Toyger Cat with Feline Fancy Logo

Toyger Cat | History, Traits, and Care

Toyger Cat: Striking Tiger Companion

The Toyger Cat is an eye catching breed that resembles a miniature tiger with its bold stripes and athletic build. Known for their friendly and playful demeanor, Toyger Cats make excellent companions for families and cat enthusiasts alike.

The Toyger Cat is a captivating Cat Breed that brings the essence of the jungle into the home with its striking appearance reminiscent of a wild tiger. A new breed in the world of domestic cats, the Toyger Cat was developed by crossing Bengal Cats and domestic shorthairs with mackerel tabby markings to create a toy tiger look. This medium sized feline boasts a high quality, short, and striped coat that perfectly mimics the wild pattern of a tabby cat, making it one of the most unique and rare breeds available. Known for their playful and affectionate nature, Toyger Cats have a lifespan of many years and are loved for their distinct cat look that blends the exotic with the familiar.

Realistic Toyger Cat lounging on a sunlit windowsill – a medium-sized domestic cat with vivid orange and black mackerel tabby stripes, resembling a miniature tiger, surrounded by warm sunlight streaming through the glass.

Quick facts

Toyger Cat Lifespan

 How long do Toyger Cats live? 
9 - 13 years

Average Weight 

3.6kg - 6.8kg

Toyger Cat Colors

Brown mackerel tabby.

Toyger Cat playing with a toy mouse – an action shot of a playful, rare breed domestic cat, showing its muscular body, bold striped coat, and agile movements in a cozy living room setting.

Essential Information

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat.
  • Great for a relaxed home.
  • Requires Grooming once a week.
  • Can be regularly left for a few hours.
  • Sociable and dependent cat.
  • Thrives with a balanced lifestyle that keeps it active and healthy.
  • Prone to Gingivitis, dental care is essential.
  • Average build Cat Breed.
  • Expresses positive Body Language through Purring and Kneading.
  • Needs high level enrichment.
  • Great family cat.
  • Loves simulated hunting games and interactive play.
  • Slightly talkative cat.
  • A bit of both indoor and outdoor space.
  • Needs a watchful eye to prevent Obesity.
  • Can experience cat stress if not properly enriched or stimulated.
  • Benefits from an experienced owner.
Close-up portrait of a Toyger Cat – detailed face of a rare domestic cat breed, showcasing its piercing amber eyes, short striped coat with tiger-like markings, and whiskers highlighted in a natural light setting.

Toyger Cat Breed Health

Currently, there are no widely reported common disorders for the Toyger Cat. However, because the Bengal Breed was used in developing the Toyger Cat, it is recommended to carry out DNA testing for pyruvate kinase deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy to assess whether a cat could be at risk for these conditions.

Toyger Cat Personality

The Toyger Cat is an exceptionally sociable Cat Breed, known for getting along well with respectful children and other domestic cats and dogs. Designed to be a family friendly cat, breeders have focused on using only cats with excellent temperaments in developing the Toyger breed. This medium sized domestic shorthair cat, with its striped coat that mimics the look of a wild tiger or toy tiger, boasts a confident and outgoing personality.


The Toyger Cat is also highly intelligent and active, showcasing traits similar to its Bengal Cat ancestry and mackerel tabby markings. While this rare breed has a striking cat look, it will not hesitate to voice its needs, especially if attention is lacking or the food bowl has been empty for even a few moments. The Toyger's high quality coat and lively nature make it an engaging companion with a long lifespan of many years.

Toyger Cat resting on a wooden table – a realistic scene of a medium-sized striped cat with a striking coat, lying with paws folded, next to potted plants and books, conveying a homely atmosphere.

Breed Rating

Family Friendly

3/5

Playfulness

4/5

Intelligence

4/5

Likes Other Pets

4/5

Grooming Needs

2/5

Shedding

2/5

Vocalize

3/5

Appearance of Toyger Cat

The Toyger Cat boasts a stunning and unique appearance that sets it apart from other domestic cats. With a coat that mimics the look of a wild tiger, this medium sized cat is characterized by its striped coat featuring bold, black stripes on a deep orange background. The patterning includes elements like the distinctive rumpled spotskin, which contributes to its striking resemblance to a tiger. The breed's development involved Millwood Rumpled and Millwood Sharp, ensuring that only cats with exceptional markings and traits were included. The Toyger Cat is a visual masterpiece, embodying the essence of a tiger in a domestic feline form.

Toyger Cat perched on a tree branch – an outdoor scene featuring a lifelike cat with tiger-like mackerel tabby markings, looking out with curiosity, surrounded by leafy green foliage and dappled sunlight.

History and Origins

The Toyger Cat is a new breed that has been officially recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy since June 2016. Though the Toyger Cat is bred to resemble a miniature tiger with its distinctive coat length and pattern, it does not contain any wild cat genetics and is not intended to in the future. The development of this breed was pioneered by Judy Sugden, the daughter of Jean Mill, the creator of the Bengal cat.

As Sugden's daughter, Judy's work has continued with an emphasis on both the temperament and appearance of the Toyger Cat, ensuring it remains a family friendly cat. The cat association and Toyger registration reflect ongoing efforts to perfect this unique breed.

Outdoors or Indoors

The Toyger is well suited for outdoor life, but their strong climbing, hunting, and predatory instincts can lead to trouble. It’s best to offer them a highly secure garden or, ideally, an enclosed cat run to keep both them and local wildlife safe. With their distinctive markings, Toyger cats may also attract attention from potential pet thieves, so be sure to supervise them closely.

Enrichment and Special Requirements

The Toyger cat is an incredibly intelligent Cat Breed, so it’s essential to keep them engaged with Puzzle Feeders, climbing structures, and high platforms where they can relax. Mental stimulation is key for a Toyger cat's health and happiness. They also thrive on physical contact, enjoying Grooming sessions, stroking, and cosy lap time.


However, it’s important to note that the Toyger cat doesn’t handle long periods of solitude well. While they’re generally fine when family members are at work or school, they may become distressed if left alone overnight or for extended hours during the day. Adding items like a Floating Window Bed can give them comfort when you're not around, but regular companionship remains crucial for this affectionate breed.

Two Toyger Cats playing together – a realistic depiction of two medium-sized domestic cats with vivid tiger-like stripes, engaging in playful interaction on a soft carpet with toys scattered around.

Nutrition and Feeding

Every Toyger cat is unique, with individual preferences, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, as obligate carnivores, each Toyger cat must get 41 distinct and essential nutrients from their diet. The balance of these nutrients varies based on factors like age, lifestyle, and overall health. For instance, a growing, active Toyger kitten requires a different nutrient mix than a less active senior Toyger cat.


Read Article on correct Kitten Care.


It's also important to provide the right food quantity to maintain an 'ideal body condition,' following feeding guidelines, and to consider each Toyger cat's preference for wet or dry food options.


Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article. 

Grooming Toyger Cats

Grooming a Toyger cat is straightforward. Their coat requires minimal maintenance; a quick wipe with a grooming glove a few times a week and a daily check for parasites or any injuries is recommended.


Keep in mind that a greasy coat on a Toyger cat may suggest they’re no longer Grooming themselves, which can be a sign of health issues or excessive weight. Regular Vaccination, Flea Treatment, and Microchipping, also annual veterinary check up are all essential to keep your Toyger cat in top health.

Family Life Compatibility

The Toyger cat is bred to be a family friendly companion, but this doesn’t mean they will tolerate any kind of handling from children or adults. Rather, the Toyger cat’s nature is affectionate and social, enjoying the company of those around them. They are best suited to families with children who are old enough to respect a cat’s boundaries and follow rules. Toyger's do not do well in homes where they will be left alone for extended periods.

Toyger Cat Facts

Here are some fascinating and lesser known facts about Toyger cats:


  • Tiger Inspiration: The Toyger cat was bred to resemble a wild tiger, but they don’t have any actual tiger DNA! Developed in the 1980s, the breed’s creator, Judy Sugden, selectively bred cats with distinct markings to mimic the majestic look of tigers.

  • Distinct Forehead Marking: Many Toygers have a unique “M” shape on their foreheads, a marking that resembles those found in wild cats. This “M” is part of what gives Toygers their exotic look, along with their striped bodies.

  • Glittered Coat: Some Toygers have a “glittered” coat, a unique trait where individual hairs sparkle in the light. This glistening effect adds to the breed's visual appeal and is caused by a recessive gene that also appears in some Bengal cats.

  • Wide Noses: Toyger cats are bred with wider noses than most domestic cats, which gives their face a broader, more wild cat look. This facial feature contributes to the breed’s tiger like resemblance.

  • Excellent Swimmers: Unlike most domestic cats, many Toyger cats are known to enjoy water and are often quite comfortable swimming. This unusual trait makes them one of the few cat breeds that don’t mind a splash now and then.

These unique traits make Toygers one of the most captivating and rare domestic Cat Breeds out there!

FAQ

Which cat breeds are related to the Toyger Cat?

The Toyger cat, created in the 1980s by Judy Sugden, is primarily related to the Bengal Cat, whose wild appearance and rosetted coat were essential in developing the Toyger’s tiger like look. Domestic shorthairs with natural tabby patterns, particularly mackerel tabbies with narrow stripes, were also included to enhance the Toyger’s signature tiger striping. While Bengals were foundational, these domestic cats helped achieve the Toyger’s striking, tiger inspired appearance.

Where can i find a Toyger Cat for Sale?

If you’re searching for a Toyger cat for sale in the UK, there are several reputable breeders and resources available. Queenanne Cats in Bromsgrove, a licensed breeder specializing in Toygers, Bengals, and Keetso cats, introduced Toygers to the UK and offers TICA-registered Toyger kittens. Tiger Fantasy Toygers in Newport is another breeder dedicated to the Toyger breed, focusing on their distinct tiger like appearance and friendly nature. Additionally, Sondaica Toygers, located on the Cumbria/Western Dales border, operates a small cattery dedicated to high quality Toyger breeding and is fully registered with both TICA and GCCF. You can also consult the Toyger Cat Club, which provides a list of UK based breeders who adhere to strict breeding guidelines, ensuring high standards. Online platforms such as Pets4Homes list Toyger cats for sale across the UK, offering various options to find the perfect Toyger.

Are there different coat colors available for Toyger cats?

Toyger cats typically have a distinct coat color that resembles a tiger’s appearance, with a warm, rich orange or brown base and bold black or dark brown stripes. This classic look is central to the Toyger cat breed, and other colors, such as a Blue Toyger Cat or White Toyger Cat, are not standard for the breed and are rarely seen. In the UK, breeders focus on developing this tiger-like coloration as it is highly sought after and central to the breed's unique identity. While there is interest in expanding colors within the Toyger Cat breed, the traditional tiger like pattern remains the primary focus among Toyger cat enthusiasts.

How much does a Toyger cost?

In the UK, the cost of a Toyger cat generally ranges from £600 to £1,500, depending on factors like lineage, breeder reputation, and age. For pedigreed Toygers or those from prestigious bloodlines, prices can go higher, sometimes between £3,500 and £5,000. These prices can fluctuate, so it’s best to reach out to reputable breeders directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

Are Toyger Cats rare?

Yes, Toyger cats are considered rare. As a relatively new breed developed in the 1980s, they are not as common as other domestic cat breeds. The Toyger's unique appearance, selective breeding requirements, and limited number of specialized breeders contribute to its rarity, making it a highly sought-after breed among cat enthusiasts.

Is a Toyger cat a good pet?

Yes, a Toyger cat can make a wonderful pet. Known for their friendly, affectionate, and social personalities, Toygers enjoy human companionship and often bond well with families, including those with children. They are intelligent and active cats, which means they appreciate mental and physical stimulation through Cat Tunnel Toys, Puzzle Feeders, and playtime. Toygers are also relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming, though they do require regular attention and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. With their striking tiger like appearance and engaging temperament, Toygers can be an excellent choice for a pet, especially for those who can offer them plenty of interaction and stimulation.

Kelly Rushton with her Cat Eddie Stafford.

Kelly Rushton

Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.


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