History of the origin of the breed
The history of Toygers originated in the USA. Kittens were first introduced in the early 90s of the twentieth century. Judy Sugden is the daughter of breeder Jean Mill, who developed the noble Bengal breed.
In the 80s of the twentieth century, Jude came up with the idea of creating a beautiful pet miniature tiger. For this purpose, it was decided to cross Bengals and ordinary domestic cats with beautiful stripes along the body. Initially, the breed was registered by only 2 felinological organizations: TICA and WCC. It was only in the 2000s that Toygers became show cats.
Toygers got their name from a combination of the words toy and tiger (from English “toy” and “tiger”).
Toyger price. Where to buy a toyger. Nurseries where you can buy a toyger kitten
Toyger kittens are among the most expensive in the world. A toyger bought as a pet will cost from one thousand to two thousand dollars. The price of a breeding toyger is approximately four thousand dollars.
Nurseries where you can buy toyger kittens:
- GREENCITY;
- Leonardo;
- MOSCOW FAMILY.
External features of Toyger cats
Many people assume that it is easy to confuse a Toyger and a Bengal. Of course, these purrs have a lot in common due to the history of the appearance of the breed of miniature tiger cats. At the same time, Toygers have a number of differences from the Bengal breed, even in addition to tiger stripes. For example, they are characterized by a more elongated and oversized body, which is strictly prohibited by breed standards for Bengals.
Breed name | Toyger |
Time of origin | 1993 |
Country of origin | USA |
Lifespan | 13-16 years old |
Average weight | 5-9 kg (as an adult) |
Average height | 30-40 cm |
Cost of kittens | 300-800 dollars |
Wool
Toyger kittens belong to the category of short-haired pets. At the same time, the fur coat of such mini-tigers is quite dense. The wool is quite soft to the touch and shines beautifully in the sun. It is noteworthy that in cats of this breed, the length of the coat creates a three-dimensional 3D effect. It lies in the fact that the length of the fur coat in the area of the stripes is greater than the length of the background coat.
Color
The first thing that catches your eye when you look at a Toyger cat. It is this that makes the animal look like a small tiger. The acceptable coat color for kittens is brindle with large vertical stripes throughout the body. The stripes are dark in color, and the background coat is golden-red. Moreover, the background color itself is heterogeneous. For example, the fur in the belly and chest area is lighter compared to the back.
Around the eyes, the toyger's fur has an almost white tint and somewhat resembles glasses.
Today, breeders also offer silver Toygers. They have a soft creamy almost white coat and light brown stripes along the body. True, this coat color has not yet become an official sign of the breed.
Head
It has a medium size, elongated. The cheekbones are set wide. The chin is pronounced, strong, rounded. The nose is elongated, noticeably widening towards the tip.
Eyes
Medium or small size. Planted deeply with a slight slope. The characteristic eye color of Toyger cats is amber-green.
Ears
Small in size, set wide apart and slightly lowered.
Tail
Long, strong, like a rope. Rounded towards the end.
Body
The body of Toyger cats is strong and massive, the body is elongated, and the chest is wide. The limbs are of medium length, quite strong and strong. The paws are neat, round in shape with long toes.
Description of the breed
Male Toygers have a massive build, reaching a weight of 8 kg, cats are somewhat lighter - 6 kg. At the same time, individuals are known whose weight reached 15 kg. They are distinguished by dense fur, large expressive eyes, and clear dark stripes throughout the body. However, the cat turned out to be completely non-predatory in character - a real domestic breed. Thanks to this feature, cats became popular in a short time. Currently, work is still underway to improve the breed. The goal is to get a light-colored cat with round ears, like a tiger.
Detailed breed standard:
- The physique is strong, round and of medium size;
- Strong, elongated neck, large, massive chest;
- The limbs are of medium length, however, the toes are very long;
- Round, wide head of medium size;
- A prominent chin and nose are clearly visible against the background of the muzzle;
- Expressive eyes are round in shape, medium in size, rich light color;
- The ears are small, round with a thick coat of fur;
- Long, thick tail, tapering and rounded towards the end;
- The pads of the paws, the tip of the tail are black, the same eyeliner and lips;
- White glasses;
- There are butterfly stripes on the forehead and circular stripes on the cheeks;
- Highlighted areas on the muzzle;
- The coat is soft, short, shiny, and feels like velvet.
Breeding a breed on your own is a difficult and painstaking task. The offspring may end up with huge eyes and irregularly shaped ears.
Toyger character
Despite the external similarity with a wild tabby cat, the toyger kitten has a balanced character. These are gentle, affectionate creatures who, however, will not bother you with their presence.
From a very early age, kittens are active, but at the same time they are careful and do not destroy everything in their path.
True, the curiosity of this breed is simply off the charts. Toygers love to explore new territories and are constantly exploring the “hidden” corners of the house. Don't be surprised if you see that a mini-tiger has climbed up and fallen asleep on the closet, under the bed, or even in the washing machine.
These are absolutely not vindictive or jealous cats who lack aggression. Their hunting instincts are quite obvious. So be careful and do not let the cat out onto the balcony, and also make sure that the windows in the apartment are closed - in pursuit of insects, the cat may not calculate its strength and jump out of the window.
These pets quickly become attached to all family members, love to sleep on a person’s lap, purr and massage with their paws. They cannot easily endure prolonged loneliness and feel much better in the company of their owner.
Breed character and habits
Toyger is a good companion. Has a peaceful character. He easily finds a common language with children, as well as cats and dogs with whom he lives in the same area.
Kittens are very active. To prevent them from ruining things, it is worth buying a special gaming complex. Some kids make hiding places, so you don’t need to be surprised if any little thing goes missing. With age they become calmer.
Cats are always ready to brighten up loneliness. However, they understand perfectly well when the owner wants to be left alone. They do not chase a person, demanding affection and attention. Despite their devotion, they calmly endure forced separation.
Kittens are very active
Animals are playful and patient; children often become their playmates. The pet will not hurt the child - it will not scratch or bite, so kids can safely trust the “mustachioed nannies.”
Young animals are prone to manipulation. Sometimes they do mischief on purpose so that the owner will pay attention to them.
Cats feel good both in a private house and in a small apartment. They quickly adapt to environmental conditions. Animals jump well.
It will not be difficult for them to climb onto a high shelf or mezzanine. But they act very carefully - they do not catch or drop things.
Mini-tigers cannot be called first-class hunters. But active games and imitation of catching prey are part of their daily leisure time. If the owner disappears for days at work, he should take care of entertainment for his pet.
Toyger rarely speaks. He does not harass the owner with obsessive meowing.
Care and maintenance
Kittens of the Toyger breed are extremely unpretentious in care. It is recommended to comb your pet's short hair once a week and a little more often during the molting period. True, the shedding of these cats is very specific - toygers lose a minimal amount of fur, and you may not even notice this period.
You can bathe your cat without worrying that he will turn into a wild tiger and attack you. Toygers love bathing procedures and are not at all afraid of water. Therefore, you can safely buy a cat after a walk alone.
Regularly monitor your animal's oral cavity and brush its teeth every 2-3 days. It is also important to clean the ears and eyes of brindle cats. To do this, use a cotton pad or gauze soaked in water.
If you plan to walk your cat, be sure to buy a harness. In open space, toygers become real hunters and can get lost while chasing a bird or insect. In addition, they often have no fear of dogs, which can lead to serious trouble.
Where to buy and how much does a kitten cost?
There are several official nurseries in Russia.
Toyger kitten
The most famous:
- "Greencity" (Zelenograd);
- "Moscow Family" (Moscow);
- "FAIRY BERENDEY" (Moscow);
- "Wild Jungle" (Istrinsky district).
Mini-tigers are also sold by private individuals. However, when buying a baby from a nursery, a person receives a guarantee of his health and breed.
What to pay attention to
When choosing a kitten, pay attention to its appearance and behavior. The baby must be clean, active, not afraid of people and sit calmly in the breeder’s arms.
The website of a reliable nursery must indicate the names of the systems (TICA, ICU) in which it is registered.
Serious breeders give kittens long names consisting of the name of the nursery and nickname. Additionally, the details of the father and mother must be indicated. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the pedigree of the parents.
Approximate cost of a kitten
The Toyger is a rare and expensive breed.
The cost of a kitten depends on its class:
- pet class - 70-80 thousand rubles;
- Brit class - 150 thousand rubles;
- show class – 200 thousand rubles.
Nurseries sell adult cats for a nominal fee. They are given away when, due to age, the animal ceases to be a producer.
There are advertisements on the Internet for the sale of kittens from private individuals. Their cost is lower, but they are not suitable for participation in exhibitions and breeding.
What to feed toyger cats?
Representatives of this breed have an enviable appetite. In order for the toyger to feel full, it is important to carefully consider the menu. Veterinarians advise feeding tiger cats with super-premium or holistic food. This diet has a balance of BJU, and also contains vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and development.
If you want to feed your furry friend natural food, be sure to include in your pet’s diet:
- Meat. Chicken, rabbit, turkey, lamb, beef or veal are ideal. If you give raw meat, make sure of its quality, rinse thoroughly, remove bones and pour boiling water over it. For greater confidence, you should give the animal boiled lean meat.
- Porridge. Buckwheat or oatmeal will fit perfectly into the toyger’s diet, especially if you add a little vegetable oil and add vegetables (cabbage, zucchini, carrots).
- Offal. It is forbidden to feed a toyger liver, but these cats gobble up beef hearts on both cheeks.
- It is extremely rare to give your toyger fish (sea).
- Low-fat kefir, low-fat sour cream or fermented baked milk. Fresh milk should not be given - it is poorly digested.
With age, graceful and noble miniature tigers become prone to obesity. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor the furry dog’s diet and activity. Upon reaching 7 years of age, it is important to exclude too fatty and high-calorie foods from the cat’s diet.
Also read: What to feed your cat?
Pros and cons of the breed
The advantages and disadvantages of toygers are presented in the table:
Advantages | Flaws |
Original appearance | High price |
Friendly character | Tendency to obesity |
Get along with other pets | |
Low maintenance | |
Cleanliness | |
Good learning ability | |
Good health |
Photos of Toyger cats
No matter how some people claim that Toygers are not similar to Bengals, this breed is difficult to confuse with other domestic cats. Just look at these beautiful and small domestic tigers:
Character
The domestic breed of cats with a menacing appearance is very peaceful, more reminiscent of a teddy bear. An extremely active creature, loves to play with things, toys, and with anyone who expresses a desire. She can spend the whole day on this activity. It takes root well in any home environment. Feels great in a small apartment. It does not require special conditions. I really like to purr. Cats are not jealous. They do not require special attention to their person. Cute, unpretentious, friendly.
Who is Toyger suitable for?
The cat is funny, playful, good-natured, balanced, disciplined. At the same time active, playful. Toygers do not rush around the house, do not roll up rugs, and do not disturb the order in the house. They sit majestically in their favorite place, waiting for attention to be paid to them.
Mischief is not typical of them either. Toygers will not climb on tables; they are smart enough to quickly remember where the toilet is, where the food bowl is, that’s enough for them. If no one is home, the cat will not become depressed and will wait patiently. Toygers themselves are very unpretentious and will feel good in an apartment with any income.
Based on the behavior of the cat, you can see that the breed is suitable for absolutely everyone. Neither children nor adults will remain indifferent. At the same time, the cat will not scratch, be mischievous, or go through grub.