Cat Shows

The Great Lakes Bengal Rescue

Bengals are beautiful cats with unique markings, including spots, rosettes, and stripes. Bengal cats are a mix between the domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat. Once a Bengal cat is three generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat, they typically have the temperament of a domestic cat. However, it is recommended that pet owners get Bengal cats that are at least four generations removed from the original Asian Leopard Cat. If you are interested in adopting a Bengal, I encourage you to check out the Great Lakes Bengal Rescue.

The Great Lakes Bengal Rescue is one Bengal rescue organization you may consider adopting a Bengal from if you live in the Midwest area. This rescue serves individuals in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota. The Great Lakes Bengal Rescue possesses more than 25 foster homes where cats stay until adopted into a forever home. Each cat adopted out through this rescue has had an owner who passed away and did not make prior arrangements for the cat, came from families who could no longer care for the feline, was rescued from a shelter, or was rescued in a pet mill seizure.

To begin the adoption process, you must first fill out an application for the Great Lakes Bengal Rescue, which can be found on the organization's, "Available to Adopt, " page. The application asks questions about your home environment, whether you have considered the financial responsibility of caring for the new cat, if you have other pets in the home, if you've ever adopted before, if you have had pets in the past, and for a veterinarian reference. The application also asks why you want a Bengal cat as well as questions about Bengal cats in order to test your knowledge of this breed. The organization wants to ensure you know the characteristics and behavior traits of Bengals before you adopt one.

If the rescue likes your application, the foster home of the cat you showed interest in may contact you for an e-mail or phone interview to get to know you better. Finally, you must sign an adoption contract before being allowed to come pick up your new kitty.

The rescue warns that if your application is denied, it does not mean you cannot necessary adopt a cat from them. It may just mean that the cat you want to adopt would not be a good fit for your home situation. For instance, the organization would not allow a Bengal who does not get along with other cats to be adopted into a home where other cats already exist.

Adoption fees vary by the age of the cat as well as weather the kitty is a Bengal or a Bengal mix. Bengal kittens (under one year of age) may be adopted for $300 each while Bengal mix kittens may be adopted for $150 each. Adult Bangels (one year of age and older) may be adopted for $150, adult mix Bangels for $100, and senior Bangels (eight years of age or older) or Bangels with special needs may be adopted for $100 each. It is important to note that the adoption fee includes: being rescued from a shelter (if applicable), the cost of care for the cat while he or she was in foster care, spay or neuter, a veterinary exam, FELV and FIV tests, treatments for worms, ear mites, and fleas, rabies and other yearly vaccinations, and administrative costs. If you are interested in learning more about adopting a Bengal cat from the Great Lakes Bengal Rescue, you may visit the organization's website.

Bengal cats are beautiful cats with great personalities. If you are considering adopting a Bengal cat and live in the Midwest, , I hope you will check out The Great Lakes Bengal Rescue.

Sources:

Wikipedia: Bengal Cat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengal_cat

Great Lakes Bengal Rescue: http://www.greatlakesbengalrescue.com/index.htm

Great Lakes Bengal Rescue: Available for Adoption: http://www.greatlakesbengalrescue.com/index_files/Adoption.htm