I'm glad to hear you're going to visit the breeder and see these kittens for yourself. You will know if one is perfect for you. If not, then continue searching. Sounds like you're in a little bit of a rush for your daughter. LOL. I'm going to say that if you find a kitten with a warm colored pelt and has that contrast, it should remain the same as the kitten grows. I'm sure the more striking the cat, the more money the cat costs. There is nothing wrong with wanting the most beautiful kitty you can afford. In the end, a cat is a cat! Bengals have their quirks. I should mention my bengal has zero dog qualities! Your bengal may not have all the qualities that you are reading about with bengals. Mine does not like to hop in the shower with me or drink from a running faucet. Mine does not like to be picked up and held and will not lay on my lap. Since you are getting a kitten and your daughter can bond with it early, I'm hoping yours will turn into a snuggle bunny. Those are the kind of cats I like, but didn't get when I got my 8-year-old bengal two years ago.

Once you see the kittens in person, you will have a whole new perspective on the bengal breed. Let us know how the visit goes and what you decide.

Its personality you want to be looking for.

With my cat, rite when i saw her at 2 weeks old i knew i wanted her. Something just drew me to her. She was a pretty light brown at the time with little dots all over her. Now shes a beautiful brown rosetted cat with big green eyes. Even though she is beautiful her personality is still her best feature.

Awesome responses everyone. Thank you all. That being said I will post pictures of all the potential kittens that we have to choose from later this evening(actually currently a litter from all 3 queens pictured with the same father) and would appreciate your continued input and knowledge. We have narrowed down that we do want a male so that will thin out the 17 left available out of the original 22. Regarding the silver look I was stricken with it has come to my attention that there just aren't many breeders focusing on that "type" of Bengal within reasonable driving distance nor am I willing to pay a small fortune for one. And while it would be ideal for me to own a miniature snow leopard my wife and daughter aren't nearly as picky. More photos to come, thanks again in advance to everyone.

Ok folks, so here are my final choices. Any input and opinions will be greatly appreciated. The first 3 are one kitten the next 3 another. I have 2 more kittens to edit and post to follow as well.

The first 2 above are charcoals, the next 2 include a charcoal looking one and a brown. All of them are males, and as a reminder I am hoping for rosettes but overall prefer a visually striking "wild" look with decent contrast. There is 5 of the not quite charcoal one and 3 of the brown.

I think the feature that most creates the wild look of a Bengal is a breed standard head. I love love LOVE the first one's face. Very wild looking.

All of your kits will most probably develop rosettes.

The second charcoal will probably have bigger rosettes than the first one. I really cannot see his head to judge that, however.

_________________
~ Kyenta

Awesome, that's kinda the one we were leaning towards too. I will put the other ones face up for comparison when I get a pic. Please let me know your opinion between the 2 when I do. Thanks!

I have not a lot of experience with the Bengal breed. My comments are coming purely from my gut feelings.
My Quasar was bred to be a breeding queen but, unfortunately for his breeder (and lucky for me) he did not have the correct gonads. He has a supremely wild looking face that compares favourably with pictures of EG cats I have seen on this site. He gets regular compliments on his wild looks from many people we encounter, as I take him out in public often.
If you are going for the wild look, I would definitely concentrate on facial characteristics. Markings are always beautiful, in their own way.

_________________
~ Kyenta

When you hold the right kitten, you'll know it! I don't believe any of these kittens have the desired contrast you're wanting in a bengal, however, some of the kittens are lighter than the others. I believe you are going to want to get a "show quality" bengal rather than a "pet quality" bengal. If I were you, I'd visit a couple of breeders and then decide. I know some kitten go fast -- but I'm not sure you'd be truly happy with the contrast on these on these, based on these photos.

I agree with Sherry and I don't think these kittens are going to be like the picture of your desired cat. However I couldn't resist a charcoal! They are too cute. Just keep in mind a charcoal will not rosette it will have solid spots without the lighter center.

_________________

Ok guys, here's our first choice. Little charcoal male.

have you picked this kitten ?

Yes, we picked this little guy.

He is definitely a stunner and there is considerable contrast that should continue. What a beautiful little tummy. Hope he loves tummy rubs. It's hard not to want to tickle those cute spots! Congratulations. I know the wait will be difficult, but time should pass quickly. Have you or are you going to see this little guy in person?

Yes, this is me holding him with the misses taking pics. Yes the same one in the above threads (first kitten showing face). Timing is perfect, he's ready to come home the weekend of our daughters birthday. Yes, I hope his contrast continues, but even if not he's still going to be quite attractive I believe. Thank you.