My bad mannered bengal

Question
I am so frustrated with my 7 month old Bengal "Sheeba".  She has been spayed.  Every time I pick her up she growls at me.  I hold her anyway.  She has never bit or scratched me.  (Well one time she bit when I was trying to give her a pill.)  I can't trim her nails.  She won't let me.  Even my vet had a little trouble. She started jumping on my back - like from the fridge or from a counter while I'm sitting at the kitchen table.  I wouldn't mind this so much if she wouldn't dig her claws in me.  It hurts allot and I don't know if I can put up with this.  I work for a rescue org. and I foster other cats and have three other cats of my own that she gets along with well.  She is sweet otherwise.  She sleeps with me every night and follows me around like a puppy.  She always likes attention - just growls allot. I am just - well stressed because I don't know if there is anything I can do about her behavior.

Answer
Hi Terry.  For all I read about the Bengal and how the Asian Leopard Cat traits have been completely bred out of it, I'm not sure I can agree.  I own a pair of Bengals and am friends with many Bengal owners, and with every one of them, some of their personality traits are reminiscent of their wild ancestors'.  I think this is probably a hard-wired personality trait that you're going to have to work around with Sheeba.  As a general rule, the breed would rather be petted than held and would rather watch over things than sit in a lap.  So I think you will probably have to respect her boundaries there and give and get attention on her terms.  It is important to remember that Bengals use a very wide range of vocalizations that other cats don't use, so I wouldn't give her growling too much sway as long as she isn't showing other signs of aggression.    

As for her launching herself onto your shoulders, I'm afraid I'm not sure of the solution to that.  I would recommend consulting a behaviorist if your vet can refer you to one.  In the meantime, if you can get your vet or a groomer to apply some Soft Paws to all four feet, it would probably make it less painful for you when she lands on you.  I've used them on my cats, and they're an excellent product (see www.softpaws.com).  I can't praise them enough.  I was able to apply them without any problems, but if Sheeba won't allow you to trim her nails, then you're going to need help.  You can order them online, and some pet stores carry them, as well as some groomers and veterinarians.