When Jax was just a kitten, he was bought from a breeder for one reason: his looks. The Bengal kitten has a gorgeous coat and striking blue eyes. Unfortunately, Jax’s new owner didn’t do their research before buying him, and at 6 months old, he ended
up at a shelter.
Jax's high energy was too much for his owner and he ended up at Associated Humane Tinton Falls. Bengal cats are a cross between domestic shorthairs and Asian leopard cats. Due to their wild genetics, they tend to be very active and need a high level of enrichment. They usually require an experienced owner — but a lot of people buy them simply because they look cute.
Animals, especially exotic breeds, are so much more than the way they look. They have unique needs that should be considered, and when they aren’t, there are consequences. For Jax, those consequences left him without a home.
“Yes, Jax is S. T. U. N. N. I. N. G.,” Associated Humane Tinton Falls wrote on Facebook. “Those markings, those eyes, that gorgeous Bengal coat! But behind all that beauty is a living, breathing animal who deserves so much more than being valued for what he looks like.”
Thankfully, before arriving at the shelter he had been well taken care of, and he was eager to play and cuddle with his rescuers. The shelter reached out to their network and was able to find him a new owner — someone experienced and knowledgeable who can give Jax the life he deserves.
Jax’s story has a happy ending, but that’s not always the case. As beautiful as Bengals and other exotic breeds can be, there’s so much more to them that needs to be considered.
Any kind of cat can be found in shelters and rescues, and it's always best to adopt not shop when deciding to add a furry friend to your family.
