Greetings from sunny San Diego, CA...

I'm new here as a lot of folks are and very happy to find this forum.  I have a spayed female Bengal cat named Angel.  My daughter and I adopted her from the San Diego Humane Society over 4 years ago.  They estimated her age at the time, to be 6-7 mos. old.  I did reply to a thread here today in the "behavior" section to a member that has almost identical situation as myself.  I'm not sure what type of cat she has, but sounds just like mine.  Wouldn't surprise me if she too has a Bengal. My daughter and I did some research about these cats before we adopted her, but didn't have much time as she was scheduled for euthanasia in about 6 hours.  We had to act fast, so not much time to really know what we were getting.  But I figured what the heck, it's a cat... and we couldn't understand why they were going to put her down.  She was just a kitten.  A very pretty kitten at that.

My friend found her wondering in the street and took her to the shelter.  She called us to say she had taken her there and that we should go check her out, that she seemed "unusual".  We weren't looking for a pet, but she told us they were going to put her down the next day if we didn't show up.  That pulled at both of our heart strings...  The shelter explained she wasn't very friendly (even as a kitten), they weren't comfortable adopting her out, and they were seriously overcrowded.  So we put her in one of their hard cardboard carrying cases, and took her home.  On the way, she ripped through that carrier like it was paper.  We had doubts at that point, but decided to give her a place to live with love and caring people. 

Well... from day one, she started attacking us.  We thought it was just because she was so disoriented and unhappy.  We didn't know where she came from or what her background was.  Didn't know if she came from an abusive situation or what.  We did our best to keep an eye in the back of our heads to keep the attacks to a minimum.  It didn't help.  I ended up getting a squirt gun to defend myself, as the scratches and bites were not cool and I wasn't trying to bleed all the time.  We had to start keeping our distance and really paying close attention to where she was in the house at all times.  We took her to our vet that had taken care of our other pets (they had all passed when we got her, so no other animals), but he was reluctant to allow her in his office.  He referred us to a cat only vet.  We took her in and had a complete check up, vaccines done, and nails trimmed.  That is where we learned the most about this cat.  The vet is awesome and very knowledgeable and thought she was "stunning".   She told us she had some aggression issues that we would have to work with, and ruled out any medical issues.  She has been to this same vet a couple times every year since.

She is very healthy and has grown into quite a large cat for a female at 10 lbs.  Over time she has inflicted injuries on my daughter, myself and family members and bit a friend.  We kept thinking she would grow out of it and after years of taking real good care of her, playing with toys, giving places to get up high, that her aggression would be a thing of the past.  It hasn't.  My daughter has since gotten engaged and move on to her new home with her fiancé.  So I am now living with her by myself.  The attacks have gotten worse!  I've gotten more toys, and have tried calming aids and cat chews with melatonin.  Nothing has helped, they don't even have an effect on her!  She is becoming quite dangerous in fact.

I have briefly spoke with a cat behaviorist that says she needs to be retrained and can have her behavior issues changed.  I don't have the resources or money to pay cat trainers.  I also work long hours and am away from my home a lot.  I know this is not good for them as they are attention "hounds".  Although she can't handle the attention.  She has never liked to be petted, and/or handled.  She lives strictly indoors.  But lately she sits and scratches at the door and howls like she wants out real bad.  I live in a "controlled" community and don't see feral cats or any animals outside.  I think it would be great if she could go out and hunt and play and run, but she can't.

I have been reaching out to organizations in hopes of finding a sanctuary or some place that can take her and possibly work with her to try to change her vicious aggressive behavior.  I can't go on living and fearing for my safety all the time.  I can NEVER be without my squirt gun.  It's my only defense and if that stops working, I'm in big trouble.

The one organization I'm working with says they are interviewing a new foster, but that is located in Arizona.  It's not a for sure thing and is a long ways away.  Others are either too overcrowded or say she must be able to be handled and put in general population with other cats.  That probably won't work for her as she is very aggressive towards cats at the vets office.  I'm trying to find a "no-kill" situation, but it's becoming a fruitless mission.  Taking her back to the shelter where I got her is most likely a death sentence.  I don't want to put her down, but I can't keep living in fear of this cat!  She has caused serious injuries.  Maybe new environment and someone working with her would be the change she needs.  I want her to be happy and live a good life, not the way it is for her, or me, now.  Maybe our chemistry isn't good.  I just don't know...

If anyone here has any ideas, please feel free to contact me.  I need help with this cat.  Thank you all for reading my story and any help you can send my way.  We have given her 4 years but now the clock is ticking for this cat again...

There used to be a Bengal breeder who also had a rescue in northern Florida.  I doubt he is still alive, but there must be others like him.  He had over 100 acres in the woods and he actually let these cats run wild -- they had shelter and food and were neutered and spayed, but they were free in Florida in the jungle they loved.  There must be others like him you could find.  She needs to be out.  While some of these hybrid kittens manifest the domestic personality, others like yours do not.  Here is a link to a video Big Cat Rescue in Florida with a video of why many of these hybrids do not make good pets.  I hope you can find a place for her where she can be free and yet cared for, because she is truly a wild cat and not a pet.   You should be able to link to other people who understand Bengals and perhaps they can give you good advice on how to avoid being injured by your beautiful wild cat until you can find a place like the man in Florida had.. 

http://bigcatrescue.org/savannah-cats-and-bengal-cats-make-bad-pets/

Hi Red Top Rescue:  Thanks for sharing the video.  I wish she could go to this place in the video.  It is exactly the type of sanctuary she needs.  It couldn't be further away from San Diego.  Both extremes of the oceans.  I have been in contact with a couple of Bengal cat rescues and they are trying to work something out for her.  Most have suggested retraining or calming aids or medication, but that is costly and I'm not sure would work.  Although I have tried some calming agents, but to no avail. No effect at all.  I am also working with her vet to try to relocate her.  We were just trying to save her from the ultimate doom at the shelter.  I have raised lots of cats, even a bobcat.  So I've had lots of experience with cats, but she is quite different. 

I don't know her background and don't know if she was abused or a result of bad breeding, or what her issues are.  She just has never mellowed and it does appear she has very wild genes instead of the domestic side.  I don't consider her super early generation, but she most definitely has signs and traits of a cat more closely bred to the wild cat.  Or it could be she just has had bad handling as a smaller kitten.  I didn't get her until she was close to 7 mos. old, and that was an estimate.  I don't really know her age.  I sent pictures to the Bengal rescues and they said she is an "ordinary" Bengal with bad aggression that needs to be retrained.  I don't know about the retraining deal, as I am not experienced with that.  I have read and watched programs to try to come up with some ideas, but nothing I've tried has worked.  She is becoming more and more aggressive.  I just do my best now to try to steer clear of her and give her her space.

I have internalized and feel much guilt over this situation and so wished to make her a good pet.  But I don't think her aggression is all my doing.  If any.  But I still feel bad for her and just want her to have a good life and be happy.  Not all bent and twisted all the time.  It's not good for her, or me.  It would be so wonderful if she could be where she could run free and hunt and play and have the time of her life.  She deserves that.  She would be good as someone's barn cat as she is a great hunter.  She would rid any property of mice or small rodents.  I just haven't been successful in finding that outlet yet.

Thanks so much for your concern and kind words.  It does help to have folks to talk to and reach out to. I have been dealing with her for over 4 years and just can't take on any more injuries and drama trying to live in my house in fear all the time.  Never knowing where she is stalking me from and when the next attack will be.  I need to remedy this situation real soon...

Maybe you can find a sanctuary in California.  Also, you might check in with Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, because they might be able to include her in their feral area.  As for turning her in to Animal Control (not really "shelter" t all).  It would be far kinder to have her humanely put to sleep by your vet than to put this poor wild animal in this sort of situation.  She is not adoptable, and she will be euthanized anyhow.   If you can't find any decent place that will take her (and you should definitely offer a donation, even if you have to do it in a pledge of small monthly amounts), then give her the gift of a peaceful end to her stressful life and let her rest in peace.

Here is the link to Best Friends:

http://bestfriends.org/The-Sanctuary/Explore-the-Sanctuary/Cat-World/

If you are at all willing to give her another chance, it is worth trying medication.  I've told my story about Jake before--here's one of my posts:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/272343/abrupt-aggression-in-13yo-need-help.  

At least it might make things calmer for you both while you find a placement for her.

Hi Red Top Rescue: Sorry for the lag time.  Was gone yesterday and had to work late today.  I am looking to find a sanctuary in Cali.  I've been reaching out all over the place.  Lots are so full and some want upwards of $5,000 to take her on an "immediate" need situation.  They have waiting lists unless there's a death in the family or military leave.

I left yesterday just to give her the run of the house for awhile.  I can't keep her all bottled up in her room all the time.  She howls and it's not fair to her.  I wish I could let her outside, but that's not an option.  I do know the "shelter" is not really a shelter... I saved her from that place... just better than calling it the "pound".  After over 4 years, I pretty much have figured that's not an option either.  If I was going to take her there, I would have done that a long time ago.  I love animals and she does have a place in my heart.  I won't have her put down... I can't do that.  She is one of God's amazing creatures, she's just not in the right environment.  I WILL find a place for her.  I'm doing my best to co-exist with her until I can find that "right" place.  I watch very close to her signs and know when her face and body changes, which is quite often.  I dread those attacks!

I knew last night... I was sitting perfectly still watching TV, and she walked by and turned with that look and body language.  I knew my leg was had so I grabbed the squirt gun.  She crotched down and looked at the gun and ran behind the couch.  After that, it was just constant watch her.  She prowls around the furniture and keeps sneaking peeks to see if I'm "off guard".  I couldn't sit in peace and had to finally get her to her room (that's a mission).  I hate using the squirt gun or putting her in there, but I can't risk the alternative.  For the life of me, I don't know why I've become her prey, but it's no fun.  I toss stuffed animals at her and that does deter her for the moment.  But her attention span is about 5 minutes tops.  I really had no idea of what I had gotten myself, and my family, into when I adopted this cat.

I'm not financially well to do, but most definitely would donate if and when I find a place to take her.  I would help them feed her and what ever help I could give to know she was being taken care of and not causing any harm any more.  She needs an outdoor "jungle" type situation (obviously caged) where she would be mainly hands off.  Just run free and do her own thing. She is a wild animal and her wild genes have gotten the best of her.  She may not have had a very good start either... I don't know.  That's the hard part... not knowing her background and past.  And you are right.  She is not adoptable and will not make a good pet.  I don't wish her, or the injuries she can inflict, on anyone.  I will find a place for her... and hopefully before too many more attacks...  Thanks so much for all the great information and just being here )

Oh wow... betsygee!  I hear you on the taking a nap in your lap thing.  I used to let her lay in my lap years ago when we first got her.  But out of no where she came up and attacked my face. I have a nice scar on my neck. I went through a few bites while she was laying in my lap too, and those weren't fun either.  I don't let her ever lay in my lap any more.  She wants to, but no way do I let her get that close any more.  And it's darn near impossible to move her once she is that close.  She will "snap" all of a sudden.  She has become much more aggressive since then.  She hasn't even been through all the problems your cat has.  She is one healthy creature.  No problems ever!  The vet has ruled out any medical or physical issues.  She is at the top of her breed for being healthy.  She's never even had a flea!  It's odd that she doesn't have other issues, like peeing outside her cat box, or other weird deals.  She is very particular and uses her cat box at all times.  She seems very well house trained.  So I don't understand her madness.  There's no reason for it.  I live alone and my home is quiet and peaceful.  She's just too wild in the mind.

And the attacking and chasing you through the house... I fully understand.  If not for my trusty squirt gun, I would be in a world of hurt.  She keeps coming and has no fear of anything.  If you swing or fling any thing during her mad attacks, she comes back with a vengeance.  The ONLY thing that has ever stopped her in her tracks is the squirt gun.  And she loves water!  Just not being squirted at her.  She is full of antics where she has had me laughing my head off.  She can be very entertaining.  But then that switch flips all of a sudden... I'm not laughing any more.  I'm fearing for my safety.  I can't trust her any more.  That "switch" seems to be on more than not.  People are telling me the older she gets, the worse she will get!  Dear God, if that's the case, I have no hope.  I must find a new place for her where she can't do any harm, but can run free and be the maniac she is craving to be.  She can't help her environment, but I can.  It's up to me to get her to a happy place.  She'd be great on display at a zoo (hehe).

I can't really afford the medication thing, and have tried some other avenues that were less costly.  But they don't work.  I am going to call her vet and see if she can help with something until I can find her a place.  I wish she could talk...

Thanks for sharing your story and for your time reading mine.  Cats from hell I suppose...  Who knows what makes them tick.

I did look at the link you provided... thank you.  But it appears they are not able to take aggressive animals.  They have lots of housing but all animals comingle and they are "unable to accommodate most requests involving aggressive animals".  Don't think this would work for her.  People there need to be able to handle her and are looking to find homes for their animals that are healthy.  You can't really handle her and she won't make a good pet.  That's not going to work for her I don't think.  I truly appreciate all the great information and I will keep searching.  There's just got to be a place for her out there...

There was a "Cat from Hell" episode with a bengal but it dealt more with boredom instead of aggression.  Have you thought of getting a behaviorlist in?  I suppose that might be kind of expensive and you said you are a little tight financially so maybe that is not an option.  My sister and I had a cat that once cornered us in the bedroom so I know what you are talking about when you say you are fearful.  He had these periods of rage for some reason and he would attack us.   People who have never been attacked by a housecat tend to scoff but it can be quite frightening.  Fortunately he seemed to just outgrow it eventually and became a very good cat.

SPOTS said:

 
Oh wow... betsygee!  I hear you on the taking a nap in your lap thing.  I used to let her lay in my lap years ago when we first got her.  But out of no where she came up and attacked my face. I have a nice scar on my neck. I went through a few bites while she was laying in my lap too, and those weren't fun either.  I don't let her ever lay in my lap any more.  She wants to, but no way do I let her get that close any more.  And it's darn near impossible to move her once she is that close.  She will "snap" all of a sudden.  She has become much more aggressive since then.  She hasn't even been through all the problems your cat has.  She is one healthy creature.  No problems ever!  The vet has ruled out any medical or physical issues.  She is at the top of her breed for being healthy.  She's never even had a flea!  It's odd that she doesn't have other issues, like peeing outside her cat box, or other weird deals.  She is very particular and uses her cat box at all times.  She seems very well house trained.  So I don't understand her madness.  There's no reason for it.  I live alone and my home is quiet and peaceful.  She's just too wild in the mind.

And the attacking and chasing you through the house... I fully understand.  If not for my trusty squirt gun, I would be in a world of hurt.  She keeps coming and has no fear of anything.  If you swing or fling any thing during her mad attacks, she comes back with a vengeance.  The ONLY thing that has ever stopped her in her tracks is the squirt gun.  And she loves water!  Just not being squirted at her.  She is full of antics where she has had me laughing my head off.  She can be very entertaining.  But then that switch flips all of a sudden... I'm not laughing any more.  I'm fearing for my safety.  I can't trust her any more.  That "switch" seems to be on more than not.  People are telling me the older she gets, the worse she will get!  Dear God, if that's the case, I have no hope.  I must find a new place for her where she can't do any harm, but can run free and be the maniac she is craving to be.  She can't help her environment, but I can.  It's up to me to get her to a happy place.  She'd be great on display at a zoo (hehe).

I can't really afford the medication thing, and have tried some other avenues that were less costly.  But they don't work.  I am going to call her vet and see if she can help with something until I can find her a place.  I wish she could talk...

Thanks for sharing your story and for your time reading mine.  Cats from hell I suppose...  Who knows what makes them tick.

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I know re the cats from hell--I'd never experienced anything like it.  In fact, before we got Jake, I'd see trailers for the 'Cats from Hell' show and think "What's wrong with people, why would anyone want to watch this awful stuff?"  Little did I know--after Jake came here, I was watching every episode trying to get some ideas and help!  Crazy.  

I think calling the vet is a good idea.  Maybe an anti-anxiety type med would help.  The price of the acepromazine was worth it for us.  They only gave us six tablets or something and I was thinking "Are you kidding?  I'm going to need a truckload of this stuff!"     But the dose was only 1/4 tab, twice a day.  I gave it to Jake to lap up in tuna water because I wasn't about to try to stick my fingers near his mouth to pill him.  It only took 2 or 3 days, I don't remember for sure, to calm him down.  Since then, I've used 1/4 tab only a couple of times when it looked like he was getting super agitated but I still have most of the original bottle. 

I know every situation's different, but it might be worth a try, at least to give you a break while you figure out some options for Angel.  

Yeah, you may be right Betsygee.  Were the medications costly?  And what was the effect on your cat? My friend was brainstorming with me today at work, and we came up with what I think is a great idea.  I live out in a rural area close to the mountains.  There are a lot of farms and ranch type homes out here.  I am going to go the feed stores and put up fliers with her picture and see if someone maybe has a need for a barn cat that could be a great mouser and/or rodent eradicator.  If she could live on a farm and run around hunting and playing, and then only need to go in at night, she may be a good cat for someone.  She could get her aggression out running and hunting all day, and then when she goes in, she would be worn out and maybe just eat and sleep.  She wants outside real bad.  And I don't blame her.  She has been totally indoors for over 4 years.  I think that would drive any cat crazy.  I know lots of them live their entire lives indoors, but she was roaming free when my friend found her.  I don't know how long she had been out roaming, but she does know what the outdoors is all about.  Also those indoor cats have someone home all day to be with.  I'm gone usually 10 hours a day.  I'm not here enough for her.  She's bored in here and going nuts.  She needs more interaction with something, and maybe the great outdoors would be it.

She sits in the windows and cries to go out.  I want to open the door so bad, but I can't here.  We aren't allowed to let our cats run around. They have pictures of everyone's cats and if they see them out, you get a fine and they could be picked up and taken to the pound without notice, until you get the fine.  I knew that moving here, but I didn't have her when I moved here.  I never figured I would need to let her out either.  But over time, she wants out.  I don't know if it would help, but I think it would.  Maybe she wouldn't be so aggressive.  But if she doesn't like me, then I'm not sure if anything would help.

I've read some cats just don't like their guardians and the chemistry is not always compatible.  I don't know.  I guess I wouldn't like me either for using the darn squirt gun, but I have to defend myself somehow.  My daughter says that's why she doesn't like me... that I squirt her.  But what else am I to do when she attacks?!

The feed stores are over 20 miles away.  Some of the ranches are even further.  I would let the potential people know she prefers little human contact but needs food and care, but would prefer to be outside.  If they kept her inside for a few days to let her know they are feeding her and her litter box is there, she may not run off.  I have contacted so many sanctuary's and rescues, but either they think she can be retrained, or are full and have a long waiting list or they want $5,000!  Wow... that's more than I could even come up with and not trying to spend that much to find her a new place, especially just to sit in a cage.  Or they won't take aggressive cats or cats with behavior problems.  I'm running into a lot of dead ends with little hope.  She'd be better off and have a happier life running outside, than being locked away in a room because of my fear and her unexplained aggression.  And being left alone most of the time.  Just trying to come up with alternatives...

Thanks for your concern and input and information.  )

Hi Dahlia:  Yes, I saw that episode (a couple times), and that cat didn't seem as aggressive, but he was attacking the lady's legs.  He was more bored than aggressive.  That's NOT my cat.  She is bored, but she is extremely aggressive.  I have tried some of Jackson's ideas but giving her tunnels or boxes only gives her places to stalk me from and I didn't try the climbing gym.  She would probably use that as another way to sneak around and attack. She won't play with her stick toy any more.  She would rather attack me when I pick it up, than to go after it.  She does need someone to give her more attention and time than I have.  But like I was saying to betsygee, she needs to be outside.  She is a hunter and wants out real bad.  I'm trying to find that situation for her.  I do want her to be happy and have a good life, not all stressed all the time.

And I agree, people who have not been viciously attacked by a housecat have no idea what kind of fear it induces.  Granted, they are not the size of a lion, but she thinks she is.  She even walks around like one.  And yes, the cat behaviorist are quite expensive just to talk on the phone, let alone do any hands on.  I think the first time my cat attacked a behaviorist, they would have a whole new way of thinking.  I don't know if they get attacked much, but it is very scary.  Especially when she doesn't back down and keeps coming.  When you are bleeding and have bites, it's not easy to put your fear in check.  I have never been afraid of any cat, but this one brings out the worst.  When she chases me to a chair scratching and biting, or chases me around the house jumping my legs, or God forbid, she comes out of the dark totally catching me off guard, it is unnerving to say the least.  Just moving around in my house will get me attacked!  I'm also not a "young" person any more, so not as agile as I used to be.  This running and jumping crap is for the birds, and I bruise more easily now.  She always leaves bruises when she scratches and bites.  Unfortunately, I've been told if you have an aggressive Bengal, the older they get the worse they get.  Not looking forward to any more aggressive than she is now, or I'm in real trouble...

Thanks for understanding and reading my story.  I will find a place that is better for her and me... )

I'm sorry for the late reply.  I actually wrote it last night and when I hit 'submit' it said the site was down for maintenance or something!  So anyway--

I don't remember the exact cost but I think the pills were inexpensive and like I said, we didn't need that many of them, it was for short term use.  Your vet might have other ideas besides acepromazine, that's just the only one I know about because our vet recommended it.  It just calmed Jake down--didn't make him loopy or overly sedated or anything.  I read it's used for calming animals for travel and things like that.  

Boy, I sure hope your plan works.  That would be great if you could find a situation for Angel where she could run around more.  I think it's admirable you're going to so much trouble to find a good home for her--you obviously care about this little girl even though things aren't working out for her in your home.  

Awe betsygee... I actually do love her and so wish she was a better adjusted cat.  I don't mean to sound harsh against her.  She can't help her environment is driving her crazy.  We've lived together for over 4 years, so yeah, we have a relationship.  Albeit not a good one, but we have history.  I figured after this many years, what ever bad memories she had, or what ever haunted her in the past, would have faded and she could move forward with her life.  I would keep her if she wasn't so out of control AND getting worse.  I do want her to be happy and have a good life.  I love animals and she will always have a place in my heart.  I did originally save her from euthanasia and don't wish any ill will for her.  I also don't want anyone to be at risk, so I am hopeful she gets a chance with someone who can make a break through with her, and get her to where she is a good kitty.

Did you have to keep your Jake on them permanently?  How long did you use them for him?  Is it an option to use forever?  Or are they eventually supposed to calm down on their own?  Is it only short term use?  Did a quarter pill have an effect all day?  Sorry for so many questions.  I'm just real leery of giving her medications.  I don't know why, I just am.  Heck... I don't even like taking Advil.  I can't imagine a life with her in my home and not attacking!  That would be way cool.  It would be better if she could be petted too, but I would go for baby steps.

I have turned in my paperwork to surrender her to a rescue and waiting to hear back.  It's still in the works, and may take some time, is why I'm asking all the questions too.  So very good to have you to reach out to.  You are being a great help.  Thanks so much for any info about the meds.  I'm home sick with bronchitis or something that has me coughing my head off.  She seems to be unnerved with my coughing and is keeping her distance.  And today... she learned how to open the door in her room!  Now I have no place to keep her when she needs a time out... ugh.  She is very intelligent and figured it out.

Good night for now...

Re the meds, check out my previous posts--it was short term, just to calm him down a bit and sort of 'break the cycle' of his aggressive attacking.  Only about 3 days, as I recall.  It really would be good for you call your vet and get a professional opinion about what medications are available for situations like this and how they work--I can only tell you what my experience was.      I understand not wanting to medicate but sometimes it's not a bad thing.  I went to my vet asking for help with Jake and actually didn't know that  things like acepromazine and kitty Prozac even existed but my vet suggested it for short-term use because I had no idea what to do with this cat.  I'm glad they did, it made a huge difference for us.  This was many months ago--since then, he's settled in and I've only given it to him once in awhile (maybe twice in the past 6-8 months) if he seems overly agitated.  

I hope it works out with the rescue.    Hopefully there's a place out there for Angel where she can enjoy her life--and you can have some peace in your home.   Keep us posted!