Home / Cat Breeds / Toyger

Breed:
- Hybrid
Coat:
- Short Hair
Hypoallergenic?
- No
Shedding:
- Moderate
Toyger Physical Traits
Weight Range: 8 lbs to 15 lbs
Body Length (excluding tail): 12 inches to 20 inches
Lifespan: 12 years to 16 years
Coat Type: Silky, Dense
Eye Color Variations: Gold, Green, Hazel
Body Type: Semi-Cobby
Toyger Personality & Behavior
Activity Level: High
Good With Families? Yes
Good With Other Pets? Yes
Vocalization Level: Moderate
Trainability: Easy
Toyger Health & Care
Common Health Issues: Heart disease, obesity, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Grooming Needs: Low
Exercise Needs: High
Toyger is Best For
Best For Owners Who Want: An active, trainable, and affectionate cat
Best Living Condition: Apartment or House
The Toyger is a striking domestic cat breed designed to resemble a miniature tiger. With its bold, striped coat and muscular build, the Toyger combines wild aesthetics with a loving and affectionate personality, making it a favorite among cat enthusiasts. This breed is intelligent, playful, and highly trainable, making it an excellent companion for active households.
Toyger History
The Toyger breed was developed in the 1980s by breeder Judy Sugden, who aimed to create a domestic cat with tiger-like markings. By selectively breeding Bengal cats with domestic shorthairs, she successfully developed a breed that mimicked the bold, striped patterns of a wild tiger. Recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in the 1990s, the Toyger has since gained popularity as an exotic yet domesticated pet.
What is the price of a Toyger?
The price of a Toyger varies depending on factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, and location. On average, a Toyger kitten costs between $1,500 and $5,000, with show-quality or rare-marked Toygers commanding higher prices.
Toyger Types
Toygers do not have distinct types but vary in coat clarity, stripe pattern, and coloration. Breeders aim to enhance the bold contrast and symmetrical striping that make this breed resemble a miniature tiger.
Toyger Behavior & Characteristics Explained
Toygers are highly social, intelligent, and energetic cats that thrive on interaction. They are known for their dog-like personalities, often enjoying leash training and interactive play. Their affectionate nature makes them great family pets, as they bond well with children and other animals. While they can be vocal, they are not overly loud, making them suitable for various living conditions.
Toyger Diet Preference
Toygers thrive on a high-protein diet similar to that of their wild ancestors. They do well with:
- High-quality commercial cat food (wet or dry)
- Raw or cooked meats (chicken, turkey, fish)
- Occasional supplements for optimal coat health It is essential to provide a balanced diet to maintain their muscular build and energetic nature.
Toyger Facts
- The name “Toyger” is a combination of “toy” and “tiger.”
- This breed is designed to bring awareness to wild tiger conservation efforts.
- Toygers can be trained to fetch, walk on a leash, and perform tricks.
- Their fur has a shimmering quality due to their unique coat structure.
- They are one of the few cat breeds that truly resemble a wild big cat.
Toyger Growth Chart
Age | Weight Range (lbs/kg) |
---|---|
2 months | 2-4 lbs (0.9-1.8 kg) |
6 months | 5-8 lbs (2.2-3.6 kg) |
1 year | 7-12 lbs (3-5.5 kg) |
2 years (full grown) | 8-15 lbs (3.6-6.8 kg) |
Toyger Intelligence
Toygers are highly intelligent cats that excel in training and problem-solving. They enjoy interactive toys, puzzles, and clicker training. Their intelligence makes them easy to train for basic commands and leash walking, making them one of the most engaging cat breeds.