The New Breed of Designer Cat: It's a Tiger... It's a Housecat... It's a Toyger??

If you are in the market for a 'designer cat', the Toyger is for you. This adorable kitty closely resembles another much larger cat... the tiger. It's been a long road, but they are now fully recognized by The International Cat Association and began showing in an Advanced New Breed status, as of May 2006. (Beginning in May 2007, the Toyger will be given Championship status.)

Although Toygers do not have tiger blood running through their veins, they do have the circular markings of a tiger. In addition, these kitties have striping down their sides and white fur around the eyes... characteristics which make them look even more like their ferocious cousin.

Judy Sugden, an avid animal lover and breeder for over 15 years, is credited with starting the Toyger breed. She hopes her tiger cat will reach perfection as a breed, by 2010.

Breeding interesting cats is a family tradition in Judy's family. Her mother, Jean Mill, who studied genetics in college, is credited with creating the Bengal breed. She did so in hopes of slowing down the leopard fur trade, which increased in the 60's. Her thought on this was that a person would be less inclined to wear leopard fur, if it looked like the family pet.

As of this writing there are approximately 350 registered 'toy tigers' and 35 breeders, worldwide. With the growing interest in the breed, these numbers will certainly increase, with each passing year.

Currently cat lovers can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $4000 for this unique breed. If there is not a breeder in your immediate area, there are reputable catteries on the Internet. Shipping is normally under $350 and includes airfare, pet carrier and vet certificate.

The breeders of these fluffy puffs of fur are very concerned about the well-being of the cats they choose to adopt out. Be prepared for the possibility of going through somewhat of an interview process.

Toygers are very loving and make excellent companions. They are very easy to groom and extremely trainable. Toygers are muscular and quite agile. As you might guess, they are hunters by nature. (This is something to consider if you birds frequent your backyard paradise.)

In actuality, the Toyger is a breed in progress. Breeders are committed to strive for much more than a basic orange, striped tiger look-alike. With the popularity of computers and computer imagery, it is possible for them to get a sneak peak, in regard to the Toyger of the future.