Toyger Cat Breed

History

Many people frequently refer to mackerel tabby cats as tigers or tiger stripes, but their pattern is very different from the bold braided patterns of a real tiger. The Toyger breed we know today was developed in the late 1980s by Judy Sugden, whose mother developed the Bengal breed. She observed that her cat, named Millwood Sharp Shooter, had two spots of tabby markings on the temple and realized that this could be the key to developing a cat breed with the exact circular pattern seen on a wild tiger's head. The temples of domestic tabbies do not typically have such markings on their head.

The two cats that formed the Toyger breed's foundation were Millwood Rumpled Spotskin, a big-boned Bengal, and a striped domestic shorthair named Scrapmetal. Judy also imported Jammu Blu in 1993, a street cat from Kashmir, India, who had all spots between its ears rather than the regular tabby lines.

Judy started her breeding program with a clear vision to develop a breed that mimicked the appearance of mini tigers. To achieve this, she made clear what visual traits would be necessary. These included an extending and branching of the tabby patterns and rosettes found in other cats that would break up and lengthen those patterns. As well as a large, long body, round head markings, and intense glittering coat colours. She also wanted to make sure these cats had a gentle temperament to fit in with family life. Working with Judy early on in this ground-breaking work were Anthony Hutcherson and Alice McKee.

The name Toyger is a combination of the words ‘toy’ and ‘tiger’. Judy was an avid animal lover and created the breed, in part, to raise awareness of the plight of wild tigers. Even today, most Toyger breeders will donate a portion of their profits from sales to tiger conservation efforts.

TICA accepted the Toyger for Registration in 1993 and in 2000 advanced them to the new cat breed exhibition classes. Finally, in February 2007, they were granted full recognition as a championship cat. The GCCF recognised the breed in October 2015.

Personality

While they have a stunning exotic wild cat appearance, Toygers have a very gentle and loving disposition.

These are very approachable and outgoing feline companions that thrive around people. They are bright and interactive cats that also get along very well with other pets. In fact, they may prefer to have another fluffy friend for companionship. Their high intelligence means that they are easy to train and can be taught to play a variety of interactive games. They will also even perform tricks for a willing audience.

Toygers are very athletic so consider adding cat shelves or a tall cat post to your home. Overall, their easy-going natures make Toygers easy to live with, and they fit effortlessly into most households.

Unlike many other cat breeds, Toygers seem to enjoy playing with water. So, they will be drawn to dripping faucets and water-filled bathtubs! These are highly energetic cats that are always looking for something to do. So, without appropriate interaction, they can get themselves into mischief. While they do have an independent streak, these cats are very social by nature so shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.

Coat & Care

The Toyger’s main coat colour is orange, gold, or reddish brown with darker vertical stripes. These unique and prominent stripes can either be broken or branched off.

This cat breed is relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a very soft, dense coat that requires weekly grooming to maintain its health and sheen. However, like with other cat breeds, make sure to check their coats regularly for any mats.

The Toyger is recognized as an adaptable cat that can thrive in most climates. Just make sure to provide them with sufficient shade if they are allowed outdoors, and fresh, clean water when the temperature rises.

For their dental health, daily brushing is best. However, 2-3 times a week will still help to prevent tooth and gum diseases. Their nails should be clean, and you can trim them twice a month or when needed. For clean and healthy eyes, wipe the corners with a clean, soft, damp cloth to remove any dirt or discharge. Make sure to use a different part of the cloth to clean each eye to avoid any transfer of an eye infection.

Remove dirt and wax from their ears weekly by using a clean cotton ball or a soft, damp cloth and a vet-approved ear cleanser. Ask your vet for tips on how to properly clean their ears to avoid damaging the ear canal. If you notice a foul odour coming from the ears, contact your vet for immediate care and treatment.

Like many other breeds, Toygers are very particular about their bathroom hygiene. So, it’s important to keep their litter boxes clean at all times. If a litter box is dirty, your cat may choose to go toilet in other areas of the house.

While it is advisable to keep your Toyger an indoor-only cat to protect them, outdoor exploration will be very welcomed as it adds another layer of mental and physical stimulation. Luckily, Toyger cats are fairly easy to leash train as long as you are patient and consistent.

Children & Other Pets

Because of their playful, peaceful, and friendly natures, Toygers are generally great with children. This cat breed will form strong connections with everyone in the household, no matter, their age. Just make sure to always supervise any interaction between a child and a Toyger to avoid any mishaps. Note that these active cats need sufficient exercise to keep them healthy and thriving.

Toygers are very happy to live with other cats, cat-friendly dogs, and other domestic animals. Although, it’s always best to introduce pets gradually and in controlled environments to make sure they learn to get along well together.

When Toygers are properly socialized and trained from an early age, they will become well-rounded and well-mannered feline companions. Make sure to reward your beautiful Toyger for excellent behaviour and for following commands.

These cats enjoy busy family life. So, if you are considering adding one of these cats to your family, ensure someone is home for most of the day.