I really want a rosetted kitten, but from the kittens I've been looking at they all seem spotted or very discreet rosettes, do the rosettes develop as the kitten gets older?

When Loki was a kitten his rosettes were a solid colour, but they were obviously rosettes because of their large size. He came out looking very much like his mother, so have a look at the parents for an idea of the adult coat.
I have added photos of him as a kitten, vs now, at 1 year old.

All I know is that I've seen the most beautiful kittens and adult bengals on this website. The rosettes are gorgeous. I do believe they get darker and more defined as the kitten matures.

Usually the kitten start out with solid inky spots. Later the center of the spot will "fall out" leaving a lighter color and forming a rosette. Post pics of the kittens you are considering. We should be able to help you determine which one will have the best rosettes. There is usually a drastic change from 8 weeks to 6 months. You will have a good idea of the adult color and markings by 6 mi the old.

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When I got my bengal I wondered the same thing. I wanted a rosetted cat, but thought Kai's spots would stay solid. However, over the first year of his life his coat has really changed.

See my thread here for pictures of Kai and other people's kitties and their development:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=19948

I think if you are looking for big doughnut style rosettes, you should keep your eyes peeled for a kitten that already has rosettes right from the get-go. Kai has open arrowhead and pawprint rosettes, and it has been interesting to see them develop from strictly black spots to tricolored rosettes.

I can tell you with confidence that going with your 'gut' is a good way to go! Kai didn't have the "looks" I wanted at first, but he had the personality and temperament....and I couldn't have made a better choice!! He has grown to be extremely handsome as well as totally loveable and friendly. Good luck!

I have to admit I got the best of both worlds. Jarvis is a wonderful marbled and Pepper has rosettes. Same litter. Their patterns are much less defined to start. But the parents are gorgeous. Truthfully I want a well-behaved cat more. One that isn't too shy and in the long run will be my buddies. I have got to figure out how to post pictures. This site keeps telling me they're too big.

The Glorious Ms. Pepper



Handsome Jarvis

HAHAHA I figured it out. Beware! :D

Large rosettes are apparent from birth but what you are describing is down to the quality of coat pattern. With bengals you get what you pay for. So a kitten with an outstanding coat will cost more than the average kitten sold as a pet only. If you want a cat with an outstanding coat pattern though, you will have to go for a show-quality kitten which will cost more..although there is more to a show quality kitten such as shape of the head, features etc etc. Hope this helps!