Toyger cats are new. And very cool! 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 tell you everything about this awesome cat breed!
In this blog:
- What is the personality of a Toyger cat?
- What does a Toyger look like?
- Everything about caring for a Toyger
- How long does a Toyger live?
- The health of a Toyger cat
- The origin of the Toyger
- Buying a Toyger (kitten)
And we also tell you:
- How much does a Toyger cat cost?
- How big does a Toyger cat get?
1. What is the personality of a Toyger?
Toyger cats are super smart and real companion animals. They form strong bonds with “their people” and often seek them out – for a cuddle or a pet. They are very affectionate. And social. They prefer to be around their owners and truly connect with them. Toyger cats enjoy doing things with their owners. Playing, watching household chores, and watching TV together on the couch – Toygers love all of it! Toyger cats are active and very playful. They love chasing toys, climbing, and jumping.
Toyger cats are playful and large. A cat tree for large and active cats at home is therefore essential!
Toyger cats are also curious and love puzzles. They always find a way to open doors and cabinets. Their hunting instinct is also strong – so they need cat toys that resemble prey. They love toy mice and feathered toys!
Because Toyger cats are smart and good at jumping, you need to make sure the house is cat-proof. Secure cabinets, keep dangerous substances and cleaning products in a safe place, and don’t leave too many things around the house.
Fun fact: Toygers are active and playful, but also calm and balanced. They love to sleep or snuggle up next to you on the couch.
2. What does a Toyger look like?
Toyger cats are beautiful. They are larger than “ordinary house cats” and have a distinctive pattern on their coat – tabby, but different. The stripes on these cats’ fur are much darker and more defined than, for example, the stripes of a domestic shorthair cat. This makes their coat strongly resemble that of a tiger. The coat color is brown mackerel tabby, but the fur on their belly is completely light in color.
These cats are therefore larger and heavier than domestic cats. But how big does a Toyger cat get? Males are noticeably sturdier than females, but that is the case with every breed. And in terms of weight, it varies, as it depends on the breeding line and the health of the cat. But you can expect between 5 to 10 kilograms!
The head of a Toyger is oval, medium to large, and well proportioned with the rest of the muscular body. The snout is a bit longer. This is good because it means this cat doesn’t have respiratory issues. The ears of Toyger cats are rounded and somewhat narrow, giving them a slightly tiger-like look. Their eyes have the typical almond shape and are of normal size. They are spaced further apart than the eyes of ordinary house cats.
Toyger cats can jump very well, but they aren’t as good at climbing. Looking for a cat tree for your Toyger cat? Choose a stable and tall scratching post.
3. Everything about caring for a Toyger
A Toyger is not the hardest to care for. You take care of their coat by brushing it about once a week. This way, you remove dead hairs and distribute the natural skin oils evenly across their body. It’s also important to cuddle and play with a Toyger several times a day, especially if it is the only cat in the house. Toygers value interaction with their owners, are active, and need stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Additionally, you naturally provide a Toyger with lots of love, a safe home, good nutrition, fresh water, care from a veterinarian, and protection against parasites. And of course:
- Toys for active cats
- Clean litter boxes with the best litter
- Comfortable cat beds
- A scratching post for large and heavy cats
4. How long does a Toyger live?
Toygers are healthy cats, and their life expectancy is the same as that of regular house cats. A Toyger cat can live between 10 and 16 years if well cared for.
5. The health of a Toyger cat
Pedigree cats are bred for unique characteristics. The Toyger cat also has traits that make it special, such as:
- Larger than a regular house cat
- Coat resembles that of a tiger
- Muscular body and an oval head
Do you think a Toyger might be a good fit for you? Then do thorough research on the health of this breed. Many pedigree cats are prone to hereditary conditions. Toyger cats, for example, have a higher risk of developing heart murmurs or becoming overweight. It’s important to be aware of this.
If you want to bring a healthy cat into your home, ask for advice from a veterinarian. You can also consult the websites of Dier & Recht and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, where you’ll find information on the health of the breed, whether it is allowed, and what rules apply to breeders.
Always buy a Toyger from a reputable breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This ensures that the cat is healthy and well-cared for. Also, ask the breeder for a health certificate or guarantee for extra assurance.
6. The origin of the Toyger
The Toyger cat was developed by a lady named Judy who lives in the United States. She discovered a tabby cat with a unique pattern and wanted to pass on that beautiful coat into a line of new cats. She crossed the cat with a Bengal cat, as they also have a similar distinctive pattern. It took her a few years, but in the 1980s, she succeeded in creating a breed of cat that looks like a small tiger, with the temperament of an ordinary cat. The breed was fully recognized by TICA in 1990, and in 2007, Toygers were granted the highest ‘Full Championship’ status.
7. Buying a Toyger
Do you want to buy a Toyger cat? Then go to a certified breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This way, you can be sure that you are buying a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in a humane manner. Always ask for the papers, a health certificate, and check the kitten’s parents. Also, take a look at their living conditions: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? This is a good sign. Do not buy cats through platforms like Marktplaats, eBay, or from puppy mills.
Worldwide, there are about 30 breeders active with the Toyger breed. They are still relatively rare. And there’s a price tag attached. So, how much does a Toyger cat actually cost? In the Netherlands, a Toyger from a good breeder costs about 1000 euros. If you are looking for a cat, but it doesn’t need to be a pedigree, consider checking shelters or adoption agencies. Many loving cats are waiting for a nice home there.
And remember: you’re not getting a cat for a short time, but for its entire life. Are you willing to take good care of the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? If so, a Toyger could become your new best friend!
Discover here what the approximate cost of caring for a cat entails
The Toyger in a nutshell:
- Toyger cats are affectionate, active, and very intelligent.
- The coat 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 old if well cared for.
- Toyger cats are generally very healthy.
- A Toyger comes from America and is descended from the Bengal.
Read more here about the Turkish Van, which loves water
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.
