Toyger

The Toyger is a domestic cat bred to suggest a tiger in miniature — vertical broken stripes on a bright ground, and a deliberately rounded profile to complete the impression.

History

It was developed in the United States from the 1980s by a breeder working from Bengal stock and domestic shorthairs, selecting for stripes that run vertically rather than in the usual mackerel pattern. The stated purpose was partly conservationist: a cat that keeps wild tigers in the public eye, with no wild ancestry in the recent line.

Temperament

The breed is known for being confident, playful and people-oriented, an active cat that takes to training and games readily and is usually easy with children and other pets.

Care

The short coat needs little beyond occasional brushing. The energy needs planning: climbing space, interactive play and something to chase, or it will improvise.

Health

As a young breed built on Bengal lines it inherits that background's known tendencies, including certain heart conditions breeders screen for. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one cat; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.