Interested In Getting A Cat? All About The Toyger Breed

Posted on: 20 October 2022

If you are interested in getting a cat breed with unique markings, you may want to look into the Toyger breed. Toygers—short for toy tigers—are a designer cat that was developed by breeder Judy Sugden to bring out tiger-like stripes in domestic cats without the unethical nature of owning a wild animal. The breed was developed to bring awareness to tiger conservation. Read on to learn more about this breed to see if it's right for you and your family.

What Do They Look Like?

Toygers were created from a Bengal cat (which was originally a cross between an Egyptian Mau and an Asian leopard cat) and from a domestic shorthaired cat with tabby markings. Toygers are known for their characteristic stripes and gold-like facial markings. While many Toygers have a vivid orange coat, white and smoky coat colors are available as well.

Toygers tend to be a bit larger and longer than other cats, and they have stronger fore- and hindquarters. They have small, rounded ears rather than lynx-tipped ones; they have long tails and well-defined muzzles. They are a short-haired breed with moderate shedding, but they aren't hypoallergenic, so they may not work in homes where people have allergies.

What Is Their Temperament Like?

Not only does this breed have a beautiful coat, but they typically have beautiful temperaments. Toygers are intelligent and very playful, and some owners may think that they behave more like a dog than a cat. They are easily trained and tend to do well with leash training. They are usually friendly with other pets and children, so they can make great pets in many homes.

The one caveat is that since they are adapted from Bengals, they are a very active breed and love to explore and climb; so, owners should be able to provide enrichment activities and play with their Toygers so that they don't develop anxiety or behavioral issues.

What Are Their Health Needs?

Toygers are a hardy breed that can live a long time with good care. Like other cat breeds, they may be prone to kidney disease or arthritic conditions as they age. Toygers can be susceptible to heart murmurs, so it's important to buy from a reputable breeder that provides health guarantees. This breed doesn't have any special nutritional needs, but it's a good idea to talk with your vet about their intake so that your cat gets all the right nutrients and doesn't gain weight.  

Reach out to a pet provider in your area to learn more about this breed's options, like white Toyger cats

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