Where It Began: A Love for Cats

Long before this Kingdom existed, before Bengal royalty took the throne, before their world was built, I was simply a child fascinated by cats. It started with a Disney film: Jungle Cat. The story of a jaguar, wild, graceful, and untamed, which left me completely mesmerized. Naturally, I wanted one. Not the Jaguar parked in the driveway kind, but the cat prowling in the gardenkind. My obsession took root, growing through nature documentaries, animal encyclopaedias, and endless hours pouring over books about domestic and wild cats alike. I begged my parents for a cat, only to be told time after time after time no, until one spelling test changed everything. My reward for 10/10? A trip to a local cat rescue, where I was about to choose two tabby kittens when fate intervened. The lady placed a tiny white ball of fluff in my hands a kitten named Pudding. Instantly, I knew. This was my cat. This was my start. Maybe it was the 007 villain’s famous white feline influencing me, maybe it was pure chance, but from that moment my love for cats didn’t fade. It just grew.

Discovering Bengals: A Childhood Declaration

A few years later, as I started secondary school, I was assigned an English project. The brief was simple. “Choose any topic you feel passionate about.” Decisions, decisions! Do I write about Prince, my favorite musician? The Football World Cup, which had just left an emotional mark on me as I watched the tears of Gazza at Italia 90? Do I choose Disney? Or do I choose something deeper, something that had followed me all of my life? I chose cats. That decision led me to a moment that changed everything. My cousin had just returned from America with a brand-new cat encyclopaedia gift for me, one featuring breeds found overseas. As I turned the pages, there it was. The Bengal. A cat like no other, beautifully wild in looks wrapped in domestic familiarity, spots like a leopard, sleek, intelligent, and absolutely stunning. I declared, one day, I will have one. Now, I’ve had three.

The Anniversary That Changed Everything

My childhood dream of owning a Bengal finally became reality, but it wasn’t just any moment. It was our first wedding anniversary. The traditional first anniversary gift in the UK is paper, and in our case, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Paper came in the form of Simba’s TICA Bengal certificate, marking the official beginning of our life with Bengals. He was our gift to each other. He was the start of something bigger than we imagined. He became the foundation of this Kingdom.

Simba: The First Bengal & Lessons Learned

Simba was majestic. Stunningly beautiful. He was fiercely loyal. Full of mischief, and endlessly fascinating. He was my shadow, he followed me everywhere. He was also incredibly stubborn and when he didn’t want to do something- he wouldn’t do it! The ultimate loveable rouge! He introduced me to a world of Bengal quirks. The chaos. The magic. The mischief. The sheer athleticism, and intelligence that shaped everything that followed. But the world was different then. 17 years ago raw feeding wasn’t mainstream. The knowledge I have now, about diet, health, enrichment, simply didn’t exist. I learned through experience. The things I’ve done differently with Karma & Kiara today come from everything Simba taught me. With him, I understood what Bengals needed, not just food or space, but a world that catered to their instincts.

Karma & Kiara: The Next Chapter Begins

When Karma and Kiara arrived, I wasn’t just welcoming new Bengals I was carrying forward everything Simba taught me. Their diet evolved. Raw feeding wasn’t a trend when Simba was a kitten, but now, with everything I’ve learned, it became an intentional choice for Karma & Kiara. Their world became theirs. This wasn’t just a pet-friendly home, it was a space tailored to their personalities, where their battles and mischief shaped daily adventures. Between pink and blue, my life with Bengals became something more than ownership, it became storytelling, world, building, a reflection of everything I’ve learned through the years. And now, through this series, I’ll be sharing how this journey unfolded, why decisions were made, and the lessons carried through Simba, Karma, and Kiara, all leading to the world they rule today.

Today. Tomorrow. Always.

Exactly one year ago today, Simba sadly left this world, but his presence has never faded. Launching this blog on his anniversary is no coincidence, it is intentional, deliberate, and deeply meaningful. It is a continuation. It is a tribute. It is a promise that his legacy remains woven into every choice, every story, and every step forward. His paw print remains untouched, just as it was. His golden star shines, forever watching over his Kingdom. This journey began with him, and through everything that follows, he is always here. Today. Tomorrow. Always.

In Loving Memory of Simba the Bengal 14.05.08 – 12.06.24

Forever A Star.

A king of spirit, fierce and bright, With emerald eyes of glowing light.
A rogue with charm, a shadow near, A love that echoes year by year.
His stubborn will, his fearless pride, A heart that roamed but stayed beside. Through padded paws and glittered beams, He shaped a world beyond our dreams.
Now high above the Kitty Kingdom, Glows a star so bold and true.
Watching over Karma and Kiara, A love forever shining through.
Simba’s light will never falter, Guiding paths both near and far.
Forever our guardian, a memory, Our beautiful eternal, shining star.
The kitty Quill

Written by Selina Kyle-Weatheroak