Toyger Cat I 13 Things You Need To Know

The Toyger cat is an exotic breed characterized by its captivating tiger-like appearance. These domestic cats are known for their grand markings and energetic personality.

Toygers are designer cats that originate from cross-breeding between a Bengal cat and a striped domestic shorthair. Although they do not have tiger DNA, owning a Toyger will make you feel like there’s a miniature majestic feline roaming around.

Unlike solitary tigers, the Toyger breed is a friendly cat breed that loves being around others. Toygers are low-maintenance kitties, but you’ll need to provide proper cat care to keep them happy and healthy.

If you’re considering adopting a sweet Toyger, you’ll need to determine whether it is the perfect pet for you. Fortunately, you’ll find 13 intriguing Toyger facts below to help you decide.

13 Interesting Facts About Toyger Cats

Toygers are intelligent, friendly, and one of the calmest cat breeds around. From teaching your Toyger a few fun tricks to taking them for a stroll, these outgoing kitties are exceptional pets.

Here is a list of things you should know about the cute Toyger cat breed.

1. Toygers Are Not Wild Cats

Although Toygers are small cats that look like tigers, they are entirely domesticated cats. You won’t find any wild blood in these cute cats, but the Toyger colors and coat patterns closely resemble the mighty Tiger.

This appearance is where it gets its adorable name from — as they capture a wild tiger-like look with a toy-sized frame. Toyger cats were originally called the California Toyger.

2. History of the Toyger Cat Breed

The Toyger cat breed originates from cross-breeding between a Bengal cat and a striped domestic shorthair. The initial development of the Toyger occurred in the 1980s by a breeder named Judy Sugden. In 1993, Anthony Hutcherson and Alice McKee joined the breeding program to contribute to the shared vision.

Judy’s primary aim in developing the Toyger cat was to resemble the popular wild cat of the jungle. One of the main reasons behind it was to assist with the extinction of big cats like tigers. Judy aimed to attract big cat enthusiasts to pursue ownership of domesticated Toygers rather than wild species.

3. Toyger Breed Recognition

In 1993, The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Toyger for registration only. The Toyger breed received full recognition in 2007 as a Championship Breed in the TICA. If you’re wondering which cat breeds the TICA recognizes, you can find them listed in this article.

4. Toyger Cat Temperament

Toygers are social, energetic, and affectionate cats. These high-energy kitties enjoy a good adventure, but they tend to stay close to their loved ones. To help your Toyger explore within proximity, consider getting a climbing tower so they can safely climb and watch their family from an elevated spot.

Like most felines, Toygers are highly intelligent and enjoy being challenged by their owners. As such, you’ll have to satisfy their curiosity by keeping them mentally stimulated. From playing fetch to spending time with puzzle feeder toys, there are plenty of ways to entertain this easy-going kitty.

Although Toygers look like Tiger cubs, they are sweet cats that won’t gobble you up when they are older. However, if you struggle with a nibbling feline, there are various reasons behind it. For more information, check out this guide for fascinating reasons why cats lick and bite owners.

5. Toyger Characteristics

The Toyger is characterized by eye-catching dark brown to black markings on its soft fur. The coat pattern may be branched vertical stripes or stretched rosettes.

They are short-haired cats with white fur on their stomach, throat, and chin. Toyger cat colors include orange, brown, and reddish-brown.

Similar to most cats, each individual Toyger boasts a unique coat. A notable feature of Toygers is their stripped head markings that create a circular pattern and frames their face.

Toygers are medium-sized cats with muscular frames and long torsos. On average, they stand at 9 to 13 inches. The average weight of a male Toyger is 10 to 15 pounds, while females weigh between 7 to 10 pounds.

6. A Toyger’s Ideal Home

Toygers are loving felines that are one of the best family cat breeds. They’re suited for any family that can provide them with lots of love and proper care. These laid-back and outgoing kitties will be an ideal furry family member for those with kids and other pets.

If you’re seeking outdoor adventures with your pet, the energetic Toyger is perfect. As they are easy to leash-train, you can enjoy a scenic cat walking experience with your fur baby.

Although these cuties enjoy playing outside, they should not live outdoors. Be sure to protect your kitty from exposure to infections, cars, thieves, and animal attacks by keeping them indoors unless supervised.

7. Toygers Do Well With Kids and Other Pets

Toyger cats get along well with children, other pets, and often strangers. These affectionate kitties enjoy interactive games and spending time with their loved ones.

As Toygers are social kitties, having a few friends around will help reduce the risk of separation anxiety in cats. It is best to avoid leaving these sweet felines alone for long to prevent coming home to a claw-marked couch from an unhappy kitty.

8. Grooming a Toyger Cat

When it comes to grooming, Toygers are low-maintenance cats. You’ll have to brush them weekly to keep their coat plush and shiny. For a clean and knot-free cat coat, you should bathe your cat regularly. The National Cat Groomers of America recommends a bath every four to six weeks.

Additionally, your Toyger will need regular nail trimming. You can trim their nails every two weeks and provide them with a scratching post to keep their claws in top shape. To reduce the risk of ear infections and dental problems, you should clean their ears with a damp cotton ball and gentle ear cleanser.

Having a regular cat grooming routine will help you bond with your kitty and inspect for any health issues. If you notice any health concerns, it is best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

9. Exercise and Training for a Toyger Kitten or Cat

Toyger kittens and adult Toygers are energetic and active cats that are easy to train. You can teach them various tricks, like how to fetch or walk on a leash.

Although they would enjoy an afternoon stroll, daily walks are not necessary. They’re also indoor cats that are mostly active inside the house, thriving from activity and attention. So, you should provide them with lots of interactive toys and games.

Toygers are high-energy felines. As such, if you notice a significant drop in their activity or appearance, it is vital to consult your veterinarian immediately.

10. Diet and Nutrition

Toyger cats do not have any special dietary needs. However, it is vital to provide them with high-quality dry or wet food for optimal health. Also, you’ll have to ensure that they can easily access fresh, clean water.

Although rewarding your kitty for their cute behavior is tempting, you should steer clear from overfeeding them with treats as it increases the risk of obesity. Like most cats, Toygers have varying nutrient requirements throughout their life. It is best to consult your vet when creating a feeding routine.

11. The Life Expectancy of a Toyger Cat

​​The life span of each individual Toyger cat is dependent on several factors that include their overall health and living conditions. On average, you can expect Toyger cats to live as long as 10 to 15 years.

12. Possible Health Conditions

As Toygers are a relatively new breed, evidence relating to specific health concerns is limited. However, they are generally healthy cats with a few possible health issues. Toygers are susceptible to health conditions that include:

• Heart murmurs
• Rolled rib
• Flat chest cage

Although Toygers do not have many potential conditions, you should consistently monitor their health. It is best to stick to routine vet visits, get preventative care tests, and maintain healthy feeding habits. You should also regularly do quick cat check-ups at home.

13. Owning a Toyger Cat

As Toygers are one of the most expensive cat breeds, the Toyger kitten price is often exorbitantly high. The cost of a Toyger is dependent on several factors such as their markings, parents, bloodline, quality, and the specific breeder. On average, a Toyger cat price ranges from $500 to $3,000.

When you’re ready to welcome an adorable Toyger into your home, it is vital to choose the right breeder. A reputable Toyger breeder will provide all the necessary health certificates and charge a fair amount.

It is best to visit the breeder’s premises before purchasing your Toyger. Keep in mind that kittens kept in an isolated environment are likely to become skittish, fearful, and experience socialization challenges.

Final Thoughts on Toyger Cats

Toyger cats are energetic, intelligent, and easy-going felines that make the perfect companion for almost all cat lovers. With their striking tiger-like appearance and muscular frame, you’ll feel like a majestic cub is roaming around your house.

These loving cats are low-maintenance and easy to please. They make exceptional family pets and would be an ideal pick for active individuals. Additionally, a Toyger would love to join a home with existing pets for some fun and furry play sessions.

Now that you know more about this rare cat breed, is the toy tiger cat the perfect pet for you? If so, why not consider giving your kitty a cute Bengal cat name to honor their heritage?

Hopefully, this guide has helped answer the question, “what is a Toyger cat?”, and helped you make your decision easier.