Toygers are becoming more popular as pets, thanks to their friendly personalities and impressive appearance. These cats are bred to resemble a small tiger, with their striped fur and powerful build. If you’re interested in adding one of these unique kitties to your family, you’re in the right place!
Breed Characteristics
The Toyger is a domestic shorthair cat breed that was developed to resemble a small tiger. Toygers are usually medium in size, with males being slightly larger (12 pounds) than females (9 pounds). They have short, thick coats that come in a variety of colors, including orange, black or brown, and their fur is usually quite coarse to the touch. Their signature feature is their markings in the shape of tiger-like stripes. They have broad muzzles, large ears, and bright green or yellow eyes. Their tails are long and bushy. While the breed standard does not require Toygers to have blue eyes, many members of the breed do have this striking feature.
Temperament
Toyger cats are known for their playful and outgoing personalities. They love to be around people and are always up for a game of fetch or a romp around the house. These active cats are also very curious, and will explore every nook and cranny of their surroundings. While Toygers may seem like pure mischief-makers, they’re also very affectionate and love to be around their humans. Toygers can also be quite vocal, so you’ll need to be prepared for a lot of noise! If you’re looking for a feline friend who is always up for a good time, the Toyger may be the perfect cat breed for you.
Health
Toyger cats are prone to health problems just like any other breed of cat. Some common health issues include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, and hip dysplasia. It is important to have your Toyger cat checked by a veterinarian regularly to help catch any potential health problems early. If you notice that your Toyger is acting or looking sick, take him or her to the vet right away. By catching health problems early, you can help your cat get the treatment he or she needs and extend his or her life.
Hyperthropic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic heart disease in many domestic cat breeds, including the Toyger. HCM is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to impaired heart function and potentially sudden death. The exact cause of HCM is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a defect in the heart’s muscle proteins. In Toygers, HCM typically manifests as an enlarged heart and/or abnormal heart murmurs. Affected cats may also have difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and collapse. There is no cure for HCM, but affected cats can often be managed with medication and close monitoring by a veterinarian.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that affects the kidneys of Toyger cats. The disease is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, in the kidneys. These cysts can grow to large sizes and eventually replace much of the normal kidney tissue. This can lead to renal failure and death. PKD is progressive and there is no cure. However, treatment options are available that can help to control the symptoms and extend the life of affected cats. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome. Toyger cats with PKD require regular monitoring by a veterinarian, and they may need special diet and medications.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can affect the joints of any animal, but it is particularly common in dogs and cats. In animals, the condition is caused by a malformation of the hip joint, which can lead to pain, lameness, and even arthritis. Toyger cats are unfortunately prone to hip dysplasia, although the condition is often not diagnosed until the cat is an adult. There are a number of treatment options available for cats with hip dysplasia, including weight control, exercise, and joint supplements. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. However, with proper treatment, most cats with hip dysplasia can live long and healthy lives.
Toyger Cat Care
Activity
Toygers are high energy cats that need a lot of playtime and exercise. They love to explore their surroundings and will play for hours on end. It’s important to provide them with plenty of toys and climbing trees to keep them occupied. Toygers also enjoy being around people, so be sure to give them lots of attention. They love to walk on a leash, and they can also be trained to do tricks.
Grooming
Toyger cats are one of the most unique domestic cats. Their striking coats require a moderate amount of grooming, brushing at least twice a week. This helps keep their coat looking clean and healthy. Bathing is not usually necessary, but can be done if needed. Clipping their nails every few weeks is also recommended to keep them sharp and healthy. Overall, Toyger cats are low-maintenance pets that make wonderful companions.
Other
It is also important to keep your toyger’s environment healthy. Make sure he has plenty of clean water to drink and a good place to scratch. Keep his litter box clean and free of waste, and provide him with a good quality diet. A healthy toyger will be happy and healthy!
Cost of a Toyger Kitten
Toyger kittens cost around $1000 to $3000. The Toyger is still considered a rare breed, so you may have a hard time finding one unless you live in an area where there are several breeders.
History of the Toyger Cat Breed
The Toyger is a pretty new breed of domestic cat that was developed to resemble a tiger. The breed originated in the early 1980s when Judy Sugden, an American breeder, and the daughter of Jena Mill who was credited with creating the Bengal cat breed, began breeding her domestic Bengla and tabby cats to create a striped cat. The goal was to produce a “toy” version of the tiger, hence the name Toyger. She also wanted to raise awareness about the danger of extinction that wild tigers are in.
Thanks to their striking stripes, Toygers have been used to create newand unique color patterns in other cats, such as the Ocicat and the Safari Cat. The breed was first registered by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1993. Today, the Toyger is a relatively rare breed, and there are only a few hundred registered Toygers in the world. However, thanks to their highly-desired jungle cat appearance, they are becoming increasingly popular as pets.
Fun Facts About Toyger Cats
Here are a few unusual trivia tidbits about the breed:
- Toyger cats are a hybrid of the Bengal and American Shorthair breeds, but are not yet recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA).
- They’re also incredibly intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks like dogs.
- The original breeder, Judy Sugden, chose tigers as the model for the Toyger’s pattern and coloration because she believed that their markings would be the most difficult to achieve in a domestic cat.
Let us know if there are things we forgot to mention!
Summary
If you’re looking for a playful and active cat, the Toyger breed is definitely worth considering. They are beautiful cats with unique markings, and they are sure to keep you entertained with their antics. Be prepared for a lot of energy, though – Toygers need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Thanks for reading!
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