiful and terrible is probably more like it..right?;) You really can see that he's much closer to the wild cats..shape and breadth of the head. Poor scaredy Tas.
Jess, Stephen Fry has a quiz show on the BBC? I am SO there...:)
Ah crap, wasn't finished yet.
Val..those boots..Oh YEAH. They zip and everything. Docs are evil to break in but boy are they comfy after.
He is a gorgeous creature alright.
But not a Cuddles. Not even a Snuggles.
Since I thought OCELOT when I saw that first picture, I think he might be called Sir L'Ocelot or something grand like this.
And yes, FiendofFur (welcome, by the way) he looks like he might well keep a blog - and make plans to overtake (and destroy) the world too...
"Tiger tiger burning bright"
He has that "fearful symmetry" thing down, doesn't he? Even w/all the assymetrical spots (sp?)
Anyway, I was just thinking about what Ariandalen and DragonSally said, regarding the plastic. I had wondered about that ever since you said you were putting it down.
Perhaps little area rugs that can be easily washed can be put over it in places?
(right, not that the smell really comes out...but Oxyclean makes it tolerable for humans, and if he can still smell it he may not feel the need to mark it again as soon.)
In New Mexico they are big on tile floors. This house we moved into after the big move has tile everywhere except the bedrooms. My mom's semi-feral Turkish Angora has just spent the last two months in my mom's room, refusing to even come out until there were enough little rug bits to allow her non-floor contact movement.
Something about slick surfaces being untrustworthy to paranoid felines, and probably for good reason.
But oh, he is beautiful Q.
It is easy to see how you are the one to give him safe haven (but I *would* keep an eye on all laptop logins, as others have implied :))
Here, in Italy, houses have terracotta or ceramic tiles on the floor. They are easy to clean and - what's most - cool in the hot summer months. Even the cats love them when the heat is too intense. I have not noticed that they are particularly distressed by the smooth surface. They love to lounge ON things, but cats tend to do that anyway...
But tiles would be a pricey change to Lorraine's house (as well as one which is not really suitable for her cold months - which are even longer than the warm months at my end - unless warm pipping is put underneath. Which is even more costly).
Spacedlaw;
I think it is the felines who are not as far removed from wild who are more likely to avoid slicker surfaces; Angus (who came from the Addams house many years ago) is very matter of fact about it and did indeed lounge on tile in the summer's heat.
But Jezebel (the Turkish) will alternate between mewling piteously and downright Yelling at us if we move the rugs so that they are too far apart, now that she is coming out into the other rooms. Although I'm sure you are right in that tile is much better than plastic.....AND too expensive!
LOVE heated floors though, now that you mention it! And NEVER met a cat who didn't love them, too!
Yup, as soon as it starts getting warm the dogs and cat in this house lie on the tiled floors. They all have their favorite places.
One of my fellow actors in the local community theater lives in a house he designed and built with cement floors on the ground level. I thought that was only on HGTV, until we had a party at his house. Now I'm a big fan..and his german shepherd, evidently, won't sleep in any room that *doesn't* have a cement floor during hot weather! :)
Gorgeous, but so very defensive. Poor boy. I'm sure that if he can be reassured, you will do it.
Preparing to leave for work... apparently even my five-day weekend wasn't enough to restore my enthusiasm.
Beautiful feline! Does look so wary, how sad. Do you have an estimated date of arrival? I worked 9 to 9 yesterday, and am working 9 to 9 today, so was just able to skim thru the comments. We have a neighbor who is extremely irresponsible with their cats, and it infuriates me - never spays/neuters them, lets them breed yet does nothing to house/care for the kittens - and as we have a pond, the whole mess of them usually wind up living under one of our outbuildings. We had five this summer, so feral we weren't able to trap any of them - we usually try to get them to animal cruelty, and a few of the friendlier ones we have neutered and cared for here - about 10 over the last 9 years. grrr, they make me so mad...
Patience and love Lorraine! I am sure you will do well with this new boy!
Wow! Look at that coat! He's got amazing coloring. I've never seen such a nice pattern on a kitty before.
But look at his eyes, I don't think he's amused by the photo op! ;-)
Lovely, lovely, lovely!!!
Good morning, all you lovely peeps!
If you really wanted to, Q, you could lay your own tile for much less than it'd cost to hire someone-- but it'd be a couple weeks' work, and rather impractical under the circumstances. I'm thinking Lys has the solution-- lots and lots of washable throw rugs. Maybe even some of those reversible cotton bath mats, so there's something fluffy to sit on? They'd slide around, but at least there's be something there.
Yeah, Silas is a nice cat name! :) Though I don't know whether it's his. Tas seems right. He seems like the sort of cat who wouldn't fuss with long names. He'd want a short and sensible one.
So would it be a bad idea to admit that I've got a massive backlog of stupid cartoons filed away in my head? I'm a big fan of stupid internet Flash toons. It's not really a case of finding them; I already know where they are. :D
I am thinking lots of throw rugs is the way to go.
Tas is apparently still in hiding in her temp home and his caretaker thinks she knows where he is, but is not going in after him, poor guy....
Washable throw rugs -- stellar idea. IKEA's got a ton for $1.99. Hopefully Tas comes out of hiding soon.
Today, I rather enjoyed all that work I brought home last night being for nothing, as the meeting I was preparing it for got truncated. Which only proves once again that irony is the true operating principle of the universe.
Weighing in on the kitty drugs concept (which I think was alluded to a while ago) simply my own experience this summer:
Most prescriptions you can just go to the vet and get are meant to be given to the feline WELL IN ADVANCE of whatever is going to upset them or cause them anxiety (so if you are going to put them in a car and drive 400 miles at 10:00 am, you give them the pill at 07:00 am.)
Semi-wild/semi-feral kitties, even those with years of "house-living" experience, are almost never NOT at a certain anxiety level.
So there ISN'T a good time to give them a pill. This is what Jezebel taught us. And watching her try to fight off the effects was seriously disturbing.
I think the anti aniexty drug might be as bad for Tas as the stress of the trip...
I am going to send some pillows cases or a blankey the day before for him to get to know my smell and have with him in the car.
Oh, that's a great idea....having your smell there for him to get used to in advance.
Not sure you want to have him associate the travel portion of his adventure with you, however! Jezzie still won't sleep on what was her favourite blanket, because it is the one we put in the carrier (thinking it would make her more comfortable.)
If he is coming to you his luck is changing for the better. I look forward to hearing about him. You might want to give him a nice solid calm name, like Jimbo. Or Oscar, or Lou. Something human and grounded.
SO what kind of home does one need to foster Bengals? I live in the country and have too many rooms... I could foster an inside staying person, I think... Marten (shelter)and Willow (stray, and if she jumps Marten much more will be looking for home as an only kitty) would hardly approve, but they would not have to meet.
certainly trying to give it to him would be a problem; but there is; literally, kitty prosac that is not just for use before something stressful but something they take daily. it was prescribed for one of my cats who is very high strung and would urinate constantly on everything. i was afraid to give it to her because what happens when you stop? well; she is doing fine and only needed it for a short time (six months) but my vet assures me that it would have been safe to continue for her due to her amped out behaviour all the time (i accept my cats as the animals they are and they are not declawed but are spayed). she further stated that for some animals; the stress of the shot (or pills) they get is mild compared to what they are enduring so 'your mileage may vary' is the disclaimer there. You would most certainly need to consult a professional about long term drugs. I'm not trying to be argumentative & hope no offense is taken; these are just my personal experiences.
I wish for nothing but the best for the wayward boy and can't wait till he's safe in Fablo's home & getting stabilized (and much loved).
Hi LauraJ,Sounds like you might have a great home for Bengals, mostly what they need is their own room and someone to love them.
My foster co-ordinater sent a letter saying we could take in no more Bengals, the foster homes are full. And asked if we knew anyone would might want to be a foster to let her know.
Once you expirence Bengals, you are hooked, and fostering is a great way to see if they are right for you.
Not sure where you live, but if it is on my part of the world go to the Great Lakes Bengal Rescue website.
All of the reading that I have been doing about the Asian Leopard Cat says that they are nocturnal and solitary. I don't know how the rehoming will go but it seems to me that giving him lots to do and leaving him be is the best way to start this thing.
I think the washable rugs are a great idea. You could even put plastic down, buy a cheep remnant about the size of the room and then put down the throw rugs. How big is the room? I have a rug that is about 10 by 11 ft that you could have. It's pink but we don't need it anymore. Just email me if you want it.
Hey! We should do a benefit for Bengal rescue! Maybe plan it for June when Fiends can be here to help. I am good at getting people to donate things. If you like the idea I can start looking for venues. Just a thought. We could use some of the $ to tile your Bengal room.
I love the idea of a benefit, but all monies should go to the Bengal Rescue group, who desparatly needs them.
And home. They need homes, either foster homes, or people who want to adopt a Bengal.
I did plastic the room Gayle, and the walls, I am going to get a huge tree branch for him too, to climb on, and a pool with floating toys.
Hey cool, a branch and pool! Very fun for him I would think. I can look around for a venue for a benefit. I'm sure you could convince some people you know to play ;) and I have a few ideas of bands who might give us some time. Oh boy would that be fun! There is a wonderful place in Northfield but that might be too far for you. Unless I can get one of the hotels to give you a room.
Hi Stacy, just saw you snuck in. I'm kind of with you on the medicne issue. If they need it, I would give it to them, if it was something that would help. I think they biggest thing for this guy is to get to a place he feels safe, with someone he learns to trust.
Like the Spookyhaus and me.
Fods, I am tired. Long busy day, just home. I had meant to write something new, but I have nothing to say.
(which is often the case, hee-hee, but tonight I am just too tired. A little tea, and Dead Like Me and I will be good.)
No more word on my guy. Or on when the girls can go to thier new home.
News will come, I'm sure, Quiche. And good things will occur! :) A branch and a pool sound like fun-- would love to see some video of him on that.
I've just spend an hour screwing around on Goodreads, writing a review. What for? No one cares about what I thought of Joyce Carol Oates's The Museum of Doctor Moses. (The short answer is Not much fun, and the slightly longer answer is It wasn't the worst book I ever read by a long stretch, but just the same I'm glad it's over.) I should be in bed. I'm a-gonna mosey in that direction, I think.
Have a good night, all!
Oh Lorraine, he's lovely. Definitely not an ALC, his ears are too big and his nose is too broad-- he looks like my Rocky (F5) in the face (http://www.flickr.com/photos/adriennehaik/974856123/in/set-72157594548610970/)
Sad early generation bengals break my heart. They have the potential to bond so closely with people if they're given a good environment. A friend of mine has F1s who practically never leave her side. But they aren't domestic cats, they're hybrids and they're skittish and strange and generally very shy and they don't all use litter boxes properly and and and-- you're right, they aren't for the inexperienced or unprepared owner.
I have wanted an early generation boy so much, but the timing was never right when I had room in my family. Maybe one day. Of course, if they stop breeding F-cats altogether before then, that would be fine with me, too. There's plenty of variation in the bengal genetic pool at this point, and these cats are so hard to place properly.
Could you give this boy a permanent home? How old is he?
I helped place an F1 (female) who has never bonded with her new people, but her family loves her and rearranged their home so she can live amongst them happily. Sometimes that's the best you can ask for with a traumatized hybrid.
Other things I know about them: they tend to be swimmers more than just water-players like the SBT bengals (my friend's F1 takes baths with her). Quiet bonding time (you reading in teh same room, for instance) will probably be even more important than it was with JL1 & 2. Diet may be tricky, as early generation bengals are more likely to be intolerant of grain/commercial food (my Rocky is this way, actually). They are SO STRONG.
Good luck. Know that you're doing an amazing thing by fostering these cats. Thank you.
Hi Jess,
There will be video, I am sure of it! I can't wait to get this Kitty!
I need to read this review, sorry the book was so bad...
It is sort of amazing that there is this whole world of breeding that I know so little about. I find it kind of disturbing on some levels and very interesting on other levels.
Mostly this makes me think about how I want animals that are brought into the world for the pleasure of humans to be well cared for by humans. Seems like there are lots of fiends that are doing just that!
Thanks Adri! Could you ask your friend to write to me with advice on F1's? I have never had an early gen Bengal.
Interesting about diet, well, I will get him whatever he needs.
I'm also consulting with the lady who runs Thecatcoach.com who has had a lot of success with Bengal problems and early gen Bengals.
If he does bond with me, I don't think he will be leaving, it would take a really special home before I would let him go, with someone who knew what they were doing.
It is sad, these guys end up so alone. People tend to think, ah, a wild animal who will love only me, and dont' reaalize that you do have to adapt your home and life for them, not the other way around.
Mim takes showers with me, and both her and Venus love to play with the tap running.
The Fiends will save the animals, and every time one of us takes in a stray, or rescues a shelter, or adopts a lonely Bengal, or fosters someone, the world is just that much better.
Reading down through the comments, I want to interject that bengal cats ARE domestic cats 100% genetically, and for the most part they are great and wonderful pets and don't end up in rescue any more than any other active breed companion animal (see especially: terriers) or prestigious (likely to be milled) breed (see: pugs). Bengals were originally bred to try to prevent people from taking real wild animals home (tigers, leopards, lions, etc).
"early generation" "f-cats" "bengal hybrids" "foundation cats" are all names for bengal/Asian Leopard Cat hybrids that were (and sometimes still are) used to create the bengal breed and interject genetic diversity. They are not normal domestic cats and have a LOT of challenges, but can also be super rewarding pets for the right home.
PSA: If you are considering bringing a purebred companion animal into your family, consider rescue, as ALL types of purebreeds end up in rescue. If rescue isn't an option for whatever reason, please carefully consider the source of your new pet. Talk to lots of breeders, choose one who loves his or her pets, who does genetic testing, who participates in breed organizations, who keeps his or her pets in the home, who insists on a fair selling price, vaccinations, and early spay/neuter, and who doesn't wean until 10-14 weeks old.
aaaand now that I've said all of that (can you tell I'm really passionate about these cats?), a response to my first response!
Lorraine, Marilyn is great and it's awesome you'll have her advice. I'll email you and a couple of F-cat folks to do introductions. :)
Many thanks Adri! Was that your first comment? I thought I had seen you before, ah well, welcome anyway!
You are right, Bengals are cats, and are truly wonderrful commpanions.
AN early gen, or foundation kitty is not something I would recommend anyone seek out, if you haven't had any Bengal expierence. Most available Bengals are F4 or higher, and are more than enough cats for anyone lol.
This will be a challenge, one I am looking forward to. I know I have a lot to learn....
But we will have fun talking about the adventures, yes?
First response tonight, anyway. :) We've chatted before about rescue, and I've chimed in here and there on the blog as well. (I have become a /bee/ fan between you and the Birdchick :) )
Ah, thought you had!
Bees are the best. We found out today that it wasn't the illness SHarn suspected. We think the Queen died, just wasn't strong enough, and either failed and was killed, or robbers entered and killed her.
We called that hive the stoner hive, as it was SO mellow and didn't do much, hee-hee
Ms. Fabulous, I know La Birdchick was trying to figure out a timeline on the Mimiko hive and I may have some help. Neither of you mentioned any oddness, other than not enough honey to harvest, when you harvested honey from the other hives. That was on September 24, per this blog. I went and re-read the post here.
I am glad it isn't the disease La Birdchick was worried about. That sounded really nasty.
I think we're going to end up keeping the kittens that have been eating Lavender's food. Lavender plays with them, and vice versa. It's funny watching one of the kittens, who aren't so small any more, head butt this big dog and she responds back. My DH discovered that they are all male, which makes things a little easier, though we'll still get them neutered. We still need to trap them, and we have been leaving cat food out for them. The biggest problem now is a neighbor's dog, which I think is a pit bull, still mostly puppy, not neutered, who loves to chase them. He has been mostly friendly, but has also barked at us, and growled, in our yard. He's also been over and barked at Lavender (in her pen) at midnight waking up DD2, then barking again at around 2 AM. I seriously thought about loading the shotgun with rock salt. He came by this afternoon, and Lavender barked at him to go home, which he did, or at least didn't hang around here. ::sigh:: It'll all work out.
Oh, so glad you are keeping them! More rescues! Lucky guys, you did a good thing.
Perhaps the neighbour should not be letting the dog run around loose? No fun chasing kittens and waking everyone up...
Let us know when you have pictures, would love to see the little guys.
I'm glad you're thinking you might keep Tas/Cuddles Lorraine. You'll have to invest so much in his recovery (not the right word but I can't think)
Tas looks beautiful - and dangerous. I do hope he settles in well with you and is able to start recovering from the bad start he has had in life. I hope that the timings with Jungle loves going to their new home, and Tas arriving, work out well...
Ariandalen, I remember thinking the lack of honey sounded a little strange, too. I'm glad it wasn't foulbrood after all.
I thought the inside of the hive looked like the inside of that book I just finished, Q-- if you want to know what reading the book felt like... ;P
I'm glad you chimed in with all the information about Bengals and breeding, Adri-- that's changed my mind about some things, in a good way. :)
I have often wanted to shoot rock salt at people who let their dogs run loose. ;) To bad I'm a pacifist. Where do you live, Ariandalen?
I am really happy that there is so much rescue and good animal care talk here! It is just another reason I feel like this is my tribe. Rescue is always the way to go. According to the Humane Society, 3 to 4 million cats and dogs are killed in shelters each year. So many of you here do so much and it is easy to become overwhelmed by not being able to save them all. We are doing our part, and it makes me happy! Here are three quotes that I really like.
"In studying the traits and dispositions of the so-called lower animals, and contrasting them with man's, I find the result humiliating to me."
--Mark Twain
"If all the beasts were gone, man would die from loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beast, happens to the man."
--Chief Seattle
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
--Ghandi
And I am really grooving on the benefit idea. Can we really do it? I will start planning this weekend if you are up for it. It would take a long time and wouldn't happen until Spring or Summer. But I really want to. We could maybe split the $ with Bengal rescue and a spay/neuter program or something.
Morning, Fiends!
On the news of various Creatures: glad about no foulbrood; everyone's cats, feral or otherwise, probably need photos to keep them all straight in my head; best wishes to all the beasties. How is Cabal?
Today at Saltmine U. is shaping up to be a day where I narrowly escape from the pack of deadlines which has been chasing me for the last couple of weeks. I've been pulling late nights and weekends, and am pretty tired. Even on as little sleep as I need, no downtime is hard. Right. More coffee, then onward.
I'm sorry that you are working so much, Val! No down time is awful. I hope you have some time for you soon. What is it that you do when you are not painting masterpieces and writing exquisite poetry? :)
Gayle, I'm an art director at a massive state university here in LA.
Hang in there Val!!!!!!!
I am leaving soon for a four hour round trip, to drop off the Jungle Loves 1&2 with their new Mom, who is meeting me halfway.
Now that it is here, it is too sudden, I know they would be leaving, and I am SO glad of this home, it is perfect, but it's kind of sad.
Hopefully I can get Tas tomorrow night, he has been found and caged, but is really upset.
Wow! After so long it seems that everything is moving so quickly now!
Very exciting. Drive safely.
Congratulations to JL1 & 2, their new family, and to you, Lorraine, for a successful rehabilitation!
re: Tas, see if they can put a blanket over his cage if they haven't already. It will help him feel more secure and, hopefully, less anxious.
Hooray! It is sad, but they're going to a good place. They'll be very happy.
Have a safe trip!
No French this evening then, I surmise...
Well of course you are Val. I went to Cal State Hayward sometime just after the last ice age. It is CSU East Bay now I guess. I am enjoying school so much more this time around.
I hope you are having a safe trip Q! It would be great if you could get Tas tomorrow night. Not too much time for feelings of loss when and F1 arrives, I would think. Good for you for rehoming the girls!
you are giving those beauties a new life.
i came to love their shy sweet natures, and the bumping the camera with the nose, i am so glad we captured that moment.
and when the boy comes! oh yes, he will be your friend. I like the info Adri gave about the swimming and the quiet bonding time. He just needs to learn to trust you, which he will do, your intentions are clear.
working Tina Turner tomorrow w/ my Drew, will give a full report. (it's my bday the 16th)
Happy almost birthday Kitty! And I hope you have fun at the show. Are you doing anything special for your B-day?
Le chat est très beau. Est-il grand ou petit? Although he's very handsome, he does not seem to be smiling. I hope they will find him and that some day he will let his leopard defenses down.
La Prof
La Prof! I miss you and my class! Had meant to come back today, ack, this life of mine, my poor French.
Il et GRAND! Fat even! Apparently.
I will miss the girls but this is what I wanted for them, a lovely home where they would be loved, and that is where they are going.
Onto Tas..I hope I get him soon, the person who has him thinks he should wait so she can make sure he isn't sick, which I am not sure about , as there was no mention of being sick and he is obviously unhappy.
You still have to tranlate the "morning postcard" I sent you this morning...
Ah, yes, right. I have 15 minutes, perhaps I shall put it to good use...
The Flash Girls A Meaningful Dialogue just came up on my iTunes.
I was feeling sleepy and groggy and the song has me chair dancing and smiling. Thanks Lorraine!
It is such a great song!
Sorry what did you say Nathalie, I can't hear you. Why? I've got my fingers in my ears I'm goin' lalalalalalalalala...
:-D
Dude! I'm so psyched I could read Martha's French!! 4 years of High School French; didn't think I retained anything except
...er, no, la telivison; porquoi?... sorry for the spelling. Well, I remember that and the song by Manhattan Transfer. LOL
So glad the girls are going to the new mom! Whoot! Sad for you but you can see them whenever you like I'm sure.
That gorgeous creature you are getting... can't wait. Mayby just initials would be cool for him? I can't think of any cool ones; but I'm sure with the brillant minds here; there are surely some available.
Right; back to work.. :( CUSoon
opps; actually it was
"Er, no. Le regardon la television, porquoi?" (sp?)
How appropriate for teenage French. LOL
Aleta and Nathilie are cracking eachother up...Very funny...
I could read it too Stacy, mande me excited! and Martha is my French teacher (Nathilie is too, via Skype) Martha , I think is despairing of me, as I keep getting way too behind to make it to class, and am never going to get anywhere if I don't, sigh.
I love that class. And French.
Mischievous smile
Raspberries being blown.
Cheeky jackanapes!
IS that "Why watch TV?"
The cheek of you! You are just feeling superior you mad Frenchwomen because I failed to translate my postcard correctly. Got some of it tho...
You can do it. It only LOOKS difficult, which is a trick we snooty French people do to feel superior.
Actually I am pretty sure you could guess most of the content (apart from the two specific things I mentioned).
Have a safe trip Lorraine!
Fodspeed :)
I'm sure Venus and Mim will see to it that you don't pine away for the fosters - what a great success story! Can't wait to hear about the new guy.
arwen! Fodspeed. LOVE THAT
Fablo: It's "uh, no, we're watching televison, why?"
she made us say it 9000 times outloud. it does tend to roll of the tounge. course, it's French, everything rolls off the tounge.
Cheeky jackanapes! Fodspeed! Have we got the clever wordplay mojo or what? Oh yeah.
I'd like you all to know that my cat is snoring in the chair behind me right now.
Jess, I want you to know that I would like to JOIN your cat!!
Way too much work and then off to Divorce Law class......fun, fun.
morning Fiends.
I hope your long trip with J1&2 went well Lorraine, and that they are all happy in their new home. The people who have Tas at the moment need to realise that he needs you now. Poor baby, he needs his understanding human, not someone watching to see if he is sick. You can do that just as well.
Right, off for me cup of tea.
Says something that I am here before tea has passed my lips.
Hee-hee, Fodspeed ahead I say. Back from my long drive and going to do a new post....
then where is it i ask needing something to read and respond to cuz these get so long i get lost and can't keep up. Hope your drive went well and the kitties did ok. hopefully, we will hear an update on their adjustment. What a marvelous feeling to have worked with these poor little ones, and then send them off to a new and loving home. Kudos to you, my utmost admiration and respect. Hope this new boy works out as well.
Sue, no one can keep up! Part of the fun, hee-hee....
New post on the drive and birthdays and Tas is up.....
Sue, be the first comment and start out ahead for once, hee-hee...
I'm convinced "Taz" or "Cuddles" is an F1. Some photos were shared on our BCR Rescue site, before I knew he would be coming to you.
KNOW I will be "there" for you any time you need suggestions, support or encouragement. (keep my phone number handy)
F1's ARE a big responsibility - but the RETURNS are worth the effort.
Belive me, living with an F1 is a commitment, but since I live with TWO F1's and a bevy or other permanent pets, as well as rescues, they CAN learn to trust, and the "look" on his face WILL change, as he learns to trust you.
You're in for an amazing experience.
Fancidots! Thank you and welcome! It has been great chatting with you, you have been beyond helpful.
Janet has told me how much work you have done in Bengal Rescue, and you certainly know F1's. I am glad the eyes will change, poor kitty..
I am VERY sure I will be calling you!
Lorraine:
"Cuddles" is wonderful. He looks magnificent. I wish I lived closer to you geographically so that I could visit and help out.
I agree--how could anyone abuse such a creature (or any creature, for that matter)? They probably did not research properly and know what they were getting into, unfortunately--as is too often the case with pet owners.
Good luck with Cuddles. He is very lucky he will have you to love him. I am envious. It has been a dream of mine to have a Big Kitty.
Roxanne
FYI on useful info for trapping/fixing/taming feral cats. (Most of mine were ferals, all strays. One was even an adult feral...she too came aorund and now likes to be carried around and loved on. Don't ever assume limitations ahead of time!)
http://network.bestfriends.org/nyecounty/news/23031.html
http://network.bestfriends.org/Library/Download.aspx?d=6175
http://network.bestfriends.org/Library/Default.aspx?g=68d1ed2beabd415dbf0dc137a5ec1224
It's tips picked up from the rescue of around 900 cats from a hoarder in the desert. But I find they resonate with my own techniques for the most part.
Also, most shelters have free (with refundable deposit) or low-cost humane cat trap rental and special low-cost spay/neuter/vaccinate programs for ferals. That's what I used for most of my trapping. I also bought the gold standard online: Hav-a-Heart humane traps.
Congrats on the hard work so far! Friends can make feral work less daunting, for ex. helping check traps or drive them in for neuters/vaccinations.
We have made an appointment for getting Microbetta neutered next week and were shocked to find that in one year, the price had doubled (now over 100 euros - an average salary in Rome is from 1000 to 1500 per month and many people earn far less than this). No wonder there are strays everywhere! Who can afford these prices?
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