Toyger Cat: The Toy Tiger With a Friendly Nature

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A tiger in a living room, only smaller and much friendlier: that was the goal of the Toyger's creator. The breed was designed to carry the bold, vertical stripes of a tiger on a medium-sized, muscular body, and the cats have a coat pattern that sets them apart from ordinary tabbies. The cats beneath the coat are playful and sociable, and they make good family companions.

History

The Toyger was developed in California by breeder Judy Sugden, who began in the 1980s by crossing a domestic shorthair tabby with a Bengal that carried a pattern of unusual vertical stripes. Further crosses with domestic shorthairs and Bengals refined the pattern. One aim was to raise awareness of the plight of wild tigers. The breed gained recognition from cat associations in the 1990s and 2000s. It remains uncommon. See the Bengal and American Shorthair profiles for related cats.

Appearance

The Toyger's coat is the hallmark. It has a bright orange or golden base color, marked with dark, vertical stripes that are broken and branching, rather than the classic tabby swirl. The underside, chest and legs are pale. The coat has a glittering sheen, and the fur is short, soft and plush.

The body is medium-sized and long, with a muscular build, a deep chest, a long, rounded tail and large, high shoulders that give a prowling look. The head is long, with a broad muzzle. Adults weigh about seven to fifteen pounds.

Personality

Toygers are friendly, confident and adaptable. They enjoy people, and they tend to be tolerant of children, visitors and other pets. They are intelligent, and they love to learn. Many enjoy clicker training, walking on a harness and playing fetch. See clicker training a cat and harness training a cat.

They are active but not frantic, and they usually have quiet voices. They like to be involved in family life, but they are not as demanding as some active breeds. They like climbing and exploring, so they need a tall cat tree and plenty of toys. See how to choose a cat tree and indoor cat enrichment ideas. They can usually be left alone for a normal workday, though company is welcome. See leaving a cat alone.

Grooming

The short, plush coat needs little work. Brush weekly to remove dead hair and maintain shine. See how to brush a cat. Bathing is rarely necessary. Care for teeth, nails and ears as with any cat. See cat dental disease and how to trim cat nails.

Health

The Toyger is generally healthy, but it is a new breed with a small population. Possible concerns include:

• Heart disease. Cardiomyopathy may occur. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
• Digestive sensitivity. Some cats have sensitive stomachs, as seen in Bengals. See cat food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
• Weight and dental disease. See how much should I feed my cat.
• Inherited eye disease seen in some Bengal-related lines. See cat eye problems.

Ask breeders about health testing, and keep vaccinations current. See cat vaccination schedule.

Is it the right cat for you?

The Toyger suits families and active owners who want an eye-catching, trainable cat that gets along with people and other pets. It is not a good choice for people who want a rare cat only for its looks, or who cannot supply play and attention. See best cat breeds for families.

Finding a Toyger

Toygers are rare and expensive. Choose breeders registered with recognized associations, who raise kittens in the home, test for health problems and give records. See how to choose a kitten. If you love the tabby look, many tabby cats in shelters need homes. See adopting a cat from a shelter.

Living with a Toyger

Provide daily play, puzzle feeders and perches. Keep your cat indoors or in a catio. See how to build a catio. Microchip it. See cat microchipping and identification.

Is the Toyger as active as a Bengal?

Toygers are active but typically calmer than Bengals. They tend to be more relaxed in the home, and they adapt well to family life. Even so, they need daily play and exercise. A tall cat tree, a variety of toys and a regular play schedule keep them happy and prevent boredom-driven mischief such as unrolling toilet paper or opening cupboards.

Training ideas

Toygers respond well to positive reinforcement. Start with targeting and sit, then move on to come when called and walking on a harness. Keep sessions short and rewarding. See how to train a cat to come when called.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat has digestive upset, breathing changes or changes in behavior. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.