5 Things to Know About Toygers
Toygers look exotic but have the sweet disposition of domestic cats.
1. Key Characteristics
- Weight: 10–15 pounds for males; 7–10 pounds for females
- Life Expectancy: 10–15 years or longer
Toygers are medium-sized, muscular cats with dramatic striping resembling a tiger.
The pattern of stripes is broken or branded.
They have big bones, high shoulders and a long, rectangular body.
The name "toyger" comes from a combination of the words "toy" and "tiger."
2. Where They Came From
In the 1980s, a cat breeder noticed one of her cats had tabby markings on their temple, and she believed the markings would be beneficial for creating a cat with a circular pattern on the head, similar to the markings of a tiger.
She mated a domestic shorthair, Scrapmetal, and a Bengal, Millwood Rumpled Spotskin.
She also imported a cat named Jamma Blu from India, a street cat with markings she desired to incorporate into the breed.
The breeder, Judy Sugden, sought to develop cats that appeared as miniature tigers. Temperament was also important, and the cats in her line were laid-back and friendly.
The Toyger was registered in 2000 and received full championship recognition in February 2007.
3. How Friendly Are They?
Toygers are friendly, outgoing, active, alert, highly intelligent and easy to train.
They like to play fetch and can be taught to go on walks outdoors.
These cats are also good candidates for agility training. They get along with other pets and children and make excellent family pets.
4. Is This the Right Cat for You?
Exercise Needs
LOW:
The breed is fairly active indoors and should not require additional exercisebeyond everyday movement and play.
If you notice a drop in activity or a change in your cat's appearance, a trip to the veterinarian may be in order.
Grooming Needs
LOW:
This shorthair breed does not require heavy grooming. A weekly brushing should be sufficient. Batheas needed. Trim the nails once every 2 weeks or so, and provide a scratching areafor your Toyger to use as desired.
Check and clean the ears and teeth regularly for optimum feline health. Maintaining a regular grooming routine will help you notice changes in your cat, some of which may require your vet's attention.
Health Problems
LOW:
Toygers are fairly healthy cats. There are a few ailments somewhat commonly seen within the breed, such as: Heart murmer Rolled rib Flat chest cage
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP, viral disease)
- This adorable Toyger just loves her new cat toy:
5. Where to Adopt One
Check adoption resources before buying from a breeder. Use our adoption searchfeature to get started, or search for local rescues.
If you choose to go to a breeder, be aware that kitten millsdo, in fact, exist. Check for a clean environment and request health checks to ensure the cats are being raised with the utmost care provided for their good health.
Keep an eye out for red flags that indicate the breeder is not reputable.
Additional Resources
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Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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