Designer Cat Breeds - the Toyger

Toygers are a relatively new breed of cat that combines the look of a wild tiger with the breeding of a domesticated cat. This feline's silky striped coat and loving personality gives the cat-lover a new, distinctive choice when adding a new friend to the household.

The Toyger was the brainchild of breeder Judy Sugden who visualized the breed and used computer technology to determine how to breed such a cat and how long it would take for the animal to come into its full potential. Using Bengals, American Shorthairs, Egyptians, Pixie-Bobs and Maine Coons throughout the process, the Toyger became a breed of its own and is still working its way to be perfected to what breeders originally imagined. At its best, the Toyger will be a perfect reproduction of a miniature tiger with a silky, glittery coat and loving, intelligent personality.

Toygers are a medium sized cat with a long, toned body that can grow up to 16 pounds for males and 12 pounds for females. Their color can range from browns to mahogany to orange and gold with the tiger orange/gold being the most preferred color. A rare blue kitten may appear in a litter and, while not show quality, makes a beautiful pet. Their stripes can range from black to brown with black being preferred and the pattern of the stripes is very important for a cat of show quality. Three circular temple ring markings between the eyes and ears are what really give this cat the look of a tiger as well as its long, chin-led muzzle and almond-shaped eyes.

A top bred Toyger's coat is soft, plush, short and thick with a glittery look to it, although many may have thick, course fur. They are graceful creatures that look tiger-like when on the prowl but do not have a wild bone in their adorable body. Toygers are extremely intelligent cats with easy-going personalities that fit in well with children and other household pets. Their lifespan is as long as any domestic cat, between 10-15 years, and they are a healthy, sturdy animal.

Breeders of Toygers will continue to work with this breed until they have attained their goal of a miniature tiger in look and coloring. Toygers are recognized as an official breed by The International Cat Association (TICA) and received the status of Advanced New Breed in 2006.

Pet quality Toygers are available through a few select breeders found on the Toyger's website, Toygers.org/breeders/html. Toygers can cost from $500-1500 for pet quality cats and $1500-3000 for breeding or show quality. There is a high demand for these rare cats so more than likely you will need to be put on a waiting list to buy one.

Toygers are beautiful, exotic looking felines that combine a distinctive look with a loving, intelligent personality. For the cat-lover looking for a unique blend of domestic and wild, the Toyger may be just the cat you're looking for.