Expert: Becky - 4/26/2004

Question
Hi!  I own two fantastic Bengal cats, and I'm looking for one for my mom now.

I went to see a litter yesterday of Bengal kittens from a male cat Rusty and female Crystal.  The breeder shared with me that actually he had bred Rusty and Crystal earlier than he might have otherwise because he found Crystal's five-month-old son copulating with her.  The breeder said that he then put Crystal in with Rusty, because in this case it is the dominant cat's sperm that would "take."  Is this really the case?  It seems to me that it's equally likely that Rusty or his son fathered the litter, but the breeder is sure that the litter is Rusty's.

After reading an article on inbreeding, I'm not very concerned about the level of inbreeding here, but I would still like to know if what the breeder said is accurate.

The litter is of 5 kittens, a good-size litter I think, and all seem healthy at 2 weeks old.

Can you help me?

Thanks a lot,

Hannah Davenport  

Answer
Hi Hannah!

You are absolutely correct.  The litter could be sired by either cat and it's possible that some have one father and others have another.   Honestly, I'm surprised he even told you about it!  LOL   You have every right to be concerned about the inbreeding issue.  Chances are you won't have a problem, and usually if there is one , it shows up as a noticeable birth defect.  You are probably OK but there is always that chance that something could show up later.  I wouldn't be too worried about it though if they are good cats, because generally what will happen is that the good traits will intensify,  however so will the bad.  As I said, though, if it were a real problem , I think they would have had a birth defect.  

I hope this helps.  God Bless!

Becky