Toyger
This cat was bred to look like a real tiger. It is a combination of a Bengal and other similar looking breeds. The objective of each breeder is to get the cat too look as close to a real tiger as possible. Expect to pay upwards of $5000 for a pure bred.
Don't let the looks of this cat fool you. Unlike its "look alike" it is not ferocious. This cat is a fun loving kitty that loves people. Some things that separate this cat from others is its, muscular shoulders, short hair, tiger pattern, head stripes, ears are small and rounded like a tiger and its muzzle that is shaped deep and long with muscular defining features.
The Toyger cat is a combination of a breed that loves to be around people, but at the same time does not mind being on its own.
HistoryThe Toyger cat was discovered back in 1980, as it originated from a crossbreeding between a Bengal cat (Millwood Sharp shooter) and a tabby domestic, shorthair. This was orchestrated by Judy Sudgen, a Bengal breeder, and was discovered when she first noticed spots on the head of one of the cats. This led to the development of the breed with the circular tiger labels.
There were also other cats that were cross-bred to lead to the formation of Toyger cats.
Back in 1993, TICA gave its full approval and official recognition of the breed. It was originally listed as being for "registration only". The "full recognition" title was achieved later in the year 2007.
Breeders are looking for a clearer war to make it fully resemble a miniature tiger.
AppearanceThe Toyger is one of the most beautiful cat breeds and has lived for many centuries. Its distinct features, from the shape of the head to the rest of its body, are articulate. Its thick fur coat is fine and very silky. Here we will discuss some of the unique features associated with the Toyger and how to differentiate it from other cats.
The Toyger cat has a medium-sized head, which is balanced with the shape and length of its body. It also has a smooth wedge around the entire surface.
Its eyes are well shaped, having a relatively oval shape for the most part.
It has rounded ears, formed and rounded in shape.
A cat's fur is more than a beautiful style. It is also a source of insulation. In the wild, a cat's coat color can serve as camouflage and can be related to its natural habitat. Color mutations and selective breeding have produced the variety of coats seen in today’s pedigree cats. The Toyger has a single-coated body, which means that it has one layer of fur.
In addition to having only one layer of fur, it also has short fur as it is not mainly adapted to the wild habitat. Its fur is also fine and silky with a curved coat pattern that makes it look like a wildcat or a tiger.
During hot weather, the cat takes more of a short hairy appearance, whereas in the cold season, the coat grows longer and thicker. It is still a short-haired coat regardless of its look.
The Toyger cat has several colors including orange, tan or reddish brown colors and dark curved pattern markings that make it look like a tiger. Some cats of this breed will also boast of tabby markings on the coat fur.
PersonalityThe Toyger’s personality is as striking as its appearance, surpassing many other breeds when it comes to playfulness and affection. The Toyger is an intelligent, adorable and very curious breed and is active throughout their life span. It may look slender and delicate but its solid muscular body stays fit by exercising its hunting instinct running around the house hunting a toy. Its extremely agile body makes it easy for the cat to climb and be found in unexpected high places. It's important to be attentive to the Toyger cat, as they love attention.
A Toyger keeps his kitten-like playfulness well until his old age. It is friendly towards guests, it is a sociable breed best suited to home with another cat. A bored Toyger can cause a lot of mischief, thus it's important not to leave the cat alone for many hours. When it wants to play, the Toyger can be very persistent and can be destructive just to get the desired attention.
Their intelligence enables them to devise ways of opening doors, cabinets and drawers. They have a tendency of concealing themselves in surprising places including closets or even in the cloth basket, which for them is play. A happy Toyger rolls over on its back with its feet kneading joyfully in the air, accompanied with an extremely loud purr.
A fair fact about the Toyger is even though it is a social cat, it is not a lap cat. It does, however, prefer staying close with you. In short, the Toyger loves to snuggle.
Toyger cats are indoor cats by choice. It actually loves being indoors, cuddled up in the warmest corners of your home. Unlike most cats, the Toyger is not an independent cat. It does not like being left in the open for too long.
Even if you do take your Toyger out occasionally, you must make sure that you are around it all the time, as these cats tend to feel a sense of despair when they are alone. The best way to take a Toyger out is with the leash on. Although this may seem unusual for a cat, it is a common practice among Toyger owners.
General CareThe Toyger has a very thick and soft coat that needs to be groomed often. Regular vet visits will keep this kitty healthy and happy.
In particular, a Toyger may live for about 15 to 20 years if it is kept healthy. You need to ensure that it gets more than enough exercise and plenty of nutritional support in order to keep it healthy and living for as long as possible.
It’s important to keep the cat in a clean environment, as this will encourage and even motivate the cat to continue being playful.
Gallery of Toyger
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