Topic: New Egyptian Mau and Bengal kittens (Read 48885 times)

Millys Mum · « **Reply #175 on:** January 26, 2009, 19:33:09 PM »

Quote from: sunama on January 25, 2009, 23:39:12 PM

Natures Menu is slightly cheaper than Applaws and has higher meat content.

But isnt as tasty

sunama · « **Reply #174 on:** January 26, 2009, 09:07:23 AM »

Quote from: Desley (booktigger) on January 26, 2009, 08:03:55 AM

Sunama - the company that makes Natures Menu have gone into administration, so you might want to start sourcing alternatives for it.

Damn.

Thanks for that info.

moiramassey · « **Reply #173 on:** January 26, 2009, 08:21:23 AM »

No, they have access to Orijen all the time. That approach works well up to now but I will need to watch Mitzi. The Applaws is rationed due to expense and because I have now doubt that Mitzi and Flynn would eat it unti they couldn't cram down another morsel - they get one 156g can between the four of them. The older two even walk away from the Applaws when they have had enough - Flynn and Mitzi finish any they leave.

I tried Berties Nature's Harvest but they wouldn't eat the chicken (smells overwhelmingly of chicken livers) and picked at the fish variety.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #172 on:** January 26, 2009, 08:03:55 AM »

Sunama - the company that makes Natures Menu have gone into administration, so you might want to start sourcing alternatives for it.

sunama · « **Reply #171 on:** January 25, 2009, 23:39:12 PM »

The weird thing is that over the Winter, Mr Bengal's coat has definitely become thicker and he, fatter. Reflex's coat on the other hand looks exactly like it did 6 months back. I also feel he has become thinner.

In terms of meat content, I find that Applaws is a little too expensive for what it actually is. Natures Menu offers the highest meat content of any cat food and I believe it is cheaper than Applaws. HiLife is good value for money, too.

From the sounds of it, you are rationing the food to your cats (ie. they dont have it on tap). If this is the case, have you tried giving them Natures Menu? They will probably lap it up as they will be hungry when feeding time comes, so wont be fussy. Natures Menu is slightly cheaper than Applaws and has higher meat content.

moiramassey · « **Reply #170 on:** January 25, 2009, 22:54:39 PM »

Flynn is a real food thief (meat, fish and vegetables) and he eats his kills (not that there is anything much left for him to kill in the [catproofed] garden). I changed from Science Diet to Orijen just over a month ago and I think that is better for him (and the other three). He had lost interest in Hill Science Diet pouches and I am now feeding a small meal of Applaws in the evenings, which all four of them love - Flynn and Mitzi mob me as I open the can. Flynn is very fit - he does get a lot of exercise in the garden as well as running around the house. Mitzi is the tubby one - maybe its her half bengal side. His coat has become very thick over winter - I am not looking forward to the snowstorm when spring comes as he is 99% white!

sunama · « **Reply #169 on:** January 25, 2009, 21:07:05 PM »

Quote from: moiramassey on January 25, 2009, 16:11:13 PM

Now that is what I call flexible.

What food do you tend to feed him and what are his favourites?

I find that Mr Bengal tends to eat a lot of Orijen (dry food) and pretty much any wet food. He isnt fussy and loves to eat.

Reflex is a lot more picky. He wont eat the dry food and the wet food he has these days is mostly HiLife Poultry. Because he always has food in his bowl, he is a little spoilt when it comes to food, so even turning his nose up at Natures Menu. To this end, he is about the leanest, slimmest cat I've ever seen, hence, I'm not worried at this stage of him getting fat. Mr Bengal on the other hand is a big cat - he is still growing, but IMO is getting too fat. My plan is to curtail his food intake in about 6 months when he stops growing.

moiramassey · « **Reply #168 on:** January 25, 2009, 16:11:13 PM »

None from this month but there are these from December.

November 08

And the best tummy shot

sunama · « **Reply #167 on:** January 25, 2009, 00:21:12 AM »

Moira do you have any newer photos of your Egyptian Mau?

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #166 on:** January 24, 2009, 23:47:21 PM »

They're both stunning

moiramassey · « **Reply #165 on:** January 24, 2009, 23:44:35 PM »

Lovely pictures of two beautiful cats.

I am glad they are such wonderful companions to each other.

Mitzi and Flynn are equally happy!

bonnielass · « **Reply #164 on:** January 24, 2009, 22:35:49 PM »

What absolute darlings :Luv:and those markings are just fab,i love the one of them sleeping together,it would make a fantastic picture

sunama · « **Reply #163 on:** January 24, 2009, 22:22:29 PM »

Its been a while since I updated this thread, so I thought I would do so now with some new pics.

The pics were taken a few months ago. The newest pics are still on my camera, but I shall post what I have:

Mr Bengal:

Reflex relaxing on the chair:

The 2 of them playing fighting games:

And after all that activity:

More pics to come.

Mr Bengal is now a lot larger and fatter.
Reflex's bones have grown but his waist is thinner. He is remarkably thin and lean, while Mr Bengal is cuddly.

Most people actually like Mr Bengal more, as he is more approachable and bold. New visitors will be approached by Mr Bengal, while Reflex remains guarded.

Reflex remains my favourite though.

moiramassey · « **Reply #162 on:** June 20, 2008, 07:05:18 AM »

I know I spent a lot of money on catproofing the garden, but it was worth every penny. They love it. I love it.

The kits are excellent. Definitely the way to go if you have the time and someone to capable of doing the work. It is under £300 for each kit. Most suburdan gardens are a lot smaller than 30m x 10m!

I have to say, Flynn (Eqypitain Mau) was desperate to be outside while Mitzi (Siamese/Bengal cross) wasn't too fussed. They both love it now they can play outside.

Sideshow showing the catproofing.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #161 on:** June 19, 2008, 12:05:27 PM »

Quote from: sunama on June 19, 2008, 11:36:34 AM

30m x 10m is certainly a substantial area. The cost involved was also significant. I'm certainly going to have to think about getting my garden cat proofed as Reflex in particular, seems to want to go outside (sitting on the window ledge and watching the birds, trees and plants). Mr. Bengal doesnt seem too bothered.

Thanks for the info.

I was very lucky and won the kit that Roz aka Secur-a-cat kindly donated to the Purrs Xmas auction, I think the standard secur-a-cat kit retails for around the £300 mark so if you have existing fencing and someone that can help you to put the system up then it needn't be ridiculously expensive. The standard kit covers 150 linear ft, my garden is around 45ft long by around 30ft wide (the house forms the 4th edge of the catproofing). My boys love playing outside and I love the fact that they can experience the pleasures of being outdoors but in complete safety - no cars, dogs, other bully cats, nasty humans or people trying to steal them - just pure outdoor fun

sunama · « **Reply #160 on:** June 19, 2008, 11:36:34 AM »

30m x 10m is certainly a substantial area. The cost involved was also significant. I'm certainly going to have to think about getting my garden cat proofed as Reflex in particular, seems to want to go outside (sitting on the window ledge and watching the birds, trees and plants). Mr. Bengal doesnt seem too bothered.

Thanks for the info.

moiramassey · « **Reply #159 on:** June 19, 2008, 07:31:11 AM »

Flynn was neutered at 5.5 months. He is not fat. Photos give the wrong impression if you think that. Don't forget that Egyptians Maus have a loose flap of skin that runs from their abdomen to their leg, apparently to help with high speed running (like a cheetah). This means the body profile is different to most other cats. I do think he may grown into a good-sized cat and I agree that adult male Egyptian Maus are solid rather than svelte. Mitzi takes afer her Siamese dad and has a very oriental body shape.

The catflap is open 24/7, including when I go to work. We are three weeks in and I am very happy. The cats love it, even the older ones who previously went into other people's gardens. They love the fact no other cats can get in. The actual catproofing cost £2500. It is a 30m x 10m garden, one of the biggest Securacat have ever done. Unfortunately it cost me another £3500 to have proper fences built, to cut down three trees that could not be catrpoofed and to put two gates across the drive to make a 'catlock'.

More photos of Flynn. On the first one you can see the flap of skin very clearly.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #158 on:** June 18, 2008, 17:10:13 PM »

Its not the act of neutering that makes a fat cat its too much food!

If you search cat proofing from the home page you'wll find lots of threads with pics. Roz sells one system so you can PM her for more info on prices

sunama · « **Reply #157 on:** June 18, 2008, 11:51:07 AM »

Aah yes, having 2 cats allows them to keep eachother company. Before Mr. Bengal arrived, Reflex used to sit high up in his bed, with a really long face. Once Mr. Bengal arrived, all that stopped. If Mr. Bengal went missing, Reflex would miss a lot, however, I dont feel the same would be true, if Reflex were taken away.

Moira how long ago were they neutered?
I ask this, because Flynn, is looking like he has put on weight (around the waist) and Egyptian Maus unfortunately are prone to getting a little fat, after they have been neutered - especially the males.

Ive noticed that Reflex is putting on weight around his bottom, however, he is still just as fast, if not more so. He can jump higher now than he has in the past. I will cut down dranstically on his food, once he has stopped growing - around 12 to 13 months.

With regards to catproofing the garden: are you confident enough to leave the cats in the garden, unsupervised? How much did it all cost?

moiramassey · « **Reply #156 on:** June 18, 2008, 08:20:09 AM »

They are gorgeous. I hope you are really enjoying sharing your home with them.

Mitzi (Bengal/Siamese mix) and Flynn (Egyptian Mau) are now 7.5 and 8 months. They are still best pals. In fact, I do not know if I would cope with Mitzi without Flynn. She needs company and the few times Flynn has not been there (when he was being neutered, when we were told to keep her separate after she had been neutered) she yowled whenever I left her. However, she loves Flynn even more than she loves us!

Here are some pictures of her and Flynn together.

And a great recent picture of Flynn in all his glory.

The picture showing them outside is because I have catproofed the garden.

sunama · « **Reply #155 on:** June 18, 2008, 04:49:14 AM »

Update Time:

Reflex @ 5 months old:

Mr. Bengal @ 4 months old:

And both of them on the cat tree:

Linda (Bengalbabe) · « **Reply #154 on:** May 30, 2008, 20:59:36 PM »

Thank you Sheryl

sheryl · « **Reply #153 on:** May 29, 2008, 15:44:04 PM »

I maent to say Linda - Nova is looking stunning x

Dawn F · « **Reply #152 on:** May 29, 2008, 09:31:37 AM »

how did she know I was a big girl!!!

sheryl · « **Reply #151 on:** May 29, 2008, 09:29:28 AM »

I dont know Dawn well enough to photograph her

I will sort some photos out of Mellika at the weekend.

sunama · « **Reply #150 on:** May 28, 2008, 22:24:35 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 28, 2008, 16:30:36 PM

I know Dawn she is a BIG Girl, she is tall aswell. The vets comment when he last saw her was "wow what a whopper"

You have got to show us a picture of Dawn, preferably standing next to something that we can all relate to, eg a CD, just to get an idea of her size.

Dawn F · « **Reply #149 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:32:09 PM »

sheryl · « **Reply #148 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:30:36 PM »

I know Dawn she is a BIG Girl, she is tall aswell. The vets comment when he last saw her was "wow what a whopper"

sheryl · « **Reply #147 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:24:31 PM »

My 3 Bengals live with our 2 moggies no problems at all although the Bengals do stick together. We got Mellika and Raffiki at the same time and got Teeko 2 months ago, they accepted him almost immediately.

I take the Bengals out on harnesses and the other day the neighbours cat was in our garden and Mellika went mad hissing and growling at it so i think it is a territorial thing.

Dawn F · « **Reply #146 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:22:32 PM »

the story of the dad is a bit sad I think

Millys Mum · « **Reply #145 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:21:35 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 28, 2008, 16:16:38 PM

The fact that you had your boys neutered at such an early age could also impact on their eventual size.

Early neutering doesnt affect bone growth

His dad was a stud cat full of hormones and living in a cage, behaviourally you will get a more agitated & aggressive cat!

Dawn F · « **Reply #144 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:20:53 PM »

blimey Sheryl 7kg!!!! I was told that Tilly was "at the top of what we'd like to see weight wise" at 5.5kg!!

sunama · « **Reply #143 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:20:04 PM »

Quote from: sheryl on May 28, 2008, 16:16:38 PM

i think he is definately too gorgeous to be called Bengal.

You can never be sure what size he is going to reach, regardless of the parents size - my Bengal girl Mellika is 7kg of pure muscle - (14 months old) and my boy Raffiki who everyone thought was going to be huge is 6kg (also 14 months old) my new snow Bengal Teeko who is 5 months old is already 3.2kg so I think he is defiately going to be a BIG boy. The fact that you had your boys neutered at such an early age could also impact on their eventual size. Also Mellika (Brown spotted) had the fuzzies until she was about 5 months old.

Pictures please.

sunama · « **Reply #142 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:18:37 PM »

Quote from: Millys Mum on May 28, 2008, 15:57:16 PM

The cat you mentioned may have been entire, he would also leave a nasty pong

Ive noticed that unneutered male cats tend to have chubby cheeks. This foriegn cat, had chubby cheeks and though I didnt get a chance to see his testicles, my gut instinct was that he was not neutered. By showing him my own cats, I wanted to "socialise" them and also show the foriegn cat that there are cats present in this house, so he might want to stay away.

Obviously as my 2 get older, the danger to other cats increases.

I know you are saying that its unlikely that my cats will drag another cat around, but Reflex is very very aggressive. The breeder told me that his father was a little lonely in his cage, hence they introduced another cat to keep him company in his cage. His response was to drag this cat by the scruff of its neck, around the cage. His father was very lean, quite small, but was very very strong. I expect Reflex to be exactly like his father.

Reflex is actually afraidycat, but once he gets involved in something, he goes at it full tilt and doesnt back off. And I'm not just saying this because he is my cat. I'm saying it as I see it. The video that I posted of him forcefully playing with Mr Bengal sums up his personality exactly.

Mr Bengal is larger/heavier but his energy levels are not as high as Reflex and if a foreign cat came into the house/garden, Mr Bengal is the sort to chase it out and then leave it. Reflex might go "all the way".

Reflex's behaviour is partially down to his breed characteristic and genetics, but also perhaps by the way I treat him - ever since he started biting me, I started to play with him quite roughly, where I am more gentle with Mr Bengal, as I doubt that he would appreciate my rough play. He is a gentle cat.

It'll be interesting to see how they both grow up. I shall keep this thread alive and post regular updates.

sheryl · « **Reply #141 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:16:38 PM »

i think he is definately too gorgeous to be called Bengal.

You can never be sure what size he is going to reach, regardless of the parents size - my Bengal girl Mellika is 7kg of pure muscle - (14 months old) and my boy Raffiki who everyone thought was going to be huge is 6kg (also 14 months old) my new snow Bengal Teeko who is 5 months old is already 3.2kg so I think he is defiately going to be a BIG boy. The fact that you had your boys neutered at such an early age could also impact on their eventual size. Also Mellika (Brown spotted) had the fuzzies until she was about 5 months old.

Dawn F · « **Reply #140 on:** May 28, 2008, 16:02:58 PM »

thats a scary thought MM! Although we did have a live bat in last night

Millys Mum · « **Reply #139 on:** May 28, 2008, 15:57:16 PM »

Its natural for them to be defensive, i doubt they will drag another cat home like a lion would an antelope!

2-3yrs is when cats socially mature, so many households live in harmony until this time

Any cat can spray regardless of sex and neutering status, its very common in cats that feel threatened in their home so dont encourage any visitors! The cat you mentioned may have been entire, he would also leave a nasty pong

Dawn F · « **Reply #138 on:** May 28, 2008, 13:51:17 PM »

not sure they ever mentally mature!! Vicky Halls (behaviourist guru!) was the one who told me two, oddly enough it coincided with a physical change in Tilly (my bengal) the bridge of her nose darkened, probably doesn't sound like much but it makes her look much more like an Asian leopard cat than she did before - looking forward to seeing new photos of the little ones!

sunama · « **Reply #137 on:** May 28, 2008, 13:47:09 PM »

Quote from: Dawn F on May 28, 2008, 12:58:45 PM

I don't know anything about maus but bengals don't mature until around 2 years so that might be when his territorial side comes out, it is a breed trait so you have to expect it, if it doesn't happen be greatful!

I thought they are physically mature at 18 months, but I shall keep this in mind.

Gail Bengal Slave · « **Reply #136 on:** May 28, 2008, 13:17:29 PM »

That explains a lot - Zubin started chasing Thai just after his 2nd Birthday, and just after I had the gardne cat proofed.

Zeb has Zubin to keep him in line.

Author Topic: New Egyptian Mau and Bengal kittens (Read 48885 times)