2 January 2021

Toyger Cat – Images, characteristics of this mixed breed

By Donald

Toyger

The Toyger is a mixed-breed cat, a cross between the Bengal breed and domestic shorthaired tabby cats. Loving, energetic, and playful, these kittens inherited some of the best qualities from both parents.

You can find these mixed-breed cats at breed-specific shelters and rescues, so remember to always adopt! Please do not buy if you want to add one of these kitties to your home!

Toygers make excellent family cats. Once you see the mixed breed hanging around your house, it will look like you have a miniature tiger living with you! But while this feline is muscular and athletic, he’s also a very affectionate and cuddly kitty.

See all the characteristics of the Toyger mixed cat breed below!

Photos of Toyger Mixed Cat Breed

Toyger Mixed Cat Breed Pictures, Characteristics, and Facts

Photos of Toyger Mixed Cat Breed

Vital Statistics:

Lifespan: 10 to 15 years Length: Medium Weight: 7 to 15 pounds Origin: United States

More about this breed

History

The Toyger’s name is a portmanteau of the words “toy” and “tiger.” The mixed breed was originally developed in the 1980s by Lady Sugden, who decided to cross a Bengal named Millwood Rumpled Spotskin with a domestic shorthair named Scrapmetal in an attempt to raise awareness of the issue of tiger conservation. Along the way, a Kashmiri stray cat was also involved in the process to help highlight the breed’s distinctive tiger stripes.

In 1993, the International Cat Association (TICA) officially began to register Toyger.

Although Toyger started out as a designer breed, some ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Please consider adoption if you decide this is the mixed breed for you!

Size

The Toyger is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case with newer mixed cat breeds, the exact size standards may vary.

Most male Toygers are ten to 15 pounds, and most female Toygers are seven to ten pounds.

Personality

When it comes to personality, Toyger is one of the most affectionate and loving cats out there. While they have a striking big cat appearance, this is a mixed breed that will love to snuggle up with you as you relax on the couch.

As befits such a social cat, the Toyger enjoys human company and having people around him – this is a cat that thrives in a busy home rather than one left alone for long periods of time.

The Toyger is also a super-intelligent cat that can be trained relatively easily, and the breed is often famous for going on outdoor adventures on a secure leash and harness. In fact, in many cases, pet owners have trained their Toygers to play fetch.

Unlike many other cat breeds, the Toyger is also said to enjoy playing with water, just like the big tiger cats in the wild!

Health

Toygers are generally considered healthy cats, although the breed may be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Bengal and domestic shorthair face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s veterinarian.

Some of the more common health problems that Toygers suffer from include:

Obesity Heart murmurs

Careful

The Toyger is a smart, athletic, and intelligent cat, so you’ll need to make sure the mixed breed stays physically and mentally stimulated. A cat tree or access to furniture that they can safely climb on is a must.

It is also advisable to provide interactive smart toys that will keep the feline ready and satisfied. If you do consider taking your Toyger outside, be sure to use a secure leash and harness and supervise all outdoor sessions.

In addition to scheduling yearly visits to the wellness vet, your Toyger will need to have his nails checked on a regular basis and clipped once a week. You’ll also want to examine the cat’s ears for signs of dirt buildup or possible infection, and clean them if necessary. Your vet can help show you the best practices for this.

Also be sure to talk to your regular vet about starting a tooth brushing regimen for your Toyger.

Coat color and grooming

The Toyger’s main coat color is orange or tan with darker vertical stripes. These distinctive stripes can be broken or branched.

The mixed breed is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, and its denser coat only needs to be brushed once a week. Although, as with all cats, keep an eye out for any mats that may be starting to develop while she’s grooming. Remember, regular brushing will help keep your cat’s coat clean and healthy.

When it comes to climate, the Toyger is generally viewed as an adaptable cat that can generally live happily in most climates. Just remember to make sure adequate shade and cool water is always provided when the temperature rises.

Children and other pets

The Toyger is ideal for children. The cat will form strong bonds with the children in your home and become a new playmate for them. Just make sure early socialization occurs and boundaries are set correctly on both sides, and monitor early child-cat interactions.

When it comes to other household pets, the Toyger is usually fine with other domestic animals as well. Although you will want to make sure to supervise early interactions when introducing the cat into your home.

Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Be sure to reward your Toyger for his good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring him home to his family.