The Toyger cat, with its striking resemblance to a miniature tiger, is a fascinating breed that has captivated cat enthusiasts. Despite its wild appearance, the Toyger is a 100% domestic cat, known for its affectionate nature, playful spirit, and high intelligence. Developed in the United States, this breed is a relatively new addition to the feline world, gaining championship status from The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2007. This article delves into the characteristics, personality, care, and history of the Toyger cat, offering a comprehensive guide for potential owners.
Personality and Temperament
The Toyger cat’s personality is a delightful blend of domestic charm and exotic allure. These cats are known to bond closely with their families, readily forming friendships with people of all ages, as well as other pets. Their affectionate nature means they thrive on attention and interaction. However, they also possess a degree of independence, capable of entertaining themselves for short periods if their humans are away. For those who spend extended hours outside the home, considering a pair of Toygers can ensure they have a companion to keep each other occupied. This breed’s intelligence and sociability make them engaging pets that are often described as being full of personality.
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. Owners should opt for cat food that lists real meat or fish as the primary ingredient, especially if not feeding fresh food.
Grooming
Although the Toyger cat has a short coat, its texture is dense and plush. Regular brushing, ideally once or twice a week, is recommended. Brushing helps to minimize shedding and reduce the likelihood of hairballs. While Toygers are capable groomers, this routine practice also enhances their coat’s appearance and your bonding experience.
Exercise
Toyger cats are notably active and require ample opportunities for physical and mental stimulation. Their playful nature is evident in their love for climbing cat trees, leaping between furniture, and engaging in fast-paced games around the house. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions can help channel their energy constructively. Leash training is also a viable option, providing a safe way for them to explore the outdoors and get additional exercise.
Health
The Toyger breed is generally known for its good health. However, like many purebred cats, they can be predisposed to certain inherited conditions from their Bengal ancestors. These may include an increased risk of developing cataracts, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or heart murmurs. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and management of any potential health issues.
History
The development of the Toyger cat began in the late 1980s in California, spearheaded by breeder Judy Sugden. Her goal was to create a domestic cat that strikingly resembled a tiger, complete with bold stripes and a wild-looking facial structure. Sugden achieved this by selectively breeding Bengal cats with domestic shorthair cats possessing tabby markings. The foundation for the breed was laid with cats like Millwood Sharp Shooter, Scrapmetal, and Millwood Rumpled Spotskin.
The breed’s lineage was further enriched in 1993 with the introduction of Jammu Blu, a street cat from Kashmir, India, who contributed unique spotted markings. A variety of other domestic shorthairs with striped coats were also incorporated into the breeding program. By 1993, Alice McKee and Anthony Hutcherson joined Sugden in her efforts, leading to The International Cat Association (TICA) accepting the Toyger for registration that same year. In 2007, TICA officially granted the Toyger championship status, though it remains one of the world’s rarer cat breeds, with fewer than 500 registered worldwide as of 2020. A unique characteristic of the Toyger is the gold “glitter” that can be seen on their coats, further enhancing their striking tiger-like appearance.
The Breed Standard
The Toyger breed standard is meticulously detailed, with TICA outlining 14 specific features required for a cat to be officially recognized. While many pet-quality Toygers may not meet every single criterion, they still embody the breed’s desirable personality traits.
Body
The Toyger’s body should be proportionately larger and longer than that of a typical cat. It should exude strength, particularly in the forequarters, with a broad and deep chest contributing to a robust physique. The overall shape is characterized by rolling contours, avoiding a blocky appearance. Females may present a more delicate build compared to males.
Head
The head is medium-sized, elongated, broad, and deep. When viewed from the side, it should resemble a half-hexagon, with distinct angle changes at the chin, nose, forehead, and the rear of the skull. A strong, wide, and deep chin, a well-defined muzzle, and a muscular, long nose that widens towards the end are characteristic. The face, when viewed from the front, forms an inverted heart shape extending from the forehead to rounded whisker pads.
Ears
Ears should be rounded and set wide on the head. Lynx tipping, a tuft of fur at the ear’s tip, is considered undesirable in the breed standard.
Eyes
Toyger cat eyes are typically small to medium in size, with a circular shape and a gentle hooding at the upper inner corner.
Legs & Paws
Legs should be of medium length, maintaining a balance with the cat’s torso depth. Paws are large, with prominent knuckles on the long toes.
Tail
The tail is usually very long, with a rope-like appearance and a rounded tip.
Coat
The coat is short, with markings potentially being slightly longer than the base color. Jowl ruffs and longer fur at the temples are acceptable. The fur should feel thick, luxurious, soft, and plush.
Color
The only permissible color for Toyger cats is brown tabby. The stripes should be very dark, set against a rich, rufused ground color that can range from reddish to orange. The tabby markings are modified, forming branched or broken vertical stripes in a random pattern. Facial markings should be circular, and the entire coat should have a subtle scattering of gold “glitter.”
Finding a Toyger Cat
While adoption is widely encouraged, purebred cats like the Toyger are rarely found in shelters and rescues. Potential owners interested in adopting a cat that resembles a Toyger can utilize resources like Petfinder. For those specifically seeking a Toyger kitten, contacting reputable breeders is the recommended approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Toyger cat cost?
Toyger cats typically range in price from $1200 to $3000.
How big do Toyger cats get?
They are medium-sized cats, with adult weight generally falling between 7-15 pounds and a height of 8-10 inches.
How long do Toyger cats live?
The average lifespan of a Toyger cat is between 12 and 15 years.
Do Toyger cats shed?
As short-haired cats, Toygers shed less than their long-haired counterparts, but some shedding is still expected.
