In July of 2023, we received a message from a Fargo, North Dakota shelter asking if we could help a feral F1 Bengal who had come into their care. He had been caught in a feral cat trap. They said they had no other placement resources for this half wild, feral cat.
You can read more about what an F1 Bengal cat is HERE.
The only information the shelter had was that he was a 1.5-year-old, neutered male, who had already been rehomed at least twice. Horribly, his last owners abandoned him outside and moved out of state.
This poor boy was understandably extremely frightened and upset. As full as our hybrid program was, we work hard to make room for the F1’s who deserve the chance to live wild at heart.
These stories are becoming all too common. In the 36 hours before his arrival, we also received requests about 3 different Bengal Cats and 2 Savannah cats. We do our best to try and find other sanctuaries and rescues, but the problem is just growing. That’s why education is key in helping to decrease individuals from purchasing hybrid cats.
Life at the Sanctuary
Our staff drove to Fargo, North Dakota to bring him back to the sanctuary. He was a very good passenger on the way back, resting most of the way. You can watch a summary video of his rescue HERE.
We thought the name Fargo would fit him, since that’s where he was found.
Fargo weighed just a bit over 6 pounds. He was very thin, so it’s obvious he was having a tough time out on his own. Though he’s definitely an unsocialized cat, he was eagerly accepting food and treats from our caretakers very soon after his arrival.
But we’re guessing, once he’s put on some weight and gets a clean bill of health, he’ll probably be like our other F1 Bengals; i.e. rather reclusive and not all that fond of humans, but interested in others of his own kind.
After Fargo has his intake exam and is through with his quarantine period, we’ll assess how to integrate him into the Hybrid Haven section of the sanctuary so he can live safely and happily wild at heart.
How You Can Help
Our sponsorship program is what makes top notch care possible for our residents, like Fargo. Would you consider becoming his sponsor parent? Or even a one-time donation toward his care would help so much, too.
You’ll find buttons at the top of this page if you’d like to help Fargo in a very special way. Thank you!
