The Toyger cat, despite its fierce name and striking resemblance to a miniature tiger, is a completely domesticated feline breed known for its affectionate and playful nature. Originating from the United States, this medium-sized, short-haired cat is a relatively rare breed, captivating owners with its distinctive striped coat and engaging personality. If you’re seeking a unique companion that combines a wild appearance with a loving disposition, the Toyger might be the perfect fit.
Personality and Temperament
Toyger cats are renowned for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They form strong bonds with their families, readily interacting with people of all ages and often establishing harmonious relationships with other pets in the household. While they enjoy companionship, Toygers are also relatively independent and can tolerate being left alone for short periods. However, for owners who spend extended time away, considering a pair of Toygers can ensure they have each other for company. Their active and intelligent minds thrive on interaction and engagement.
Care Guide
Nutrition
Toyger cats do not have specialized nutritional requirements beyond those of a typical domestic cat. However, a high-quality diet is crucial for their overall health and longevity. When selecting commercial cat food, prioritize brands where real meat or fish is listed as the primary ingredient.
Grooming
The Toyger possesses a short, dense, and plush coat that benefits from regular brushing, ideally once or twice a week. While they are capable of self-grooming, consistent brushing helps minimize shedding and reduces the likelihood of hairballs forming. To foster a healthy grooming routine, it’s advisable to introduce nail trimming and teeth brushing from a young age.
Exercise
These cats are highly active and require ample opportunities for play and exercise. Engaging activities include climbing cat trees, jumping between furniture, and chasing toys, especially when involving their owners. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are excellent choices to stimulate their sharp minds and satisfy their hunting instincts. Toygers are also highly trainable, making leash training a viable option for safe outdoor exploration and additional exercise.
Health
Toyger cats generally enjoy good health. However, they may be predisposed to certain genetic conditions inherited from their Bengal ancestors. These can include an increased risk of developing cataracts and, in some cases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or heart murmurs. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and management of any potential health concerns.
History of the Toyger Breed
The development of the Toyger cat began in the late 1980s by breeder Judy Sugden in California. Her goal was to create a domestic cat that strongly resembled a miniature tiger. This was achieved by selectively breeding Bengal cats with domestic shorthair cats that exhibited tabby markings. Sugden was inspired by the unique circular facial markings of her cat, Millwood Sharp Shooter. Through crossbreeding with cats like Scrapmetal and Millwood Rumpled Spotskin, and later incorporating a street cat from Kashmir named Jammu Blu, the distinctive tiger-like appearance of the Toyger began to emerge.
The breed gained momentum in 1993 with the addition of more breeders, Alice McKee and Anthony Hutcherson, who worked towards official recognition. In the same year, The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Toyger for registration. By 2007, TICA granted the breed championship status, although it remains one of the world’s rarest cat breeds, with fewer than 500 registered worldwide as of 2020.
Did You Know? Toyger cats often exhibit a unique “glitter” effect on their coats, adding an extra layer of visual appeal to their bold coloration and stripe patterns. Judy Sugden, the creator of the Toyger, is also the daughter of Jean Mill, the breeder who developed the Bengal cat.
The Breed Standard
The Toyger breed standard outlines specific physical characteristics that define the ideal Toyger cat:
Body
The body should be longer and larger than that of an average cat, with a strong forequarter and a broad, deep chest. The overall shape should be robust yet exhibit rolling contours, avoiding a blocky appearance. Females may present a more delicate build compared to males.
Head
A medium-sized head, the Toyger’s head is long, broad, and deep. Its profile resembles a half-hexagon, with defined angles at the chin, nose, forehead, and skull. The chin is strong and deep, the muzzle well-defined, and the nose is long, muscular, and widens towards the end.
Eyes
Eyes should be medium to small in size, with a circular shape and gentle hooding at the inner corners.
Ears
Ears are rounded and set wide apart on the head, with lynx tipping being undesirable.
Legs & Paws
Legs should be of medium length, maintaining a balanced proportion to the body’s depth. Paws are large with long toes and prominent knuckles.
Tail
The tail should be long, rope-like, and end with a rounded tip.
Coat
The coat is short and dense, with a plush and luxurious feel. Markings may be slightly longer than the ground color, and jowl ruffs or longer fur at the temples are acceptable.
Color
The only permissible color is brown tabby. Markings must be very dark against a rich, rufused ground that can range from reddish to orange. These markings should be modified into branched or broken vertical stripes, creating a random pattern. Facial markings should be circular, and the coat should have a scattering of gold “glitter.”
Finding a Toyger Cat
While adoption is encouraged, Toyger cats are rarely found in shelters and rescues due to their breed status. The Petfinder tool can be a helpful resource for exploring cats that may resemble a Toyger. If you are set on purchasing a Toyger kitten, it is recommended to contact reputable breeders who specialize in this unique breed.
