F-1 Bengal Breeder’s/Early Generation Bengal Breeder’s care sheet    F-1 Bengal cats are very different.  They are hand-raised and make wonderful pets for the right people.  These cats are very intense and form an incredibly strong bond with their person or people.  They are extremely playful, and can be very loving.  They will follow you around like a dog.  Some F-1 Bengals are more shy than others, and some prefer to play as opposed to being held.  As with the SBT Bengals, F-1 Bengals/Early Generation Bengals aren’t always lap cats, and can be mischievous if left alone for many hours without a companion (human/animal), or something to entertain them.  They get along well with other animals when they have been socialized with them as kittens.    *Socialization during the critical period (2-9 weeks) is a must!    Socialization of a cat does not just mean petting and talking to the cat. When we speak about properly socializing a cat, we mean actually handling that cat/kitten frequently Proper handling means doing things with the kittens such as: holding them upside down on their backs, scuffing them, picking them up frequently, or giving them a gentle little toss onto something soft. This type of handling helps them to learn that their human/humans can be trusted to care for them. They will learn that even when their human/humans release them with a gentle toss; it is going to be done in a safe manner. If a kitten shows any fear, they need to be held close and comforted until they are calm. Slowly, but surely, you will be able to do more and more things with the kittens as they learn to trust you and that you are safe. Some cats/kittens have a personality that requires more gentle handling. Usually, over time, these kittens will get used to being handled and will eventually develop into socialized kittens. However, some kittens will just be more shy than others. This can be evident even among litter mates. Most F-1 Bengal Breeders /Early Generation Bengal Breeders have had this experience with varying personalities among litter mates. The bottom line is, proper socialization, handling, and nurturing will bring out the best that each kitten has to offer. My children and my animals are all involved in the socialization process.  The socialization process is ongoing throughout the cat’s life, but the 2-9 week period is critical so that the kittens have a smoother transition into their new homes.  If you want to own a cat that looks like it just walked out of the Jungle, then the F-1 Bengal/Early Generation Bengal may be for you.    Feeding the F-1 Bengal/Early Generation Bengal    F-1 Bengals/Early Generation Bengals naturally hiss at humans when they are born. So, if you do not wean the F-1 Bengals/Early Generation Bengals, they will most likely become a wild little kitten. F-2 Bengal kittens also need to be weaned early. F-1 Bengal kittens  are taken from their mother at two to three weeks of age.  They are bottle fed by myself and my children until they learn to eat cat food on their own.  I do this so that the kittens are socialized and become used to people handling them. F-1  Bengals/Early Generation Bengals eat regular cat food, including dry cat food.  Some people may feed a raw diet and the dry food, while others may feed a good quality canned cat food and the dry.  We personally feed the raw diet and the dry food.      Litter box training for F-1 Bengals/Early Generation Bengals    One of the biggest concerns people have about owning an F-1 Bengal/Early Generation Bengal cat is the litter-box habits the F-1 Bengal has or doesn’t have.  I can personally vouch for the “spot o’ luck” method.  I have an ALC that has impeccable litter-box habits.  She faithfully uses her litter-box.  I use this method for my cattery for all of my other cats.    It is strongly recommended to the point of almost insisting, that kittens are partially cage-raised or kept in small confined quarters during much of the day until the age of 4 months.   Often a bathroom works.  They should come out only under careful supervision.  This is Mandatory!  They need to learn from a very early age that the litter-box is the only place to go to the bathroom.  This may seem mean, but in the long run it will help the cat to have appropriate elimination habits.      I can not emphasize the joy of owning an ALC or an F-1 Bengal/Early Generation Bengal cat if it has been properly socialized and taught proper litter-box habits.  It’s an incredible experience.  They are stunning and awesome!