Get him a book about Bengal cats, read it with him, and then discuss
it.  Seriously.  I implore you.  These things are more like miniature
leopards than housecats.  They're beautiful, they're exotic, and they
will destroy your house.  They are also prone to illnesses that don't
affect regular cats.  They only make sense for serious hobbiests who
have experience, disposable income for special veterinary needs
together with the judgement to choose the right vet, and a willingness
to arrange their lives around the care of an animal.  Last year, we
had a lady in this group who posted the saddest story you can imagine,
about getting a couple of Bengal kittens and having them die.  They
became paralyzed from a vaccination that would have been fine for
ordinary cats, and the vet probably didn't know any better because so
few people have Bengals.

I am not talking down to you, by the way.  I include myself with the
vast majority of people who would be begging for trouble by getting a
Bengal as a pet.  I know just enough about them to know I couldn't
handle one.

If you both study up and decide you are willing to make the commitment
and lifestyle changes necessary, it should be a thoughtful decision,
planned and discussed ahead of time.

Charlie

It's a cute kitten, but there are plenty as cute or cuter at your
local shelter. $650? For a glorified tabby? Come on now.

Lalee <lalehbis@yahoo.com> wrote in rec.pets.cats.health+behav:

Even baby crocs are cute.  ;)

There's an adorable "persian" calico named Madelyn for adoption at my
local PetsMart.  She just LOVES the lovin'.  She's two years old and
goofy as hell.  Likes to be upside down for some reason.  If you must
have a cat...

No.  It looks amazingly like every spotted Tabby kit at every Humane
Society I have ever set foot in.  All kittens are adorable.

No, it would be a very stupid and ill-thought-out gift for someone who
presumably has never had a cat and is allergic to them.

If he wants a kitten, let him pick one out.  Research cat guardianship,
and then take a tour of your local Humane Society.  If you are still
intent on getting a kitten, apply to adopt one from a shelter.  DO
NOTsupport breeding when perfectly healthy cats die by the thousands in
shelters, every day, for lack of homes.  You may be smitten by the
looks of the Bengal kit, but I can assure you you will be smitten when
you see the antics of dozens of kittens waiting for homes in the
shelter cages.

Saving a life is an amazing gift; there is no higher glory!

-L.