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 is a relatively new breed that has been developed by Judy Sugden. The breed began its development in the 1980s. Even though the breed resembles a tiger the breed has no ‘wild blood’ and has been created by merely selectively breeding for cats with distinct markings that resemble a tiger.

The breed started when Judy Sugden noticed distinctive markings on her tabby’s face which is usually free of any markings. Sugden used this shorthaired tabby named ‘Scrapmetal’ and a bengal named ‘Millwood Rumpled Spotskin’. She then imported a tomcat from the streets of India that had distinct spotted markings between his ears. From here Sugden developed a breeding programme with the help of breeders Anthony Hutcherson and Alice McKee. In 1993 the toyger was accepted for registration by The International Cat Association, and by 2007 they were accepted as a championship breed.

Behaviour

These cats have a laid back disposition, and will comfortably slot into a busy household. They are playful and intelligent and can be taught tricks and to walk on the lead.This cat enjoys the company of people and will get on well with other pets.