Expert: Becky - 7/7/2006

Question
I am interested in adopting a 4 year old bengal cat and i have a couple of questions before i do.  i was told purebred bengals to do not shed, is that true?  The cat was previosly living with his brother another male cat and a dog.  The owner said that they had to get rid of there dog and then the two brothers became very territorial and the cat i would like to adopt was spraying the house.  The owner told me that there vet said if the two cats are seperated the spraying would stop, is this true?

Answer
Hi Renee!

I have never heard that Bengals do not shed. I have a friend with two Bengals, and she has never said that , so it is doubtful.
Be very very careful about getting a cat that has been spraying.  Chances are that he will NOT stop.  He MIGHT, but chances are , he won't. Once males start spraying,they want to mark their territory.  Since you will be bringing him into a "new" territory, it's almost a sure thing that he will want to mark (spray) it.   I don't know if you have ever smelled an area where a cat has sprayed, but it is extremely pungent, a very unpleasant odor that is very hard to get out.  If it were me, I would not take him. However, if you want to try it, I would make sure that it is with the understanding that you can take him back if he sprays.  I could be wrong, he may be fine.  I just want you to know that it is a good chance that he will not stop spraying.

God Bless,
Becky