Toyger
Also known as: Toy Tiger
A domestic cat bred to look like a miniature tiger.
- Friendly
- Relaxed
- Outgoing
- Playful
- Intelligent
The Toyger is a designer breed developed in the 1980s to resemble a tiger, with bold striped markings on an orange coat. Toygers are friendly, relaxed and outgoing, combining a wild look with a gentle, sociable personality.
At a glance
- Origin
- United States
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 8–15 lb (3.5–7 kg)
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, plush striped coat
- Colours
- Brown mackerel tabby (tiger-striped)
- Average cost
- $60–$110 / month
Breed ratings
Rated 1–5 on the same scale as every other entry, so scores are comparable between breeds. Amber stars mark things that cost you effort rather than things that benefit you.
Temperament
Toygers are easy-going and sociable with people and pets.
Care & upkeep
Exercise
Two 15-minute play sessions daily.
Grooming
Weekly brushing.
Training
Trainable — many learn fetch and harness walking.
Feeding & diet
- Typical diet
- High-protein wet-led diet
- Daily amount
- 180–260 g wet food, or equivalent
- Meals per day
- 2 meals a day
Measure portions and monitor weight.
Foods to avoid
- Onion and garlic
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Raw dough
- Milk
Who this breed suits
A good match for
- Families with children
- Multi-pet homes
- First-time cat owners
Probably not for
- Owners wanting a very quiet, inactive cat
Common health problems
This section describes conditions the breed is known to be predisposed to, so you know what to ask about. It is not veterinary advice and is not a diagnosis — always speak to a vet about your own animal.
- Heart murmurs and HCMAsk breeders for cardiac screening.
- Dental diseaseBrush teeth regularly.
Ask breeders for cardiac screening.
Interesting facts
- Developed by Judy Sugden, daughter of the Bengal breed founder.
- Bred partly to raise awareness of wild tiger conservation.
- Has no wild cat in its recent ancestry.
Diet & Feeding
Feed around 180–260 g of quality wet food daily across two meals. Monitor weight monthly.
Exercise & Play
Two 15-minute play sessions daily. Toygers enjoy fetch, puzzle toys and harness walks.
Grooming
The short coat needs weekly brushing. Trim nails and brush teeth regularly.
Health & Vet Care
Watch for heart murmurs and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dental disease. Ask breeders for cardiac screening.
Living with a Toyger
Toygers are friendly, easy-going and good with children and dogs.
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