Would you like a miniature tiger to live in your house? If so, then you certainly need to have a charming toyger breed kitten. He is very similar to a powerful predator not only in color, but also in body shape.
The Toyger cat breed is the youngest in the world. Its name is made up of two words: toy (toy) and tiger (tiger).
From the history of toygers
This breed of domestic cats was bred in 1993 in the United States. The name was given to her by the daughter of the famous breeder Jane Mill, who worked on the creation of Bengal cats - Judy Sugden.
While in India, she spotted a cat on the street , which largely met her requirements for a new breed. Since 1980, she began active work, and soon achieved success. The toyger cat was bred by breeding, the basis of the breed is the data of Bengal cats. Crossing them with other breeds allowed to breed kittens with an unusual color - brindle.
In 2006, the cat toyler was first presented at the exhibition in the status of a new breed. Just a year later (in the spring of 2007) the breed was officially recognized and admitted to the TICA championship. Today they are beautiful graceful animals, reminiscent of their forms of closest relatives - Bengal cats. This is especially evident in the movements of animals when they rush, like real predators, which is typical for “bengals”.
Nowadays, the breed is "being finalized." One of the goals of the ongoing work is the creation of silver-white color. According to the breeders, breeding this breed is troublesome. It is necessary to select pairs very carefully so as not to get kittens with too small or too big eyes or “irregular” shape of ears. By the way, today breeders want to slightly reduce the ears of animals and make them more rounded.
External features
In our country, the toyger cat is not very common. A description of this “toy tiger” can be found in many publications for cat lovers. The magnificent graceful animal has a heavy tiger look. But this circumstance should not confuse connoisseurs of feline beauty - behind this look lies the loving kind soul of a true companion.
Toyger cat is a rather large animal. The weight of an adult varies from 7 to 12 kg. The body of the “domestic tiger” is strong and muscular, slightly elongated. The back of the body is slightly heavier than the chest. The tail (like a tiger) is long, with a black tip, rounded. Paws are strong, with black soft pads. The head is not very large, rather wide, the muzzle is a little elongated, with eyes wide, as if surprised. The large nose expands towards the end.
Wool
Toyger cat is famous for its unusual short hair with a relief effect. It is created thanks to longer dark-colored hairs. To the touch it is elastic, dense and soft. The collar, a thicker cover on the temples and cheekbones, is recognized as a breed line. In addition, a slight overfill of the coat is welcome, unless, of course, it “lubricates” the color.
Dark hair should be dyed evenly. The inclusion of a dark gray is allowed.
Color
The main external feature that distinguishes a toyger cat from other feline cats is its unique tabby stripes. They can be from tan, brown to almost black. Wool is not ticked - all the strips are completely dark - from the very tips to the skin. The undercoat is allowed of a murine or dark gray color, the main background is in some cases brightened, but always monophonic.
An important feature of the color is the contrast of colors. It should be maximum: between the background color and the tabby stripes, the main color of the abdomen and back, darker ears inside and lighter outside. The wool pattern is a modified tabby mackerel. The strips located on the body are always vertical, closing into rings on the legs, tail and neck. They can be wicker and uneven.
The standard also allows elongated spots. But the picture must certainly be on the inside of the paws, and on the stomach. The paw pads and the tip of the tail are black. On the face stripes are circular. The coat around the eyes is lighter. This is very similar to white glasses. A characteristic feature that a toyger cat possesses is considered a butterfly-shaped mark on its forehead, an almost black eyeliner of lips, eyes and the base of the mustache.
The color should not have clear parallel stripes, spots or circles. The strip along the spine is also unacceptable - the back of the cat should be darkened, without a pattern.
Character
Some inexperienced owners may be wary of the unusual predatory appearance that a toyger possesses. Cats, whose character is friendly and complaisant, have the ability to adapt to life in a pack, which for them is the host family. These are surprisingly sociable, loving, playful and "talkative" animals. They are not subject to dominance over people, they are great friends with children, they protect babies.
Many owners say that a toyger cat has a very valuable quality - it is never too intrusive. She loves to be in the company of a person, follows him on the heels everywhere, but one look is enough for a clever pet to understand that the owner wants to be alone. Do not try to impose your caress on the toyger.
"Tigers" meow rarely, but willingly purr in response if you pay attention to them. Young animals tolerate travel quite easily, although with age they become very attached to their home. Most of all toygers love to run on “rough terrain”. If you are at work for a long time, take care of your pet's leisure time in your absence.
Toigers are easy to learn and train, quickly understand what can be done and what is strictly forbidden. However, in adolescence, toygers can become amazing manipulators. Adolescents can "skoda" intentionally, but this is not their revenge or anger - thus, the animal draws attention to itself, demonstrates its viability. With proper upbringing, such a period of "rebellion" passes very quickly, the main thing is to provide your pet with the opportunity to release irrepressible energy.
Many owners note that this is a very affectionate breed of cats. Toiger, whose character will suit any owner, loves to be in the company of people. They with great pleasure will bask in the hands of the owner while watching TV shows.
Maintenance and care
These wonderful cats are suitable for people who do not have time for systematic daily grooming of animals. Toygers need a classic grooming - the food most suitable for your pet, occasionally combing a fur coat with a special brush. In addition, we must not forget about brushing your teeth, cutting off claws.
Experts believe that during the selection of toygers lost the instinct of finding a trace. Therefore, try not to lose the little "tiger", because he will not be able to find his own way home.
Nutrition
There is another quite common problem with these cats - obesity. It is not about how and how much you will feed your pet. The diet of the "tiger cub" should be two-time. It is advisable to use high-quality dry food and feed the animal with chicken breasts, pork and calf hearts. But the fish of this breed is contraindicated.
Where to buy a kitten?
Today almost all cat breeds are sold in Russia . Toiger, whose price is quite high, is sold in two large Moscow nurseries - Greencity and NobleUnion. They work under the program of the leader and creator of this breed, Judy Sagden. The cost of kittens depends on many factors - the presence of a pedigree, the "merit" of the parents, the prospects of an exhibition career, etc. It ranges from 50 to 180 thousand rubles.
Toiger (cats): owner reviews
Unfortunately, in our country this breed is not very common. Nevertheless, the owners of these animals believe that they have acquired a real miracle - an affectionate, intelligent and friendly companion. The owners note that these animals are very clean, quickly get used to the tray, do not require complicated care. The owners say that the only drawback is the high price.