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ladywolf
Lordie, what have I done?

Today, I was pulling into a convenience store when a close friend pulled in beside me and called out, "Hey, you want an exotic cat for free?"

"No," I said, "Not right now..."

Well, the rest is history. I now have a 12-week old Bengal kitten in my house, wreaking havoc and charming me totally. A KITTEN? And one with a very unusual personality? Are there any other Bengal owners out there?

This is what boredom drove me to, I guess, but I also saw it as a sign. I have had a lot of cats in my lifetime, so having one is not a new thing for me--but a cat who who talks all the time, likes to take baths and walks and play fetch, and is going to demand non-stop attention, except when sleeping...may be just what I've been needing.

Was I crazy to say "yes?"

Hugs and yowls--Margi, Spiritwolf, and "Mr. Micester" (just for today, the name)
missy
YAY! That is wonderful news! I am so happy this kitty found you!
Rhapsedy
There is such a thing as a Bengal cat right? You didn't adopt a Bengal tiger? LOL!

dihann
QUOTE (Rhapsedy @ Jul 5 2010, 08:43 PM) *
There is such a thing as a Bengal cat right? You didn't adopt a Bengal tiger? LOL!



That's wonderful Margi. Your cat sounds like a dog....interesting how the universe works. Just wanted to apologize for cutting out on you in chat. I don't quite know what happened, but couldn't get back to you after that. Haven't seen you in chat for awhile....glad you are keeping happily distracted and amused.

Diane
Berta
Congrats Margi! I don't think you are crazy at all. Mr. Micester is probably just what you need right now. Good luck. I am thinking he will probably be a handful. Can't wait to read about it!
smokey/lady/max
Hi Margi
I am glad you have found a new companion to keep you amused I do think you needed that. I have posted a bengal cat they are really pretty. I had to chuckle when Rhapsedy posted sure you dont have a bangel tiger. That would be your luck margi.

Hugs to you and your new addition
Anna and My Angels
Click to view attachment
ladywolf
Thanks everyone. Gulp, I guess. I'm in shock--I really didn't go to the convenience store today in order to make a new 20-year commitment!

Here is Leopold...

Berta
Oh Margi! What an incredibly beautiful cat! He is gorgeous. How could you possibly resist taking him? You are so lucky for this cat to have found you. Wow!
Berta
And oh yes, he definitely looks like a Leopold. Great name. It suits him perfectly.
ladywolf
I guess I needed a new critter in order to have a reason to go on living. I really was getting hard-pressed to find one...

Yes, Rhapsedy, he is a cat, LOL! (I know, no one would put it past me to get a tiger!) But cross-bred generations ago with wild cats--hence the coloring. Leopold is kind of a "reject" of the litter in terms of his breedability, because his markings aren't distinct enough. That's why the breeder/owners were looking for a home for him. Obviously, he wasn't a reject for me!

I'm totally distracted and totally in shock. This is a VERY personable guy, truly more like a puppy than a kitten. He's twelve weeks old and long and gangly, but has paws about the size of Janika's Pixie's!!! (The largest animal on the planet since the dinosaur...)

Hugs--Margi and Spiritwolf and Leopold
smokey/lady/max
Oh MARGI
He is so darn cute. Look at those markings at the eyes they look exactly like the picture I posted. Give him a kiss for me.

Hugs
Anna
tahoeden
Right f__king on Margi!!!. Why not? You deserve a slice of happiness, companionship and comfort. Now you are Ben's gal... I think that tonight you will have a nice peaceful sleep. Let us know if he keeps that name, what his personality develops into, and how he does with your neighbors dog. I'm proud of you for taking care of your needs, for giving out some of that abundance of love you have, and for starting a new phase in your life. You are no longer Cat-atonic.

Dennis
janika
Oh Margi

I am so pleased and happy for you and Leopold the Great, for I am sure that is what he will be, in more ways than one!!!
I have been busy for a few days as its been my Husbands 60th birthday celebrations, so sorry I haven't been around much. I kept popping in every now and again, but didn't get chance to visit 'chat' or the forum much.
Lepold looks so gorgeous I am sending massive hugs to you both.
Hope to see you in 'chat' soon.

Love Jan and Pixie and my Angels xx

PS. Anna, the facial markings are exactly the same as the pic you posted........... Angels at work through you again. hugs xx
mom2stew
Wow Margi, he is terribly handsome, isn't he? He was meant to be yours! Congratulations!
Brutus
Congrats Margi....so happy for you...I love the name you chose too! He is a cutie pie!

Hugs,
Sonya
ladywolf
Well, the first "sneak attack" by my new army came at 5 a.m., right on the money, just as the prior owner suggested that it might. Little kitten face poking into my face, through my hair, batting at my eyes, chewing on my ears, just generally making a full-on assault ruckus of himself. I was NOT bored by this--but I lost the battle. I suspect that I will lose many battles with Leopold, who is desperately trying to help me type right now. Noisy little bugger, too. these cats are known to be very very busy, especially in the morning. He walks through his water dish, he follows me all around the house, he leaps tall buildings in a single bound, and he likes beer! (Not in the morning!) He's an armful, all right!

I'm nervous about having taken on this new responsibility, with my finances in shambles, not knowing where I'm going to be living six months from now, etc.--and just the amount of attention this little guy is going to demand. But it sure is nice to have little kitty feet screaming through the house, along with cries of "BATTLE!" (Remember the scene in the movie Michael where John Travolta did BATTLE with the bull, and won!?) I don't think I'll ever win in this situation...

Thanks, Anna, for posting that Bengal. I'm about to go find a few more to post--they really are amazing-looking beasties!

What have I done?

Hugs--Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Great
ladywolf
Yeah, Dennis, the cat's a tonic! LOL!

Here are some more Bengal pix, if Leopold will let me type!

Bengal cats were bred from nationality Leopard Cats from Asia, many generations ago. nationality Leopard are known to be very shy and retiring and to hide all the time. Wonder what happened to all of THOSE qualities? Bengal cats are known to be quite insane, and possibly the most intelligent of all the cat breeds. Definitely feisty! But not dangerous at all--they really ARE "just" housecats now, albeit with unusual coats and personalities...

This is too funny. I'm not allowed to write "as ian"-- it becomes "nationality" above!
LS Support
looks like he's going to be a real terror biggrin.gif

i've read that bengals can get quite large, i've seen on the net a few 20 pounders!

btw, as*ian turns to nationality because of a deluge of p*o*r*n spam that hit the site a couple of years ago (as*ian ______)
moon_beam
Hi, Margi, just adding my congrats to everyone else's. Leopold (what a GREAT name!!) is very handsome indeed! I have to chuckle at your experiences so far - - sounds so o oo o o familiar with my Noah with the "alarm clock. Oh, I do know what you mean about the finances - - been there, BUT I know you will do your very best by Leopold. What a precious treasure!!!

Thank you so o o much for sharing this great news with us, Margi. I am so oo happy for the both of you.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Cheryl83
Congrats, Margi, and good luck! laugh.gif

It seems to me that this cat was meant for you. Maybe your precious Ladywolf could sense that you've been down lately, and sent this angel to liven things up. He certainly will keep you busy, and give you something to focus on.

Keep us updated.

Cheryl xx
ladywolf
Thanks for all your congratulations, everyone. Leopold the Terrible and I are doing just fine, kinda'. He does have quite a voice--he talks about everything: falling leaves, bugs, dust particles and air molecules, etc. The kitten voice is quite sharp, but I imagine that it will mellow with time. It will, won't it? It WILL, won't it...??

I need to remember that a puppy just taken from its mama would be howling too, probably more loudly than this, which is, after all, only like the sound of...chalk on a blackboard...

Aside from the voice, I am totally in love but still in shock at what I've done. I was going to enjoy my freedom from pets for awhile--now I've taken on a hypo-manic kitty? He'll probably calm down a bit in time--like by the time he's TWELVE!

Cheers, everyone!

Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Great
Cheryl83
Oh, Margi, your posts about Leopold are making me smile soo much. laugh.gif From your descriptions, I can imagine exactly what he is like. I'm so pleased for you.

When you get the chance, would love to see more pics. A full body one would be great if poss!

Hugs, Cheryl x
Westiesam/Sharon
Hi Margi
I LOVE it -- you have a new pet! Good for you -- and I love the name Leopold!!!!! Remember this line from Desiderata? "And whether or not it is clear to you, the universe is unfolding as it should.....

have a wonderful evening and give my regards to Leopold!

Sharon
missy
I hope that you can continue to show us pictures. It is so nice to see a happy kitty full of life and promise.
ladywolf
Here are a couple more pictures of Leopold The Terrible!
smokey/lady/max
Oh Margi
He is so so pretty. And what a nice blanky to match him. I just noticed look at how BIG those paws are. I dont think he is going to be little. Rhapsedy might be right!!!!!!!! you are very lucky to have such a beautiful baby. keep posting pictures. He sure looks pretty tame in these pictures or is he just taking a timeout for a quick second?

Hugs
Anna
ladywolf
Oh, he's very tame, Anna. In fact, the only time he stops yowling is when he is asleep in my lap, or being held, or travelling along in a bag that I've tried slinging over my shoulder. He's very well socialized and personable. These really are NOT wild cats--they just look like it, and have different temperaments from regular cats. Crazier!! LOL!!

Hugs- Margi and Spiritwolf and Leopold
janika
WOW !!!!! Leopold The Great is one beautiful Tiger cat. I love him already. His character sounds 'Great' too, and he'll keep you wonderfully occupied. The paws are reminiscent of a certain Pixie (Pony) Dog, and so I think before long Leopold will be swinging you along on his back instead of vice versa.
As for the yowling and high pitched howls, I'm pretty sure that the tone will get deeper as he grows in size, but not sure on that one as I have no experience of Bengal Tiger Cats.
Please keep posting Pics and news. He is working wonders for us all on here. It's making me smile just thinking of him. I am so happy that you both found each other.
Hope to see you in 'chat' soon.
Love and hugs to you both.

Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx
Cheryl83
Margi, thanks for sharing more pics. He is HUGE already -- and yes, look at those paws! He is absolutely beautiful. His fur looks so soft and look at those stunning green eyes! Wow.

Well, judging from the responses, Leopold has certainly brought some joy into ALL our lives. An angel indeed (a cheeky, lively one, but an angel nonetheless).

Big hugs, Cheryl x

ladywolf
I guess that EVERYONE is in love with Leopold already--so--anyone want to take him for the mornings? I guess that I will NEVER be allowed to sleep in again. Never!! He's like a screaming wheeling dervish in the early mornings, or a tiny nuclear bomb...

Yes, Jan, I had already likened the size of his paws to Pixie, the Pony's...

I'll take more pix later on today. If I can slow him down long enough to "shoot" him!

Hugs from Margi and Spiritwolf and Leopold the Terrible In the Morning
Cheryl83
Well, you certainly have something to get out of bed for now don't you (you don't have any choice!!!) laugh.gif

This thread has given me hope and injected a little something into my heart -- the notion that one day I WILL be ready to bring a new furbaby into my life. I'm starting to long for the energy and fun a young baby brings.

In the meantime I will keep myself amused with your tales of Leopold the Terrible!

Hugs x
missy
Awww don't worry the kitten phase doesn't last forever. He wall calm down in no time.
I can tell he is very happy there, see his left paw? It is digging into the cushion. That is a sign that he is happy, that kneading they do with their paws.
Flossie's Mom
Margi................

What a beautiful cat you have there! Almost as beautiful as my cat! And the wake up calls at 5am are sooooo much fun! I have a little box with Mr. Jingles' toys on the head of my bed and a couple of days ago he was not getting the correct response from me so he pulled out a couple & dropped them on my head. I know he knew exactly that he was doing. In the winter he was not so insistant but he's up to his old tricks again now with the 5am gotta get up business.

I've resigned myself to the not sleeping in ever again as he is 2 now & still wants to play at 5am. He prefers to "do his business" outside & wants out early but we have a pair of Great Horned Owls with 2 offspring they are teaching to hunt so he is not allowed out till at least 8am (after I have walked all around the area I know they are hanging out at right now. Cerfew is by 6pm just to be safe.

I know Leopold will be very entertaining for you and though an agrivation at times I doubt you'd want it any other way. Sure beats being lonely.

Enjoy!!!!
moon_beam
Hi, Margi - - Leopold is so o o handsome!!! Thank you so o o much for the wonderful pictures!! I was thinking about him on the way into work this morning, chuckling, too. There is one thing: you may need to do an internet search on Bengal cats if you decide to move. There is a breed of cat - - just can't remember which one - - that is considered "wild" and is legally not allowed in every State - - sort of like the reputation that Dobie's, German Shep's, Rotties, Pit Bull's, etc., have received and have subsequently hit the "black list" for homeowner insurance coverage.

My Noah is an "early riser" too. He and Eli used to love to watch the sunrise together at the big basement doors. Now Noah watches the sunrise in Eli's and Abbygayle's memories - - with their sweet Living Spirits keeping him company. So, what I do on the weekends is get up and give him his breakfast and fresh water, and then go back to bed. After he has had his breakfast and taken care of his routines, he comes back to bed and snuggles with me.

It seems that GOOD fortune has come your way - - in the little form of Leopold. Now, if you could get some good FORTUNE in the form of income - - .

Margi, may you and Leopold have a long and healthy life together. And wherever you may live, may you and Leopold always be blessed with the presence of your precious Spiritwolf. Please know you are frequently close in my thoughts and prayers, Margi.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Axel&Lexa Mommy
Leopold is so cute. Love bengals my first kitty baby Axel was a bengal...he loved to talk...always said hello everytime we came into a room.
I am so happy you and Leopold found each other. Keep posting about him and adding pics. He is such a handsome young fellow.

Michelle
ladywolf
QUOTE (Axel&Lexa Mommy @ Jul 8 2010, 03:46 PM) *
Leopold is so cute. Love bengals my first kitty baby Axel was a bengal...he loved to talk...always said hello everytime we came into a room.
I am so happy you and Leopold found each other. Keep posting about him and adding pics. He is such a handsome young fellow.

Michelle


Hi Michelle and everyone--

Yes, Leo loves to talk too. Thank GOD he has quieted down from the first couple of days, when I thought I'd go stark raving mad if he didn't shut up. He's calmed down a lot too--is only hypo-manic part of the time now--in between times, he sleeps. And he let me sleep in 'til almost 8 this a.m. before he sat on my face!

He's just as cute as can be. I'm still having some buyer's remorse, though, wondering what I've gotten into. But I guess that's normal, especially given my impoverished circumstances.

Here he is again: Leopold the Holy Terror...

Thanks for all the compliments, everybody!
janika
Good Morning Margi and Leopold the Handsome and Spiritwolf

Great to hear that you got to have a 'lie in ' this morning, and what a wonderful way to be woken up, bless him.
He was meant for you Margi, he has 'M for Margi' on his dear little head, look at his markings it's plain to see.
Keep posting the pics please.

Love
Jan and my Angels and Pixie
Cheryl83
QUOTE (janika @ Jul 9 2010, 07:55 AM) *
He was meant for you Margi, he has 'M for Margi' on his dear little head, look at his markings it's plain to see.


ohmy.gif Jan, what a wonderful observation! I can't believe it - it's clear as day. Yet another sign that he was meant for you, Margi. And I have a strong feeling that the precious Spiritwolf had a hand in this.

Cheryl
ladywolf
Sigh, the Spiritwolf always DID have a great sarcastic sense of humor and mischief. I wouldn't put this past her, to have sent me this much aggravation. It's her revenge on me for all the times I teased her!

It actually does make sense that she had something to do with this, because I couldn't have a cat while Spiritwolf was alive, and I missed having one. She was not nice to cats...

Yes, I see the M on Leo's forehead very clearly. Stands for "MONSTER!"

This was NOT an easy morning. I need more beauty sleep--LOTS more--than I am getting. Also, fresh scratches on my face kind of eliminate any benefit from whatever beauty sleep I DO manage to get.

Sigh...

Margi and Spiritwolf the Prankster and Leopold the Monster
Muffins
Hi Margi:

What a handsome guy you have there and such a great name - Leopold wub.gif . I'm glad that you said yes.....I would have in a second. I'm very happy for you both!

Like Missy said:
QUOTE
I can tell he is very happy there, see his left paw? It is digging into the cushion. That is a sign that he is happy, that kneading they do with their paws.

I noticed that too -- Leopold feels quite relaxed and very comforted.

Wishing you both many happy years!

Peace & Love to you always,

Denise
smokey/lady/max
Hi Margi
I had noticed the M on his forehead also. That was cute your explanation monster, So we can say Mommy Margi's Monster.
He is for sure a keeper.

Hugs
Anna and my Angels
Cheryl83
Haha, aww, Margi - I'm sure the missing out on sleep will all be worth it in the end. It will take time and A LOT of patience, but Leopold is showing all the signs and intelligence that points towards him growing into a calm(er), loyal, loving companion.

You will have to try and sneak naps when he is napping.

I was just wondering, also, how you're getting on with the job hunting?

Big hugs - Cheryl x
sad
Hi Margi

I have not been around due to the heat wave but just logged on today to see your new addition. What a cutie. Kittens seem to have unlimited energy don't they? He sure is cute but I know what you mean about what did you get yourself into. There is a stray hanging around my house right now that is doing her best to adopt me-so far I have resisted but did buy a bag of cat food the other day. ;-p
Leopold is such a cool name-and it suits him. Hope he starts to settle into the routine at your place and sounds like he will not mind travelling-young cats are very adaptable but as they get older they get attached to their territory. Hope things are going a little better for you. I have my fingers and toes crossed that the unemployment gets extended Monday or a job comes along soon my way as well.
ladywolf
He doesn't like the car much yet, but he's only had two rides. (It's too hot here to take him everywhere right now--otherwise, I would, to get him used to the idea of travelling. That will have to wait til fall.) But he doesn't mind being carried places, and he likes riding in a bag slung over my shoulder.

Last night he climbed so far up a tree that neighbor Mark got concerned that he wouldn't be able to get down, so he climbed up after him. It was pretty funny, since I'm pretty sure that Leo could have gotten down on his own. He is, after all, descended from the Leopard.

This a.m. I squirted him with water when he started in on the 5 a.m. wake-up call biting and poking and fussing with my hair and eyes. That made him more docile and snuggly, but I still never got back to sleep. It's a new life around here. The days were long and boring enough already, without having them start at 5!

Sad--I fervently hope that you do get unemployment extension, so that you have time to continue looking around. I know that you and I are in much the same boat. I had to sell a piece of family heirloom jewelry last month to pay the bills. Now I have one piece left, and it is something terrifically sentimental to me--an emerald ring that is the last thing I have of my parent's, it's gorgeous, and it is my birthstone. If I have to sell it, I will be heartbroken. But I may have to anyway.

Bought a bag of cat food, eh? Just to have it around, I guess--not for any particular USE. You're likely a goner too, Sad!

Hugs from Margi and Spiritwolf and Leo the Lionhearted
ladywolf
Cat and Mouse!
Berta
LOL! Love the cat and mouse. Just seeing your pics of Leopold lifts my spirits today Margi. He is so gorgeous. I am having a very hard day today and been in a bad state of depression for a few days. But seeing your new mini-leopard brings a smile.
blindsided too...
Heya, Margi... stopped by to see how you were, and I see that you are *busy.* ;] I completely understand: A couple of weeks after putting Cookie down went to the pound with my daughter just to see if her lost Corgi was there, and wound up bringing home a "1-3 year old hound mix" - looks a bit basset-houndy/beagly/German Shepherdy but on Komodo-dragon legs, and I think she is a lot closer to 1 year than 3, dangit (I did *not* want a puppy!)... and I too wonder what I was thinking. She was not completely housebroken, she eats *everything* she finds that can't get away, wakes up far too early, and now she's terrorizing my timid 6-year-old daughter.

I'm not sure I'd trade you lol, but I sure do sympathize with you. I think having had our previous companions for as long as we did, and having them know our routines and knowing their routines as well as we did... these new additions are just, I dunno... hard to take the changes.

Again... what were we thinking? But it's too late now, isn't it? ;]
ladywolf
Yup...it's too late now!

I just tried to do a very simple, basic thing--lie down and read a magazine. Turns out that this is impossible, as the turning of the pages turned Leopold into a totally Wild Thang! Pages are for SHREDDING, not for reading! So finally I took to batting at him with the magazine (gently, of course), which is what he wanted all along. Sigh...

You really hit the proverbial nail on the head with your statement about our previous companions, and them knowing our routines and us knowing theirs. Being single and living alone, and celibate right now (not by choice exactly, lol), no one has bothered me in the morning for several years. I have insomnia as it is, my sleep patterns have always been skewed, now they're turned upside down! Ladywolf and Poppers were used to taking 1 a.m. walks with me, and then waiting patiently for me to wake up whenever I did. (Except for in the winter, a door was always open so that they could go in and out.) Sigh...

Sigh...

I love this little creature, but like you, I am finding a lot NOT to love as well. He's wildly entertaining, but who needs entertainment 24/7? Sigh...

Oh well, I was complaining about being bored witless and needing new stimulation. Be careful what you wish for. Sigh...

Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Holy Terror
madi
Yes you are crazy Margi, but in a good way, just like the rest of us. I'm so happy that you have that darling kitten, sounds like he was waiting for you and was meant to be. He is totally gorgeous and I hope he brings you much joy. xx

madi xx
moon_beam
Hi, Margi, just getting caught up on some posts. Yesterday was filled with "human family" stuff so I didn't have a chance to log on at all.

It sounds like Leopold is keeping you busy - - not always welcome, for sure. Kittens / youngsters can be "pesky" when we are more accustomed to a slower, more "geriatric" type routine. I love your latest pictures of Leo, partuclarly the computer one.

I'm sorry that you're now having to contemplate selling your ring. Instead of selling it, could you maybe get a loan against it? That way, perhaps, you could keep it instead of having to risk having to sell it. It's just a thought. My knowledge of such things is non-existent since all of the jewelry I do have is of the "costume" variety.

Margi, I hope you and Leopold will have a good day today. I hope and pray with all my heart that good FORTUNE will quickly come your way. And I hope that cool breezes will come to soothe and refreshen your tired and weary heart and spirit, and that you and Leopold will be blessed with the presence of your sweet Spiritwolf at all times and in all circumstances.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
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