Toyger Cat

• Toyger Cat size: medium-sized, about 50 centimeters head-body length, up to 36 centimeters shoulder height
• Classification: short-haired cat
• Color: brown tabby markings
• Body care: occasionally brush with a fur brush
• Character: intelligent, playful, affectionate, self-confident, balanced
• Toyger Cat Origin: USA
• Weight: 4.5 kilograms (male), 3.5 kilograms (female)
• Eyes: round, deep-set; yellow or green
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Nutrition: The diet must be adapted to your exercise

Origin and History of the Toyger Cat

A cat that looks like a tiger – this was the breeding goal of cat lover Judy Sudgen in the early 1990s. Through targeted mating, she wanted to reinforce the tabby pattern so that it continued on the face and legs. To do this, Sudgen simulated possible cross-breeding results of different cat breeds on the computer.

The founding parents of the breed were a Bengal tomcat and a “normal” American tabby shorthair cat. In 1993, a street cat from India contributed its spotted ears to the gene pool. The breed has only been officially recognized as a “Californian Toyger” since 2007, but so far only by the American association The International Cat Association (TICA).

Toyger Cat: Character

Although it is not surprising given the wildcats model, the Toyger is anything but unapproachable. They are real cuddly cats that demand caresses from their owners and usually get on well with children and dogs. One of the Toyger cat’s most notable features is its cleverness.

The animals need mental challenges in the form of intelligence toys – they are the ideal candidates for cat agility or clicker training. Children who know how to play with cats will find a wonderful companion in the Toyger. The animals also impress with their self-confident and balanced nature. They rarely act like offended divas and do not bear a grudge if something does not go their way.

Keeping and caring for Toygers

There is no known predisposition to (hereditary) diseases in Toyger cats. They are even considered to be quite robust. Care does not require any special care from the owner: just comb the short, thick fur every now and then. The breed is bred as an indoor cat, so Toygers are ideal pets for city apartments, preferably with a secure balcony or garden.

Even if they don’t have an overwhelming desire for freedom, there is a lot of power in these little tigers. They want action and variety. Extensive daily play sessions with their owners are a must.

Colors of the Toyger

The only permitted color for the Toyger cat is a brown-striped tabby pattern with gray, brown and chocolate-colored hairs and a reddish-orange base color; there are efforts to establish other base colors (so-called “snow” and “silver Toyger” with a white-gray base color). The stripes should be as closed as possible and with random stretches; in technical jargon this is called a “mackerel” pattern. Many Toygers have – like their wild cousin from Asia – a lighter belly and white inner thighs.

Special features of the Toyger

Toygers are striped from the head to the tip of the tail – unlike classic tabby cats, the tiger stripes do not blend into one another towards the head and paws, but are clearly defined. The fur is noticeably thick overall, which gives it a velvety, plush texture. Another characteristic feature is their high level of intelligence: the cats constantly need new challenges, but are more domestic and do not necessarily need to go outside. Incidentally, many Toygers, which is very untypical for cats, are not at all afraid of water.

Care, Health and Diseases

Are there any breed-specific diseases in the Toyger?

The Toyger is basically a very robust breed of cat, which can adapt to different temperatures thanks to its thick fur. However, you have to pay attention to its diet so that it does not become overweight. So far, only one hereditary disease is known in the Toyger: pyruvate kinase deficiency . This is an enzyme that leads to the destruction of red blood cells. This in turn leads to anemia.

What food does the Toyger need?

The Toyger is particularly intelligent and needs a lot of exercise . The diet and feeding should be appropriate. Interactive feeding with intelligence toys or clicker training is well received by the Toyger. You should offer them a meat-based diet, because cats are carnivores.

How do you care for the Toyger?

The Toyger does not require a lot of care. The coat sheds very little. However, they should be brushed once a week and visited by a vet at least once a year.