The spectacular Toyger cat

If you'd like to have a little tiger at home that's incredibly affectionate and cuddly, the Toyger cat is definitely the breed for you . This furry friend loves being the center of attention, so much so that it won't hesitate to settle on the lap of the first person who pays it any attention.

He is sociable by nature , so if in the future you want to expand your family, with this little one any problems, although they may arise, will be solved faster than you could imagine.

Origin and history of the Toyger cat

Our furry protagonist began his journey in 1980, when Judy Sugden, the breed's creator, selected domestic cats with the best black stripe pattern found in tigers , known as mackerel tabby. Shortly after, they were crossed with Bengal cats to add the reddish-brown color, and then the nose and long toes were further modified.

Meanwhile, his behavior also changed: he became increasingly home-loving and affectionate . According to Judy herself, she didn't intend to recreate what nature had done with tigers, but rather wanted to create a furry friend with the features of big cats who could live in a family.

Characteristics of the Toyger cat

The Toyger cat is medium-sized, weighing between 4 and 6 kg . Its body is muscular, with medium-length, sturdy legs and long toes. It is covered in a short, mackerel tabby coat with black or brown stripes. Its head is oval-shaped, and its eyes are set wide apart and dark in color. Its tail is long.

It has a life expectancy of between 14 and 18 years.

Behavior and personality

This is an animal with a medium-to-high energy level. It loves to play, run, and have a great time with its family . However, after getting some exercise, it will seek to snuggle up near its favorite human for a nap or to watch television (or pretend to).

The Toyger loves both running and looking out the window, something he'll undoubtedly do every day. Plus, being a very intelligent dog , you can teach him to walk on a harness and leash from a young age.

Toyger cat care

Food

It is necessary that you give him high quality food, either I think, wet food, or Barf, since otherwise he could develop allergy or food intolerance. Therefore, it is important that the food that is given respects its instinct, which is none other than that of a predator.

With this in mind, for your cat to stay healthy, it's essential that their diet is based on meat and/or fish . It's also important to read the ingredient labels of cat treats, as those made with grains won't be very beneficial.

Hygiene

Its fur is short, so it doesn't require much grooming, as the Toyger cat takes care of keeping itself clean. However, you do need to help with loose fur, because if it swallows too much, it accumulates in its stomach, forming hairballs. So, be sure to brush it at least once a day with a brush specifically designed for these animals.

Health

This breed isn't prone to serious illnesses beyond those common to any cat throughout its life. However, as its owner, you should be attentive to any concerning symptoms , such as loss of appetite, apathy, or lethargy. If these occur, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Affection and company

A cat that doesn't receive the love and companionship it needs from its family is a cat that won't be happy. Therefore, if you truly love a Toyger, you must try to spend as much time as possible with it and show it that you love it (without overwhelming it), for example, by playing with it or giving it the occasional treat.

Price 

The Toyger cat breed is amazing. As it looks so much like the tiger, it is logical to think that more than one wants to live with this animal. But that decision should not be taken lightly, but you have to think very well about whether you are going to be able to spend time with him, and whether you are going to take care of him as he deserves.

If you answered yes, then you should keep in mind that the price of a puppy ranges between 800 and 1000 euros , provided you get it from a breeder. If you choose to get it from a pet shop, the price will be lower.

Toyger cat photos

Want to see more pictures of the Toyger cat? Here are a few more: