Why Choose Bengal Exotic FX

First About Us...
(-: Dedicated To All Of Our Cats And The Kittens We Produce :-)

The entire family at Bengal Exotic FX takes pride in maintaining a medium to larger sized cattery that is
well organized, healthy, sanitary and clean smelling.
Not only have we been veterinary inspected and approved, we ask for recommendations from our vet on an on-going basis to ensure the ultimate of health and well-being for our cats and kittens, and improvements in their living conditions.

For the general all-round socialization and well-being of the kittens we raise, we provide an active, loving, under-foot environment, alive with the activities of children
and other household pets.

The cats and kittens are admittedly very spoiled and often enjoy more luxuries than their human caregivers.
While we, the caregivers, can be found dining on Kraft Dinner or tube steak and lentils (weiners and beans),
garnished with no-name ketchup, our felines relish in
a fine selection of premium foods customized to their individual dietary needs.

At Bengal Exotic FX...
(-: You Get Your Money's Worth - And MORE :-)

All kittens/cats are born, raised and socialized at Bengal Exotic FX Cattery
and not brokered from any other cattery, location or breeder.

Parents of all our kittens are right here on the premises, and have originally been legally imported with proper US CITES export permits as required from fine reputable breeders across the greater USA, in addition to being produced ourselves generation after generation. We have selected for sound genetic health and quality in temperament, structure and wild look of the Bengal breed.

We welcome viewing by appointment at our home where you can assess the quality of their environment and lifestyle, as well as see and meet both, the sire and dam of your kitten if you like.

Quality kittens/cats from Bengal Exotic FX come to you already spayed or neutered,
microchipped and all of their required shots. This includes health being checked immediately prior to going to their new pet homes at the time of their spay or neuter.

Kittens/cats go home with a written replacement health guarantee for the first two years of their lives,
including a one year guarantee against FIP - feline infectious peritonitus,
providing we are kept informed of a low risk home environment where kitten is placed
and not living in a multi-cat environment.

HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY, or
HCM is a genetic heart defect that is found in cats of no
specific breed, as well as dogs and even humans.

Bengal breeders have recently been made aware of the seriousness of this heart disease
that can begin to show up typically at about two to four years old and often much later.
We, as a large group of responsible and ethical breeders, are following the lead of Maine Coon breeders
and are discussing among ourselves and many leading cardiologists throughout
the world the prevelance of this heart defect in the Bengal breed.

There are no published scientific studies showing HCM any more common in Bengals than in other breeds.
However, because a cat that has genetically acquired this illness does not always
have noteable signs and symptoms may or may not appear later in their lives, or sudden onset including sudden death can come without any prior warning, many Bengal breeders including ourselves at Bengal Exotic FX are participating in cardiac ultrasound testing / screening of all their older breeding cats and then on-going
regular testing of their current breeding animals.

For a number of reasons this genetic defect has not only found its way into this breed, but it has been passed down generation after generation in various now known bloodlines and not spoken about near enough for breeders to realise the impact on their entire breeding programs.
So to get a better handle on the affect it is having on the breed as a whole, we are all collecting for submission test results for a centralized database to assist identifying the bloodlines as well as providing a current health risk on any given individual in a bloodline. This will also ensure that any signs of this disease approaching, or the actual presence of it is detected as early as possible and known afflicted cats can be removed from breeding programs, and pet owners can be informed so investigation for early detection may see a cat through to a longer and better quality life.

OUR DECLARATION AND FULL DISCLOSURE:
(As per our purchase contract)

Bengal breeders world wide have in February 2004, initiated global testing of breeding cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in attempt to reduce the incidence of future heart disease that has surfaced in the breed. Although we, at Bengal Exotic FX, are presently unaware of any carriers of the defective gene that is the primary genetic cause of HCM within the entire history of this cattery, have had no prior known progeny that has developed HCM in the past, and none of the already tested Bengal Exotic FX breeding cats have presented this defect to date, it is hereby disclosed that in addition to one pending case returned here from California awaiting re-evaluation and confirmation of a mild HCM diagnosis in 2004 (and doing well as of 2011, and living local to Calgary for close observation and follow up if need be), and one kitten death in 2005 specific to hypertrophy of not only the heart, but lungs and intestines as well; For added surety Breeder is taking further steps to rigorously screen/test all cats on the premises. Screening/testing will continue on an ongoing basis. Although unforeseen, any occurrence of confirmed HCM beyond our two year health guarantee (for the life of the cat) will be remedied on a case by case basis. Any past purchased Kittens or current Kittens found to have confirmed parentage or recent lineage that is confirmed to have HCM, posing a 50/50 risk of heart defect in that Kitten, owner will be notified. Early detection can prolong the life of the cat whether the defect is expressed moderately or severely as they get older. Breeder hopes to provide periodic screening/testing to local owners at a moderate cost and this clause will be re-written and all prior contracts amended to include that should it become possible.
No further cats or kittens have presented us with any HCM implications at the time of
this amendment to our purchase contract, nor have there been any recent implications with the bloodlines
we are using to produce Bengals of sound health as we strive to do.
We ask that if any of our pet owners should ever encounter this defect to contact us immediately.
We can assist with guidance and education.

This site is maintained by UC Davis Feline HCM researchers.
It's updated fairly regularly and contains only
factual information. It gives a good explanation of what HCM is, how it's
diagnosed and treated.http://mysite.verizon.net/jachinitz/hcm/

This is a site developed for Maine Coon breeders that explains when and how often to
test. It gives good basic guidelines. The only warning Bengal breeders should
know is that the age of onset seems to differ among breeds. HCM appears
at a relatively early age in Maine Coons. We don't yet know at what average
age HCM is typically detectable in Bengals, so the recommendations for MC
breeders may be a little different.http://www.mcbfa.org/healthfiles.html

On-going Support...
(-: Don't Be Left Out On A Limb :-)

Throughout the entire life of your kitten we are available for discussing your pet's health, other needs or issues. We provide a source of additional information, continued education and support to you, the kitten and your vet, based on our experience with the breed, cat breeding, education and breed specific veterinary recommendations.

This includes all your kitten concerns, such as behaviour, or vaccinations in addition to any health issues. You can make use of us as a primary resource for your kitten and additional support for you, the kitten and your vet.
We also enjoy our pet owners showing us pictures and sharing fun stories of Bengal owning experiences with us.

We also follow up on your kitty's general health for added awareness of potential health hazards in our breeding program.

Our Commitment...
(-: Taking A Step Beyond :-)

For your added kitten health and quality assurance, our Cattery is certified (currently up for renewal)
with TICA as an "Outstanding Cattery"
and deemed excellent by way high scoring on our veterinary inspection requirements.

We have signed the The International Cat Association - (TICA) Voluntary Code of Ethics by which we strictly abide.
We are proud members of The international Bengal Cat Society - (TIBCS),
having served as past chairperson on their Education Committee
and agree and abide by TIBCS Code of Ethics also.
2006 / 2007, I, Wendy Pergentile, was electioned 2nd Vice President of the TIBCS executive board.

As we strive to set forth a role model for ethical and responsible breeding and cattery management,
our cats are also tested resulting in our cattery being FeLV/FIV negative,
screened for genetic heart, eye, chest, hip and tail defects when deemed appropriate. We participate and contribute in feline research projects and studies.

We maintain an ongoing commitment to all kittens born at Bengal Exotic FX and seek homes that will provide quality care, love and nurturing, and also provide and attend to all veterinary needs immediately as they arise, or become due.

PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately, we have come to realise that some vets are misinformed, or have had less than desirable experiences with Bengals and are not "Bengal Friendly", or falsely believe they are wild cats and could even be possibly more interested in canines than felines. Also, some vets are not "Breeder Friendly". Should either of these apply to your personal veterinarian, we would recommend you interviewing several vets to find a one that you are comfortable with and that is right for you and your new kitten.
It is important that you research your vet needs prior to requiring veterinary assistance in a hurry. There are plenty of wonderful vets available and we may be able to make suggestions if we know of a vet in your area that has had excellent reports from their clients, our group of satisfied pet owners, or ones that we know personally and support.

Purchasing a kitten or cat from us, we would expect this little purrson to become an integral member of your family and a cherished life long companion (as would your own child). We would also expect that you will never consider parting with your kitten or cat unless absolutely necessary and that you will always contact us first should that need ever arise.

Added Value...
(-: For Your Convenience :-)

We initiate harness training and we microchip all of our kittens/cats.
If purchased as a pet, all kittens are spayed or neutered before they go to their new homes. This saves you time and money, and you needn't have to part with your
new arrival for hospitalization for surgery since it is already done.

Please refer to "Kitten Purchases" for more information on purchase requirements,
deposits and the waiting list for new arrivals.

And finally, please take a moment and read an excellent article published by the American Cat Fanciers Association,
Titled "What Breeders Look For In Buyers" which, although it is not written for any breed in particular, it may help answer a lot of questions for you and assist you to better understand why responsible and ethical breeders ask many questions. It may explain a few things further, or assist you in finding questions to ask us that may not have been answered already. It can be found at http://www.acfacat.com/buyers.htm

Ideally, our goal is to educate the public in regards to purchasing a kitten from a responsible, reputable and ethical breeder. Unfortunately a lot of pet buyers are not aware of what they should ask and watch out for, what they should expect and what they can attain when investing not only their hard earned money, but their love and commitment to a new family companion. It is hard and often heart breaking when the purchase falls short after the fact - sometimes as soon as your cheque is cashed. This can leave you with unexpected vet costs, unacceptible behaviours that may or may not be modified with ease, lack of recourse or assistance should anything serious develop over time - even after the health guarantee period has expired and unfortunately sometimes before the health guarantee has expired.

At the same time, it is important to understand that there can also be unrealistic expectations from your breeder. Common sense will often rule if you consider you are dealing with a living creature and the dynamics of all living things has a lot to do with nature and cannot be predicted, nor controlled.

All a good breeder can do for you is the best they are capable of doing and carry an on-going genuine care and concern for the welfare of your kitten.

Bengal Exotic FX
"Early Selection Program"

Early selection is when you choose your kitten out of a litter that has kittens made available while they are
quite young and are yet too young to go to their new homes.
We have had many families select their kittens as early as three weeks after they are born and follow
their growth and development throughout their early kittenhood. We advocate and encourage early selection of your kitten whenever possible. It is very rewarding to you, to the kitten and to us to have you visit frequently, via the Internet, or in person if you can, on a weekly basis.

All families participating in Early Selection have the added enjoyment of direct access to their kitten's own web page designed specifically for each new family. All kitten web pages are a customized pictoral history from the moment of birth to their most recent stage that includes comments, notations on progess and any
special reports of interest to the new owner.
We recommend visiting in person as often as you can for early bonding. Your kitten will come to know you and the transition will be less traumatic when the time comes to take him or her home with you.

Early selection gives you the added joy of watching, and sharing the early stages of your kitten's growth and development that normally only the breeder gets to do.

For an overview on the development stages relative to age
please refer to "Early Selection Stages".

View current kittens that have been selected and are Soon To Go Home

We are honoured and delighted to share this letter written by Leigha in Massachusetts after she posted what she felt about her newly acquired boy, Phoenix (who was previously listed here as available) on a public list.
When asked by an interested pet seeker who was also on that list what her experience with our cattery would have been, Leigha replied with:

Subject: Re: Bengal Exoctic FX Kitten
From: LeighaG420@...
Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2004 15:57:43 EST
To: C... Inquiry from Leigha's post about her new Phoenix

Hi!!
I'd be more than happy to help you out with some information in regard to Bengal FX and Phoenix!!

First off, I'd like to say that Wendy (the owner of the cattery) was unbelivable. She emailed me back very promptly and answered all of my questions 110%. I was amazed right away at the great communication I had with the cattery. When I was seriously inquiring about Phoenix, she called me via telephone and sent more pictures of my beautiful boy. Phoenix is under the category of "Therapy cats" due to his unbelievable personality....and let me tell you, he is quite the love bug!!

Once I finalized that I wanted Phoenix, I sent the payment and Phoenix was neutered right away. After a few days of healing time, she booked his flight. This was the first time I had ever gone to pick up an animal at the airport, nevermind from Canada. But Wendy gave me full instructions of what to do, and it went perfectly. When you go to pick your Bengal up, she has a folder waiting that has everything you would need for customs. Phoenix was very comfortable in his crate...with blankets and food inside. On the way home all he wanted to do was be petted. He was extremely calm which was great! I now have a total outlook of shipping on planes after seeing how Phoenix was. It was also relatively cheap to ship from Canada, which was very surprising!

You asked about his tempermant, and I have to tell you I always thought my brown spotted bengal Tony, was #1 in tempermant....but then I got Phoenix. Words cannot express how much of a great personality he has. All he wants to do is be petted and be around you. His character is just as beautiful as his glittered marble coat!

His health is pefect as well. Wendy sent me all of his certificates and documents of all his vet records, etc. When flying from another country, they are basically immune to anything and everything. But Phoenix is as healthy of a Bengal as you can get.

I was always leery of online breeder websites but with Exotic Bengal FX, I couldn't brag about them enough. Phoenix has shown how much love he has had around him from his upbringing. When I first emailed Wendy, I explained in a nutshell of what I was looking for and she then showed me pictures of Phoenix. I'm not one to recommend anything without having full trust to it, but Exotic FX was by far an oustanding pick for my Bengal. I cannot tell you how many times I have emailed Wendy with a bunch of "thank yous" LOL. Even a host from the AOL bengal board is now getting a cat from Exotic FX !!
I hope this helped. Good luck in your Bengal search, and don't hesitate to email me again with more questions!
Happy New Year,
Leigha

Thank you, Leigha (in MA)! This inquiry (Kimberly and Frank in NY)) received their baby Barkley-Tee Rex (renamed Kyle) at the end of January, and have permitted me to share this letter they wrote to you as a thank you for recommending our cattery:

Subject: Check out Kyle Private
From: C...@aol.com
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2004 19:03:57 EST
To: LeighaG420@...

Hi Leigha, I just wanted to let you know that my baby boy arrived home today from Bengal Exotic FX. Here are some pictures that Wendy lined up for me Kyle Private . As you scroll down Kyle is the bigger of the two.

I owe you a million thanks. Kyle is everything I was looking for and more. I have never met a pet who is so affectionate and charming. He is the type of cat that immediately steals your heart. The workers at the Air Canada Cargo office were so taken aback <snip> showed my ID and we were on our way (<snip> he is very charming).

The entire crew at the Vets office went crazy for him, and he just purred and purred. Finally we got home, so I sent my husband into the room with him while I tired to get Kori calm (she had a major hissing fit the moment she smelled his arrival). I expected my husband to simply open the cage, check Kyle out, and leave the room. A half an hour later I go into my office and find my husband reclined in the computer chair with his feet on my desk and Kyle stretched out across my husbands chest, both are sound asleep and didn't even hear me enter the room. It was hard to believe that this lil guy has only been home for less than an hour.

Wendy and Bengal Exotic FX are the greatest. Whatever Wendy is doing to raise such loving kittens I hope she continues to do it for a very long time to come.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you for being instrumental in bringing this lover boy into our lives.

I hope you and your are well.

KJF

We have several more letters to place here from delighted new pet owners and some long time owners as soon as time permits to gather and copy them here. Many come in on a regular basis and we want to thank all our clients for such nice words and recommendtions. Many local pet owners have become great friends of ours and visit us on a regular basis.