Do you know that there is a breed of cat that looks like a miniature tiger? Yep, and it's called the Toyger, which literally translates to "toy tiger." Its appearance resembles that of one of these wild cats, which is the main reason for its growing popularity in recent years.
In this article from PlanèteAnimal, we will explain all the characteristics of the Toyger cat, its main care, its character and the possible he alth problems that the breed can present.
Origin
- America
- United States
Physical Characteristics
- Thin tail
- Little ears
- Strong
Size
- Average
Average Weight
- 3-5
Life expectancy
- 10-15
Character
- Active
- Extrovert
- Affectionate
- Smart
- Curious
Climate
- Temperate
Hair type
- Short
Origin of the Toyger
The Toyger breed was created thanks to some Californian breeders who decided to cross Bengal cats with cats whose coat pattern was tabby, that is, with cats that have typical stripes tigers.So, in 1980, the first litter of Toyger cats appeared, kittens that looked like little tigers.
The breed was recognized by TICA in 2007 and the Cat Fancy Board of Directors (GCCF) did the same in 2015.
Toyger Features
Muscular and strong, with strong limbs and long fingers, this is what Toygers look like. These traits allow these cats to appear more "wild" , increasing the similarities with tigers. They are medium-sized cats, usually weighing around 6 kg and with a life expectancy of around 15 years.
The head of a Toyger is rounded, framing expressive round eyes of very bright and deep colors, which are also reminiscent of those of a tiger. This head is surmounted by small rounded ears. The muzzle is more prominent than in other races, being in some specimens very similar to that of the tiger: wider and more marked.
Its legs are slightly shorter in proportion to body length, but stronger and more robust. A curiosity of this breed is the length of its fingers, since they are longer than those of other cat breeds.
" Now, if there&39;s one thing that really sets the Toyger apart and sets it apart from other domestic cats, it&39;s its coat, which is why it&39;s known as the Tiger Cat. The coat of this breed has a color pattern identical to that of the tiger, completely striped. The accepted color for this breed is basic orange with darker stripes, which can be brown or black. Regarding its length, it is a short, soft and shiny fur."
Toyger Character
While his tiger-like appearance might make us think his behavior would be surly and elusive, nothing could be further from the truth, as Toygers are extremely cuddly and love to get all the attention they can get.For this reason, they are ideal cats for family life, cohabiting wonderfully in homes with children, the elderly or other animals. They also have a balanced temperament, they are playful and curious, but not nervous.
They are ideal for apartment and house living, regardless of size. Given their curiosity, they are relatively easy felines to train, as their propensity for activity and their intelligence favor rapid and efficient learning. Likewise, although they are not cats that need a lot of physical exercise, they do need to do some daily activity due to their playful and sociable nature. In this sense, it should be noted that they are not cats that tolerate loneliness well, which is why they are not suitable for people who spend too much time away from home.
How to take care of a Toyger?
To have a Toyger cat in the best condition, it must be fed a good quality food or a properly prepared homemade diet. You also need to provide him with enough play time and exercise, which you can do by playing with them or by providing him with different toys that he can play with on his own. Remember that this time when he is alone should not be too long, otherwise the animal could develop separation anxiety.
As with all cat breeds, adequate environmental enrichment is essential. So, whether he is a kitten or an adult, buy scratchers, toys, put shelves in the house and provide him with a comfortable bed to sleep in, as well as a litter box that he likes and puts it in. ease.
As for its coat, which is short and easy to comb, weekly brushing will suffice to keep it conditioned and prevent the formation of hairballs, potentially dangerous for the digestive system of this animal.
Toyger Cat He alth
At the moment, no Toyger pathology has been recorded, although to prevent our kitten from getting sick, we must take the appropriate measures, including keeping it properly vaccinated and wormed, going to the vet frequently, feed him properly, check and keep his eyes, ears and mouth clean.
If we take these precautions, we can enjoy our feline for a long time and in the best conditions.
Where to adopt a Toyger?
The truth is, finding Toygers to adopt isn't an easy task, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. The best thing to do is to visit the animal sanctuaries and shelters closest to you to ask if they have any specimens waiting to be adopted. Otherwise, they will take note of your contact details to call you as soon as they have one.And if that doesn't happen, don't hesitate to adopt another kitten who needs a home, whether it's a toyger or not, he will be eternally grateful.
Of course, before making the decision to adopt a cat of this breed, it is essential to take into account the characteristics of the Toyger cat to ensure that you can cover all its needs. Don't forget that this is a feline that needs a lot of attention from its humans.
Photos of Toyger
