Have You Seen A Cat That Looks Like A Miniature Tiger?

For most of us, seeing a Cat with beautiful stripes throughout the body would either mean it’s a Tabby, or Tiger-like. In the Cat fanciers’ world, these Cats are carefully differentiated by appearances, and that includes the smallest markings you or I may not notice at first hand.

Source

Only one domestic Cat is known to resemble a miniature Tiger, just which Cat breed is that?

The Toy Tiger

This particular domestic breed of Cat is known as the Toyger, developed and bred by a lady name Judy Sudgen in the 1980s. She first noticed that one of her tabbies, Millwood Sharp Shooter (what an adorable name) had tiny occurring spots on its face. This is an uncommon trait with tabbies, where faces are usually void of markings.

Source

She was then convinced that achieving a tiger-esque looking coat for a domestic Cat is not impossible, and hence begun the journey of developing a Toyger.  The first two Cats crossbred was her own striped domestic Shorthair Cat and a Bengal. She then imported a Cat from India whom had very obvious spots that formed “tabby stripes” on its temple.

Animal Planet's Toyger video

A total of 40 over cats were carefully selected to form the foundation for selective breeding, resulting in a domestic Cat with the perfect markings that resembled a Tiger. TICA (The International Cat Association) is the first and only Cat Registry that recognises the Toyger. The first Toyger to be registered was in 1993, achieving New Breed status in 2000, and finally the Championship Status in May 2007.

Fun Fact      According to Judy Sudgen, the purpose of developing the Toyger was also with hopes of inspiring others on caring about the conservation of Tigers in the wild!

How Does The Toyger Look Like?

So we all know by now, that the Toyger was developed to look exactly like a tiny, tiny Tiger, but they could also be easily mistaken for a Tabby Cat! How do you tell if a Cat is really a Toyger? Like all Cat breeds, each registered Cat breed is unique set of standards in terms or physique and temperament. The Toyger is a medium sized domestic Cat with a long body and a short length coat.

Source

Compared to regular Tabbies of vertical stripes and rosette markings, the distinct coat pattern of a Toyger is made up of vivid, bold stripes created by branched out or broken up patterns (also randomised). Facial markings of a Toyger should make up a circular pattern around its face. Similar to its large magnificent counterpart, a Toyger’s dark bold stripes rests on a lighter body shade of orange, tan or cream.

Grooming A Toyger Cat

This beautifully patterned domestic Cat is not only magnificent to look at, it is also easy to care for. Due to its short coat, we need only brush or comb them at least once weekly, just to maintain shine and healthiness of the coat.

Source

Other basic requirements include trimming of nails, rushing of teeth with vet-approved toothpaste and cleaning of ears. Be sure to use a Vet-approved ear cleanser for this task, accompanied with a cotton ball. Bath your Toyger Cat whenever necessary to keep it clean and fresh. If you are unsure of how to perform these tasks, approach a professional Groomer or Veterinarian for advice!

Does The Toyger Behave Like A Tiger?

It wouldn’t be deemed domestic if Toygers had personality and traits of a Tiger ☺ But in case you were wondering, Toygers are actually sociable, playful, affectionate Cats that love human companionship a ton. Having a Toyger in your home is being able to admire a Cat with the stride of a Tiger, and the energetic companionship of a Dog-like Cat.

Source

They are able to get along just fine with other Pets in the home and human family alike, with the intelligence to boot! Toygers have been known for the ability to pick up quickly, so owners often train their Toygers to be walked on a leash, and even play a game a fetch.

Owning A Toyger In Singapore

Although Cats are not permitted in a HDB apartments in Singapore, Cat lovers are responsibly keeping their beloved friends at home on the low down ☺ So unless you are irresponsible, abusive or unlucky enough to have a nosey neighbor, all’s good for you and your kitty. While a Toyger is seemingly easy to care for (they are entertained by the usual feathered toys for Cats), one thing to note is their love for human companionship, indicating that this is a Cat that requires substantial attention.

Source

Being a responsible Pet owner also means you should be doing research and preparations before obtaining any Pet, and being sure of a lifetime commitment. Keep your Cats safe from accidental deaths and escapes (even theft) by meshing up your doors and windows. A happy stay-home Cat is one with adequate entertainment, love, attention and proper health care! A well-taken cared Toyger Cat has an average lifespan of a Toyger is 13 years or more.

You might want to also check out our local pride the Singapura Cat and the elusive Bengal Cat.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Standard breeds are great, but we could say the same for all other crossbreeds, even strays! Before you head off to purchase a Pet, always keep an eye out for adoption drives or check out local shelters for more options, you could always count on finding your next loyal companion and providing a forever home for a rescued furry pal. After all, if they aren’t meant to be show Cats, they can still be stunning in many other ways ☺

Source

Disclaimer

This article was written with informational purposes, as you know, we’d love to share our collective research and experiences as fellow Pet owners and lovers. It is not meant to alternate in any way as advice or diagnosis of Professionals. If you do wish to use any of our published information, you are welcome to contact us!