Toyger Breed History

The name “Toyger” is a combination of the words “toy” and “tiger,” and when you see a Toyger, you will immediately know why it has been given this name: it looks like a miniature tiger.

Judy Sugden began developing the Toyger in the late 1980s, and part of her goal in creating the breed was to raise awareness for tiger conservation. She crossed a Bengal with a striped Domestic Shorthair to produce a cat that looks very much like a wild tiger but has the friendly disposition of a domesticated house cat. A street cat from India was also used in the breeding process because of its markings.

After many years, the Toyger breed was finally registered in 2000.

When you see a Toyger, you will immediately know why it has been given this name: it looks like a miniature tiger.

Breed Traits

These cats are loving and will bond easily with their families. Although the Toyger can be left alone, it much prefers being around people. This breed is friendly and enjoys the company of its human family, so consider getting other pets if you want to ensure your Toyger will never get lonely when you are not home.

Toygers are also alert, active, athletic, and outgoing. They even like playing with water like wild tigers. And they are intelligent as well, so they are easy to train, whether you want your Toyger to learn how to walk on a leash, play fetch, or perform tricks.

Providing these cats with plenty of toys and interactive playtime helps them use up their energy and get the exercise that they need to stay healthy and happy. Cat puzzle toys that stimulate the mind are also great at keeping these smart cats entertained.

Overall, these cats are sweet, laidback, and easygoing, making them great companions for any cat loving family, including those with children and other pets.

Overall Description

In addition to their tiger-like appearance and muscular build, Toyger cats have short legs, so their bodies remain lower to the ground when compared to many other cat breeds. And they also feature elongated toes, which give them a tiger-like gait. Plus, they have high shoulders, a rectangular and long body, and big bones.

The Toyger’s most distinctive feature is its coat, which is plush, dense, short, and soft. The eyes have deep hues of gold through green.

Colors

The Toyger breed is known for its gorgeous deep orange or tan fur with black vertical stripes that can be branched or broken and that resemble those of a wild tiger.

Grooming Requirements

Because they have such a plush and dense coat, it is necessary to brush Toygers regularly, as this will help remove loose hairs, reduce shedding, and prevent hairballs. However, they are generally low-maintenance cats that will gladly keep themselves clean, so you do not need to worry about bathing them unless necessary.

A weekly brushing should be enough to keep the Toyger’s coat soft, smooth, shiny, and healthy, and it is a great way to bond with these cats, who enjoy getting attention from their human family. It is recommended that you start a grooming routine while these cats are young so they can get used to it.

Photo credit: Natalyka/Bigstock; Sorapop/Bigstock; tantrik71/Bigstock