Are you looking for a cat that perfectly captures the grace, strength, and majestic beauty of the tiger, but with the affectionate and playful demeanor of a typical house cat? You will be delighted to learn that the Toyger, bred for their wild, striking appearance, is gentle and tame enough to cuddle and play with. The Toyger is a cross between a Bengal cat and the traditional shorthaired tabby cat. These “miniature tigers” are characterized by their signature thick, tiger-like stripes.
Have you asked your phone, “Hey Siri, what’s the best cat sitter near me?” If you are considering using an in-home pet care service, we offer exceptional cat sitting in Viera to care for your Toyger while you’re away.
The Toyger is meant for anyone who is fascinated with the stealth of a jungle cat but wants the soothing and familiar presence of a domestic feline.
At Space Coast Pet Services, our goal is to provide you with engaging pet-related content and breed-specific information. Read on to learn more about the fierce and fabulous Toyger breed!
History Of The Toyger Cat Breed
The Toyger is a cat breed with a fascinating story. The Toyger was developed in the early 1980s by an enthusiastic feline fan named Judy Sugden, who is the daughter of Jean Mill, the first breeder of the exotic-looking Bengal cat. Sugden’s ambition was to create a breed that possessed the characteristics of a miniature tiger. The mackerel tabby cat has similar markings to a tiger, but Sugden wanted to improve the clarity and boldness of the stripes to more closely mimic that of a tiger.
Sugden crossed two shorthaired mackerel tabby cats and a Bengal cat. The first extraordinary domestic shorthaired tabby was named Scrapmetal, which had markings that closely resembled those of a tiger. The second mackerel tabby was named Millwood Sharp Shooter. Most of the time, the tabby cat has no distinct markings on their temples. However, Sharp Shooter was an exception. He displayed prominent circular markings on his temples.
Interestingly, the tiger has distinct circular facial markings, which set these magnificent beasts apart from the other “big cats.” Sugden was an experienced breeder who was determined to make the Toyger breed a success. Of course, the breeding pool would not be complete without the exotic Bengal cat. The Bengal cat Sugden chose to breed was named Millwood Rumpled Spotskin. In 1993, another feline member was added to the mix.
A street cat from Kashmir, India, named Jammu Blu, was also included. He had unusual spotting between his ears. Jammu Blu lacked the typical “M” mark that tabby cats have on their foreheads and had spots instead of the common lined pattern.
The Name “Toyger” And The Breed’s Unique Purpose
The breed’s name, “Toyger,” is derived from the words “toy” and “tiger,” which perfectly describe this wild-looking and rare cat breed. The Bengal was bred to resemble a small leopard, and the Toyger was bred to create the appearance of a compact-sized house tiger.
The Bengal cat is a hybrid breed developed by crossing the domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat, which explains the wild appearance of the Toyger. It is also worth noting that Judy Sugden, the woman who originated the breed, has stated that these cats were designed to raise awareness about tiger conservation.
The Toyger serves as a living reminder of the endangered species, the regal tiger, and can encourage meaningful discussions about how to support conservation efforts.
The Toyger Cat’s Appearance
The Toyger cat is a striking feline that is muscular and sleek-looking. They come in a variety of rich coat colors. The hallmark of the breed is their bold and wild striped markings drawn against a backdrop of six possible colors:
- Blue
- Snow
- Silver
- Smoke
- Charcoal
- Brown Mackerel
Brown Mackerel is the official coat color and breed standard. The base is a terracotta color. The shimmering silver coat stands out as remarkably unusual. Snow is a vision with an ivory base. These are the colors that are formally recognized.
Charcoal, smoke, and blue are uncommon shades and are exceptionally rare among Toyger enthusiasts. This fine feline’s eye-catching coat is plush, short, and thick. The Toyger cat’s fur boasts a special feature, called “the glitter effect.” Their fur displays an almost magical-looking golden sparkle that brightly glitters when the light shines on it. The “glitter effect” on the Toyger cat is caused by a recessive gene that also occurs in some Bengal cats.
These mini “domestic tigers” are considered a medium-sized cat breed, typically weighing between 7 and 15 pounds. The Toyger has a round head, and their eye color is most commonly green, orange, or brown. “Big cats” tend to have shorter legs than domestic felines. The Toyger cat takes after their wild counterparts in that regard. Like tigers, Toyger cats demonstrate shorter, more purposeful strides. These exquisite, long-bodied creatures always appear to be “on the prowl.”
Toyger Cat Personality and Why They’re Great for Viera Homes
Despite their appearance resembling that of a “big cat,” Toyger cats are gentle and affectionate creatures that tend to form strong and enduring bonds with their pet parents. These cats are generally suitable companions for active families with children. Although they have formidable tiger-stripes, these furry felines are more gregarious and friendly than the typical Bengal cat, but not as “chatty” or dependent on human company. The Toyger cat also often has a playful, mischievous nature.
The Toyger cat shares the same energetic spark as the Bengal cat. However, Toygers are more relaxed and easygoing pets who will be just as content to cuddle and catch a serene little snooze session with their doting human as they are to play with their toys. Like the Bengal cat, the Toyger may enjoy a splash in the water. They often delight in dipping or batting their paws in the cool liquid. Toyger cats may also find watching water fountains a fun and fascinating pastime. Check out this popular cat water fountain found on Amazon that many of our kitty clients love!
Essentially, the Toyger cat is less “wild” in heritage and even in their personality. They tend to be naturally loving and socially adept. Their playful streak and family-friendly temperament also make them a favorable match to other pets in the home.
Toyger Recognition And Credentials
The Toyger cat is a relatively new breed that breeders are still refining to further perfect the feline’s signature tiger markings, aiming to resemble the largest member of the wild cat family more closely. Toygers were formally recognized by the International Cat Association in 1993.
In 2007, this attractive little “tiger in process” achieved a feline upgrade, allowing the breed to attain full championship status with the TICA. It was exciting news for breed enthusiasts, as their Toyger cats could now compete in TICA cat shows for championship titles, which boosted their recognition in the elite cat fancier community. It also generated a heightened interest in these adorable kitties.
In 2007, the Toyger was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine. The then-president of TICA, Kay DeVibiss, exclaimed, “There’s going to be Toyger fever.” The Toyger’s charismatic and lovable appearance, which replicates that of a toy tiger, won over the hearts of even more feline fans.
There are now numerous Toyger breeders in the US. In 2020, the Toyger reached another encouraging milestone as The International Cat Association officially accepted the Toyger Club as a TICA-chartered club. It was a significant victory, as it supported efforts and collaborations with breeders to establish the requirements for the breed standard. Increased recognition for the Toyger cat led to greater demand for these boldly striped beauties.
Toyger Cat Health and How a Reliable Viera Cat Sitter Can Help
Many purebred cats tend to be susceptible to inherited health conditions, which is why it is essential to bring your feline friend to the vet at least once a year for a checkup. Since the Toyger is a relatively new breed, it is difficult to determine with certainty what health issues they may be predisposed to.
Here are some health issues the Toyger cat may experience:
- Diabetes
- Heart murmur
- Heart disease
- Dental disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic kidney disease
- Feline lower urinary tract disease
Additionally, further research is needed to understand the Toyger cat’s predisposition to certain illnesses. However, due to their shared ancestry, the Toyger and the Bengal cat may have similar health issues in common.
Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the instances of illness in purebred cats with responsible breeding practices. Responsible breeding encompasses screening for health issues, genetic testing, and the careful selection of breeding mates.
Keeping Your Toyger Active with the Help of a Viera Cat Sitter
The Toyger cat requires more exercise than other breeds, as they are highly energetic and playful. Since these “smarty cats” also happen to be rather intelligent, you can easily train your Toyger to walk on a leash. Regular walks provide adequate exercise and enrichment. To acclimate your furry feline to leash walking, start with shorter walks and gradually increase to longer adventures outside.
Allow your Toyger cat to explore the world around them in a safe and controlled manner. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoor world will captivate their senses and satisfy their natural curiosity. A well-built catio may be the perfect addition to your home!
Of course, for cats, sometimes nothing beats playing with their favorite toys. Implement fun games where your Toyger can “hunt” their toys. Make sure to also provide them with cat trees with multiple platforms and levels, allowing them to climb and explore.
Toygers And Kitty Agility
Kitty agility can be fun for the intelligent and active Toyger cat. Agility is a high-energy sport that many pets enjoy. The goal is to complete the course as quickly as possible. It can be described as the ultimate feline challenge. You can set up your Toyger’s dream playground in a designated, safe area indoors.
Agility also fosters the bond between pet parents and their felines. Practicing agility with your animal companion builds trust and teamwork. Speeding through obstacle courses, jumping through hoops, and weaving through poles will improve your cat’s stamina, enhance their problem-solving skills, and offer them quality exercise. Your feline friend also receives positive reinforcement with yummy treats. Feline agility competitions are even gaining in popularity at cat shows!
Cat Sitting in Viera: Hire a Reliable Pet Sitter Today
The Toyger cat brings a touch of the wild into your home, pairing exotic beauty with a gentle, loving temperament that fits perfectly into family life. Whether they are chasing toys, showing off their agility, or curling up for snuggles, your Toyger thrives on companionship and routine.
When you are away, whether for work, travel, or a well-deserved vacation, Space Coast Pet Services is here to ensure your Toyger’s needs are met with the same love and attention you give them. Our once or twice daily in-home cat sitting visits in Viera provide fresh food and water, litter box care, and plenty of interactive play or cuddle time. We tailor every visit to your cat’s personality, making sure they feel comfortable, safe, and loved in their own home.
Do not leave your Toyger’s care to chance. Reach out to us at Space Coast Pet Services, Viera’s # 1 cat sitters, and book your personalized cat sitting visits today and give your feline the VIP treatment they deserve.
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