FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
about
BAGHEERA WAITING LISTS
rev: 10-15-2005
Due to the high demand for Bagheera Bengal kittens and in an effort
to provide some equity and justice for our customers we have decided to establish
a Priority Waiting List and a Standard Waiting
List. |
| Why do you have waiting lists? |
Do not expect a pedigree kitten to be available just around the corner immediately you decide you want one. It doesn’t work like that We are dedicated to our Bengals, to the breeding profession, and to producing Bengal kittens that exceed the TICA standard for Bengals. This takes time, patience, and hard work. Even when we do our part exactly right we cannot guarantee what the outcome for a specific litter will be. But remember, God (or mother nature if you prefer) makes the decisions as to:
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| What is the Priority List and how does it work? |
We do what we can to make the “right” breeding
decisions and take care of the health and nutritional needs of the queen
and her stud and trust in the good Lord to do His part. We believe that
our attitude and approach to this “labor of love” assures
we can provide you with a delightful, healthy, happy, kitten that you
can love and have companionship with for a long, long time. |
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| Why have a Priority List? |
| It has been our experience, and that of other breeder colleagues, that not everyone who expresses an interest in adopting a Bengal kitten actually follows through. Experience has shown that some people say they definitely want a kitten then change their mind for whatever reason. Without a Priority list we may have turned away others with genuine interest. By their willingness to submit a deposit the person assures us they are genuinely interested in purchasing a Bengal kitten from Bagheera. |
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| What is the Priority List and how does it work? |
| A $100 non-refundable deposit is
required. The deposit will apply to the purchase price of the kitten.
When a litter has been born we will provide Priority list members with
photos sent to your email on a regular basis and you are welcome and
encouraged to visit the kittens anytime. A Bengal kitten’s coat changes rapidly the first several weeks, therefore, prices are not set until kittens are a minimum of five (5) weeks old. At that time, list members will be given the chance to choose from the available kittens. It is the exclusive right of Bagheera Bengals to determine the appropriate quality and price of all kittens, and to offer for sale, or not, any and all kittens in a litter. List members will be given the opportunity to choose a specific kitten depending on your position on the list. You also have the option to pass on some kittens or litters until your ideal kitten comes along. Once all the people on the priority list have been made their decision any remaining kittens will be made available to those on the Standard Waiting list. Please remember when joining this list, we are NOT a kitten mill and choose quality over quantity, therefore you may have to wait for your ideal kitten |
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| What is the Standard List and how does it work? |
There is no charge to be placed on this
list. All you need to do is simply indicate that you want to be placed
on the list. |
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| If I choose the standard list can I be assure I will get a kitten? |
| The answer to this is Yes, of course,
but you may have to exercise patience. Remember, the people on the Priority
list will get the first pick of the litter and if any kittens remain
they will then be offered to people on the Standard list. Please remember
that just because someone is on the priority list does not mean they
will want a kitten from the available litter. As an example, if the people
on the Priority list want a female kitten and the next litter born are
all males, they would pass. Then these male kittens will then be offered
to those on the Standard list. Another consideration is that we have
breeders on the Priority list who are waiting for kittens from a specific
litter, so they will pass on any kittens born until that litter arrives. |
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| How much will a kitten cost me? |
All registered, pedigreed cats, including
the Bengal, are priced according to quality. Quality refers to the evaluation
of the kitten to the Bengal Standard. There are three qualities: Pet,
Breeder, and Show. |
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| Isn’t that price a little high? |
Not really! Remember that your are getting an exceptional Bengal kitten especially crafted to look much like it’s wild, strikingly beautiful Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) ancestor. They are really like having a tame piece of the wild in your own home, while, at the same time, being so dependably sweet natured, highly intelligent and affectionate. And, in addition to all this you also get:
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| What is a “Pet” Quality kitten? |
| PET QUALITY Bengals (sometimes called Companion Quality) exhibit some trait or traits that the we does not wish to perpetuate within the breed. We sometimes have beautiful kittens available as pets, with good contrast, dark markings and a very leopard like appearance. Some of these exceptionally beautiful kittens may posses a genetic flaw, like a kink in the tail or rib bars instead of spots, a tail that is a little long or thin; ears that are a little longer or pointed. None of these faults put the kitten at a health risk, but does eliminate the kitten from a breeding program or the show ring. Most often, the quality that distinguishes a pet quality Bengal from a breeder quality Bengal is so subtle, it can only be appreciated by a knowledgeable breeder. |
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| What is a “Breeder” Quality kitten? |
| BREEDER QUALITY Bengals exhibit
traits that the breeder wants to perpetuate within the line. Some of
these traits are visible, such as a thick, medium length tail with a
blunt tip or short, rounded ears. Some traits that the breeder wishes
to perpetuate within the breed are not seen, such as history of strong
genetic health within a specific line or specific recessive traits. Some
breeder quality kittens may exhibit traits that fall within the pet quality
category, but the breeder may feel that the Bengal has points to offer
that out weigh the other factors. Kittens purchased for breeding programs
represent good examples of the breed, even though they may not meet the
strict criteria for show, they carry the genes and potential to produce
offspring as good as, if not better than, themselves. |
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| What is a “Show” Quality kitten? |
| SHOW QUALITY Bengal kittens are those who best meet the Bengal standard for breed type, markings, pattern, coloration, conformation, and exhibit spectacular beauty with a temperament to match. They have a "wild" look to the face, long muscular body, few or no stripes on ribs or legs, light-backed ears, outstanding contrast, and a coat relatively free of 'salt and peppering'. Our "Show" kittens are the very best we have to offer and are therefore the most expensive. There is no guarantee of show wins, as there is much more to garnering a win than good looks alone. Show quality kittens come with full rights so they may be used a breeders. |
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| How can I be sure I will get a healthy kitten? |
| All Bagheera Bengal kittens leaving us will be up to date with all the appropriate vaccinations and health check ups. They are guaranteed to be free of any major illnesses or disease, as well as any genetic deformities or faults that would otherwise compromise the cat's health. Bagheera Bengal kittens are guaranteed against any congenital defects for one year. Should the kitten die or become ill during that time, as a result of a congenital defect, the kitten will be replaced with another of equal value, within 6 months, if nature permits, of the return or demise of the kitten. This will be done ONLY with a certified veterinarian's certificate of necropsy and cause of death, in the event of death, or certification of specific congenital illness or defect. |
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| When can I pick up my kitten? |
| It’s understandable you would not want to miss a single day of your kittens life. That is especially so since kitten-hood seems to be one of nature’s most fleeting gifts. However eager you may be to get kitty home, though, we must never separate it from its mother until it is appropriate. Kittens are ready to move into their new homes only after they are practiced in eating solid foods, keeping themselves well groomed, have good and predictable litter box habits, and are well socialized with their litter-mates and with us. It is not until they are about12 weeks of age, depending on the individual kitten and means of travel, that they are ready to depart our home. |
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| Must I come there to pick up my new kitten? |
| We welcome and encourage you to visit us. Although we prefer that you meet your kitten before adopting, we realize that this is not always possible and therefore, we will ship within the United States. Shipping is at the new owners expense and depends on the destination, time of year and weather conditions. We only ship counter-to-counter for the comfort and safety of your cat. Cost vary, but usually run $200 or less. We will be happy to obtain a quote for you. |
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| If you just can’t wait . . . |
| Sometime we may not have a kitten available and it may be quite a while before we expect any litters to be delivered. We hope you would be patient with us and let us deliver you a Bengal kitten of the highest quality, in the best of health, and with the temperament and personality that is a perfect fit for your family. But if you just can’t wait, we may be able to refer you to another breeder who might be able to meet your need. If we should recommend another breeder you may be sure that they will, in our opinion, meet the same high standards to which we adhere. |
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