A new Bengal cat cattery has opened in Springfield, offering families the chance to adopt a rare and distinctive breed of feline.
KZR Cattery, located at 6675 Middle Urbana Road, is operated by Shawn and Jamie Kaeser. The business is registered with The International Cat Association (TICA).
“They’re not for everyone,” said co-owner Shawn Kaeser. “But most people who have them say they’re the best kind of cat. They have traits that make them a little different from your typical house cat.”
Shawn credits his wife, Jamie, as the driving force behind the operation. “She is really the brains and the mind behind this,” he said.
The couple relocated from the Columbus area to Springfield to be closer to family and give their children a taste of rural life. Jamie had previous experience running dog kennels and had long been interested in Bengal cats. Once settled, they decided to open the cattery.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Shawn said. “The cats are something our kids enjoy. They’re not afraid of them. It gives them a chance to be involved and witness the cycle of life firsthand.”
Bengal cats are a hybrid of an Asian leopard cat—a wild species—and a domestic cat. They retain wild-like features such as a love for water, athleticism, unique fur patterns, and high energy.
“They have just a little more wild in them,” Shawn explained.
KZR’s Bengal kittens are ready for adoption at eight weeks old and range in price from $1,200 to $2,000, depending on their color and markings. Kaeser said the breed’s popularity is growing due to its hypoallergenic qualities.
Families from several states, including Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, have shown interest in adopting kittens from the cattery.
Kaeser noted that Bengal cats are regulated in some states based on how closely related they are to their wild ancestors. However, most states, including Ohio, have no restrictions.
“They’re a great way to experience a different kind of cat,” Kaeser said. “They’re not quite exotic, but they’re definitely not ordinary.”
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