Toyger

Toyger

Toygers are a breed of domestic and friendly cats. They can be left alone if there is no other option, but Toygers prefer to be among family members around the clock. People around a Toyger help discover the best traits in a cat. The Toyger is an easy-going and loving cat that is very attached to its owner and his family. This breed is a good balance between a playful self-loving cat and a loyal one who lounges by the fireplace.

Breed Information

OriginUnited States
SizeMales 30-35 cm
Females 28-33 cm
WeightMales 4.5-7 kg
Females 3-4.5 kg
Fur TypeShort-haired
ColorFrom black and brown to yellow with tabby stripes
LifestyleOutdoors, indoors
Lifespan12-15 years
FIFe Classification
WCF Classification
TICA ClassificationTG
GroupShort-haired cats, apartment cats (docile cats), cats for kids, rare cats
Price$800-3000

Breed Photos

Origin History

From the first glance at these cats, the origin of their name is clear. According to their name, Toyger (from English toy, tiger) looks like toy tigers. The dynamic cat has attracted millions of people in dozens of different countries around the world. The tiger was even featured on the cover of Live magazine.

The American Judy Sajen is considered to be the leading expert on tiger breeding. She dreamed of creating a breed of cats similar to tigers, only a mini version. In the late ’80s, she enlisted her mother, the famous breeder Jean Mill, who had once created a breed of Bengal cats. On her mother’s advice, Judy began crossing Bengal cats with other domestic breeds, and she succeeded in creating a tiger look. Not for nothing; the representatives of this breed are called a tiger in miniature. Officially recognized and allowed to participate in international shows in 2007.

Appearance

Toygers breed large cats, up to 30 centimeters high at the withers and weighing up to ten kilograms. One of the distinctive features of tigers is the width of their nose; it exceeds most cats’ width and resembles the nose of a tiger. Thus, it appears that their muzzle is wider than that of an ordinary cat. A tiger is a designer cat; breeders try to breed as many tiger traits as possible.

The red color of the Toyger with dark vertical stripes is very reminiscent of a tiger. Their short plush coat has a random pattern of stripes; the coat is thick, dense, and very soft. The Toyger has short paws; they repeat the shape of the tiger’s body. The body of this cat is closer to the ground than any other breed. The Toyger has elongated toes, due to which they have a very stable gait, like a tiger. The tiger’s eyes reflect light with incredible intensity; it is an integral part of the cats’ ability to see at night.

Character

Toygers are a breed of domestic and friendly cats. They can be left alone if there is no other option, but Toygers prefer to be among family members around the clock. People around a Toyger help discover the best traits in a cat. The Toyger is an easy-going and loving cat that is very attached to its owner and his family. This breed is a good balance between a playful self-loving cat and a loyal one who lounges by the fireplace. Because of their active and loving nature, they are suitable for all types of families.

Care

Toygers will suit those who are primarily willing to spend a lot of money to acquire them. Their wild appearance costs a lot; the purchase of a purebred Toyger costs from one and a half to five thousand dollars. The cost has more to do with the cause than the demand for them. Many breeders donate part of the profits from the sale of kittens to tiger conservation.

Because of the thick, plush coat, the dog needs to be brushed more often; twice a week will be enough. There will be more benefits if you start this procedure at an early age. Grooming is an excellent way to bond with the cat. Toygers see grooming as a peculiar form of showing love and attention. It is advisable to walk Toyger more often; he loves to chew on the yard’s grass. If there is no possibility of walking, buy seeds at the drugstore and plant grass on the balcony.

Education

Toygers also associate themselves with tigers. These catgirls are very smart and easily learn all the rules in the house. The litter box, scratching post, and the command “No!” get used to and follow since childhood. There are no special techniques during training; they grasp everything on the fly and are easily involved in the learning process.

Common Diseases

Toygers are a healthy breed of cat, but they can inherit some diseases from their Bengal predecessors. Heart problems – hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy can appear in representatives of this breed. Cataract, which leads to blindness, is also not alien to the Toygers, their eyes – a weak spot. Also, Toygers are prone to rapid weight gain; it should be considered when formulating the diet.

Nutrition

Small Toygers up to one year old should preferably be fed special industrial food for kittens. After one year, you can feed both dry food and natural products. The menu must contain lean meat and dairy products. Meat (beef, chicken, veal, and lamb) must be inspected before serving to find no bones or sinews, cut into small pieces, and scalded with boiling water. Toygers like to drink a lot of water; it must be fresh, clean, and in constant access.