MiLA
Like many people who purchase Early Generation Bengals (a cross between an Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic), MiLA’s owner was told that these hybrids make excellent pets and can live “just like any house cat.” But after three years of MiLA peeing in their home and still completely unsocial, her owner tried to contact the breeder and was, of course, blocked. So arrangements were made, and MiLA arrived at WildCat Ridge in August.
We rarely take in a cat that has been cared for as well as MiLA, and we are grateful that her owner made the ultimate sacrifice to choose MiLA’s well-being over her own. She is living in our newest hybrid area, SC4 and has other hybrid and domestic cats she lives with. With a spacious outside and inside area it’s the perfect life for this gorgeous girl.
From MiLA’s former guardian: “As a very naive and new cat owner I decided to give my cat Xephyr a sister, MiLA, an F1 bengal (hybrid cat). With excitement and love, I welcomed her into her new home. Days after my struggle to care for MiLA began, she started to mark her territory by peeing and sometimes even pooping inside the house, and hissing and spraying if anyone came near her. She would crawl around the house hiding as if I was a predator. I immediately contacted the breeder who assured me this was her needing time to adjust.
After a couple of weeks she told me it was my fault and blocked me. I was frustrated and way over my head. I contacted other breeders and read articles on how to handle a cat I couldn’t touch or get near. I tried everything, including giving her her own room inside/outside, new beds, new litter, retraining her on a litter box, not approaching her at all, sleeping in the room with her so she would become more accustomed to being with me. I would have tried anything. I didn’t want to give up on her, I love her and ultimately it was my responsibility to care for her.
I was always hopeful that one day she would be like the other cats, but after three years of this, I finally understood there was nothing else I could do and with much sadness I decided to surrender my cat to the WildCat Ridge Sanctuary which is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. It bothers me every day and I miss her dearly, but I knew this was the right thing to do for MiLA.
I now know a hybrid cat is not a pet and I make sure people know and understand this. Yes, they are beautiful, but they don’t belong in a house, and they need extra and specialized care no one will tell you about because they want your money. Do not buy cats, instead, adopt and make a difference.”
Adopt MiLA
With your $50 adoption fee, you receive:
- A sponsorship certificate.
- An 8.5 x 11 full-color image (ready to frame).
- The history of the wildcat you chose.
- The knowledge that you're making a difference in the lives of the wildcats at WildCat Ridge.
Sponsor MiLA
With your $500 sponsorship fee, you receive:
- A sponsorship certificate.
- An 8.5 x 11 full-color image (ready to frame).
- The history of the wildcat you chose.
- One private tour of WildCat Ridge (for two adults, no children under 18, June thru Sept. with the fulfillment of payment).
