Toyger cats are new. And very fun! Because how often do you come across a cat that looks like a tiger but is still sweet and calm? Not often. Curious? Here, we’ll tell you everything about this cool cat breed!
In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you want to know about Toyger cats, such as:
- What is the character of a Toyger cat?
- What does a Toyger look like?
- Everything about the care of a Toyger
- How long does a Toyger live?
- Health problems of Toyger cats
- The origin of the Toyger
- Buying a Toyger (kitten)
And we’ll also tell you:
- How much does a Toyger cat cost?
- How big does a Toyger cat get?
What is the character of a Toyger?
Toyger cats are super smart and real companions. They attach themselves very strongly to ‘their people’ and often seek them out – to get a hug or a cuddle. So, they are very affectionate. And social. They prefer to be near their owners most of the time and really connect with them. Toyger cats enjoy doing things with their owners. Playing, watching household chores, and watching TV together on the couch – Toygers find it all enjoyable!
Toyger cats are active and very playful. They love chasing after toys, climbing, and jumping. A scratching post for large and active cats at home is essential. They are curious and enjoy puzzles. And they always find a way to open doors and cabinets. Their hunting instinct is also strong – that’s why they need cat toys that resemble prey. Toy mice and feathered cat toys are their favorites!
Because Toyger cats are smart and good jumpers, you need to make your home cat-proof. Secure cabinets, place dangerous substances and cleaning agents in a safe place, and don’t clutter your home with too many things.
Fun fact: Toygers are active and playful, but also calm and balanced. They love sleeping or snuggling with you on the couch.
What does a Toyger look like?
Toyger cats are beautiful. They are larger than ‘ordinary house cats’ and have a unique pattern on their fur – tabby, but different. The stripes on the fur of these cats are much darker and more distinct than the stripes of tabby cats, for example. This makes their fur very reminiscent of a tiger’s. The color of their fur is brown mackerel tabby, but the fur on their belly is completely light in color.
So, these cats are bigger and heavier than typical house cats. But how big does a Toyger cat get? Males are generally bigger than female cats, but that’s the case with every breed. As for weight, it varies depending on the breeding line and the cat’s health. However, you can expect them to weigh between 5 to a whopping 10 kilograms!
The head of a Toyger is oval, average to large, and proportionate to the rest of its muscular body. The snout is a bit longer, which is great because it prevents breathing problems. Toyger cats have round and somewhat narrow ears, giving them a tiger-like appearance. Their eyes have the typical almond shape and are of regular size. However, they are set farther apart than the eyes of ordinary house cats.
Toyger cats can jump very well but are not as good at climbing. If you’re looking for a scratching post for your Toyger cat, choose a stable and tall cat tree
Everything about the care of a Toyger
A Toyger is not difficult to care for. You can take care of their fur by brushing it once a week to remove dead hair and distribute their natural skin oil nicely over their body. It’s important to cuddle and play with a Toyger multiple times a day, especially if it’s the only cat in the house. Toygers value interaction with their owners, are active, and need stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Furthermore, provide a Toyger with lots of love, a safe home, good nutrition, fresh water, veterinary care, and protection against parasites. And of course:
- Toys for active cats
- Clean litter boxes
- Comfortable cat beds
- A scratching post for large and heavy cats
How old does a Toyger get?
Toygers are healthy cats, and their life expectancy is the same as that of regular domestic cats. A well-cared-for Toyger cat can live to be 10 to 16 years old.
A Toyger cat is sometimes referred to as a “toy tiger.”
Health problems in Toyger cats
Toyger cats are generally healthy and have few hereditary conditions. Occasionally, a Toyger may become overweight or develop a heart murmur. Since this breed is descended from the Bengal, they can be prone to ailments typical of that breed, such as:
- Hip dysplasia (HD) with a lot of hip pain.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) with the potential for blindness.
- Increased risk of urinary tract stones (Urolithiasis).
- Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, a disrupted energy metabolism of red blood cells.
- Chest deformities.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a contagious abdominal inflammation.
- Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (immune response against one’s red blood cells).
- Tritrichomonas foetus (colon inflammation due to a parasitic infection).
The Origin of the Toyger
The Toyger cat was developed by a lady named Judy living in the United States. She discovered a tabby cat with a unique pattern and wanted to further propagate that beautiful fur in a new line of cats. She crossed the cat with a Bengal cat, as they also have such a unique pattern. It took her a few years, but in the 1980s, she succeeded in creating a cat breed that looks like a miniature tiger with the personality of an ordinary cat. The breed was fully recognized by TICA in 1990, and in 2007, Toygers received the highest “Full Championship” status.
Buying a Toyger (Kitten)
There are around 30 breeders worldwide working with the Toyger cat breed, so they are still relatively rare. This rarity comes with a price tag. So, how much does a Toyger cat cost? In the Netherlands, you can expect to pay between 800 and 1000 euros. If you want a Toyger cat or kitten, go to a reputable breeder affiliated with a good breed club. Always ask for the papers, whether you can see the parents of the litter, and make sure the kittens are raised in a social and clean environment. This way, you’ll know you’re buying a healthy and happy pet.
Never buy a cat from online marketplaces like Marktplaats or eBay or from a puppy mill. These animals usually have health problems, are poorly treated, and often aren’t healthy.
If you like a purebred cat but also want to do some good, consider checking shelters or adoption websites. Many (adult) cats are waiting for a safe new home and a loving owner!
The Toyger in a nutshell:
- Toyger cats are affectionate, active, and very intelligent.
- The fur of a Toyger resembles that of a tiger.
- Toygers are larger and heavier than regular cats.
- A Toyger requires a lot of attention and playtime with its owner.
- A Toyger can live between 10 and 16 years if well cared for.
- Toyger cats are generally very healthy.
- Toygers originate from America and are descended from the Bengal.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or a behavioral specialist. All content, information, and tips in this blog are meant to inspire and have an informative character. If your cat has complaints or problems, and you are unsure about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavioral specialist.