Toyger Cats

A toyger is a domestic cat designed to look like a tiger

A toyger cat lying with itslong banded tail

History

The Toyger breed was developed by Californian Judy Sugden. The breeding program began in the 1980s. The breed namechecks the tiger due to its coat pattern, but has no ‘wild blood’ in its ancestry and was created by simply selectively breeding for distinct tiger-like markings.

The breed's story began when Judy Sugden noticed distinctive markings on a short-haired tabby’s face. Sugden used this tabby, called Scrapmetal, and a Bengal named Millwood Rumpled Spotskin. She then imported a feral tomcat from India that had distinct spotted markings between his ears. From these starting points Sugden developed a breeding program with the help of US breeders Anthony Hutcherson and Alice McKee.

In 1993 the Toyger was accepted for formal recognition and registration by The International Cat Association, and in 2007 it was accepted as a championship breed.

Behaviour

These cats are naturally chilled out, and will fit into a busy household without getting stressed by anything. They are playful and intelligent too and can be taught tricks, and even to walk on a leash. This enjoy human company and get on well with children and other pets too. A great family cat, in other words.