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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!