Toyger

If you’ve ever wanted to own a mighty tiger without having to worry about getting your head bitten off, then this cute kitty is the closest you can ever get! The stunning Toyger first appeared in the 1980s, and came into extistence by crossing domestic shorthaired tabbies with Bengal cats. This created the distinct tiger-like marking the Toyger breed is now widely known for. The creator, Judy Sugden, stated that the breed was developed to inspire people to assist in the conservation of wild tigers. Today, the Toyger is loved for its outgoing personality and exotic appearance. 

Appearance

Toygers are medium-sized cats that look like, well, a small tiger! They boast athletic, muscular bodies with a broad chest, long muscular tail, and large paws with prominent knuckles. Their medium-sized bodies are held low compared to other breeds, which gives them their sleek appearance. When viewed from the front, their faces should form an elongated upside-down heart shape, with tall rounded ears and a well-defined muzzle. Toygers tend to have thick furring on their temples and ears but ear-tufts are considered to be undesirable in this breed. 

An adult Toyger cat can weigh anything between 7-14lbs, with males often being significantly larger than females. Males also generally have darker coloring than females.

Coat

This breed boasts a dense, short, close-lying coat with a striking mackerel tabby pattern atop a vivid orange background. The coat has a glittery sheen to it, which accentuates the bold colors and unique striped patterns on this breed. Only one coat color is accepted in the official breed standard: Brown (black) mackerel tabby.

Eyes

The Toyger has relatively small, round eyes that slant towards the base of the ears. All eye colors are accepted in this breed except for blue.

Behavior   

Toyger cats are highly energetic, so expect yours to be jumping across pieces of furniture and dashing through your house at lightning speed! These cats are known to be very human orientated and confident by nature. They enjoy interacting with their owners, whether it be playing games, learning new tricks, or lapping up a fuss.

Personality  

Toyger cats are very social and friendly. They thrive in busy home environments, as they love to be involved in everything their human companions are doing; whether that’s working or cleaning. The Toyger is a very intelligent breed, so it is important to keep their minds stimulated with clicker training or even leash training. You will do this cat a big favor if you can allow it to explore the outdoors safely.

Since Toygers also love to play with toys, you may want to consider purchasing a range of puzzle feeders (this link will show you the best food puzzles) and interactive toys. Due to their high energy levels, you will need to provide your Toyger with a number of cat posts and shelves, so they can burn off some of that excess energy!

Toyger cats & other pets/children 

This breed will get along well with just about everyone in the family, including small children. In fact, they tend to love anyone who pays them attention! These cats are famed for getting along with other pets, including cat-friendly dogs and other cats.

Grooming

Toyger cats have a short, plush coat that lies close to the body. A twice-weekly brush is suitable for this breed. Their shimmery coats also benefit from being wiped over with chamois leather once a week, as this will retain the wonderful sheen these cats are known for. Visit our grooming section for more tips.

Why you should adopt a Toyger

Toyger’s are fun-loving, sociable companions, with an infectious personality and striking appearance. Looking to adopt one of these gorgeous cats? Here are a few pros and cons to consider:   

Pros 

These cats are perfect for large families and busy households. They are incredibly playful and will provide you with hours of entertainment with their silly antics! They are also relatively low maintenance on the grooming front due to their short coats and are generally less vocal than other breeds, except perhaps at mealtimes!

Cons

It can struggle if left alone for long periods, so they are not suitable for people who have to leave the house for work or other commitments. They also require lots of physical and mental stimulation to remain happy. Therefore, you must ensure you have enough time to devote to one of these gregarious felines before making the decision to adopt. 

In Short

If you are looking for an attentive feline with a ‘wild appearance’, then the Toyger could be the breed for you. If you are committed to providing a Toyger cat with all the love it requires, you are sure to have a devoted companion for years to come. 

Special Considerations

The Toyger is considered to be a relatively healthy breed. However, they are prone to developing certain medical conditions. The main ones are:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy is characterized by the degeneration of the retina, which can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is caused by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle which can lead to heart disease later in life. This condition is thought to be genetic.
• Agalactia (reduced milk production) has been seen in some Toyger lines. This can affect the health and growth of newborn kittens.