There is absolutely no typo here; this story is about a Cat known as the Toyger! The breed was created from selectively breeding domestic shorthaired Tabbies to come up with miniature Tigers, complete with striped Tiger-pattern coats.
CRAFTING STRIPES
Judy Sudgen is the woman behind this captivating Cat known today as the Toyger, short for “toy Tiger”!
According to Alexandra Marvar in aa 2020 newspaper article in The Toronto Star, Judy imagined a domestic Cat resembling a Tiger back in the 1980s, characterized by a luminous orange and black striped coat, a white belly, small rounded ears, a broad nose, and a weight of around 10 pounds which is about 4.5 kilograms.
Judy is the daughter of Jean Mill, the woman who developed the Bengal breed. Judy and Jean undeniably left their mark in the Feline world, etching a lasting legacy with the Bengals and Toygers!
And while Toygers were intentionally bred to resemble miniature Tigers, there is no actual Tiger lineage in the breeding — they are purely domestic Cats.
While Toygers were intentionally bred to resemble miniature Tigers, there is no actual Tiger lineage in the breeding — they are purely domestic Cats.
ROARING WITH ENERGY
The Toyger is recognized not just for their Tiger-like stripes, but also for their energetic disposition; they are highly active and playful. In my judgement, their energy surpasses that of any other Cat breed.
“They tend to play vigorously and with such high energy but they are never aggressive,” shared by Jaime Lim, a Toyger parent. “Soft and fragile toys are no match for them, [those] wouldn’t even last an hour with them.”
Jaime also mentioned how he struggled to find suitable items for them in the market, given the Toygers’ robust and highly energetic temperament. He resorted to crafting his own Cat condos and scratch posts that could accommodate their weight and activities.
ONLY ONE RECOGNIZED COLOR
The breed was registered to The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1993, progressed to new breed exhibition classes in 2000, and achieved full recognition as a championship Cat in February 2007, according to a 2020 article by TICA.
The World Cat Federation (WCF) acknowledges the Toyger as a “designer” Cat, displaying medium size and a striking resemblance to larger Cats in terms of type, pattern, movement, and self-confidence.
There is only one recognized color, which is the Black Mackerel Tabby (EMS code n 23), wherein the very dark and clear marking — black, brown, or even tan in color — is in contrast with a golden-orange base color, and the paw pads and tail tip should be black, according to WCF in a 2020 article.
PAWS OF LUXURY
Jaime revealed that his Toygers are some of the expensive Cats he cares for. “They are not cheap, I really looked for quality animals. I chose those Toygers with good distinct patterns on their bodies, good body condition, and definitely from reputable breeders.”
Jaime also added that the Cats underwent various tests before flying to our country. “You wouldn’t want to breed animals with medical conditions that they can pass on to their offspring.”
As of writing, Jaime has eight Toyger adults whom he imported from abroad, six juniors, and five kittens.
TOYGER MIA IS EVERY FOODIE’S SPIRIT ANIMAL
Most pregnant queens will stop eating hours prior to labor and until they are done delivering all their Kittens — but not Mia!
According to Jaime, a couple of hours before Mia delivered her Kittens, she still had a very good appetite. She even had this very peculiar behavior of taking bites of kibble in between delivering her kittens!
“She definitely gave us all a good laugh that night!” Jaime said. Mia’s unique eating habits during labor did not diminish her incredible nurturing as a mom. Her ability to care for her litter while managing her own needs was a testament to her maternal instincts and resilience.
While Mia tends to be the most relaxed and composed Toyger under Jaime’s care, don’t be fooled: She’s always up for a playful challenge and just might fancy destroying every toy you offer her during playtime! As for her photoshoot, Mia effortlessly aced it, thanks to her serene nature. Her calm presence truly shone through, making her a natural in front of the camera.
TOYGER BRUNO BRINGS PRIDE AND JOY
Witnessing your own Cat excel in both local and international shows is a source of immense pride, and Bruno in particular brought Jaime an abundance of joy and pride through his achievements!
Recognizing Bruno’s potential, Jaime began entering him into shows. Despite his young age, 2023 turned out to be a bustling year for Bruno.
In September, he showcased his dominance at the Feline Council of the Philippines, Inc (FCPI) MeowCon 2023, securing accolades as the Top Cat Challenge Winner, Top Male Kitten, and achieving first and fifth positions in Kitten Rings judged by two different panels, along with the Atomic Kitten Award.
Come October, Bruno earned the prestigious title of World Cat Federation Junior Champion at FCPI’s Fantastic Felines 2. November marked another triumph as Bruno was honored with the titles of Overall Best of Best and Best in Show Junior, securing the first place in the Loving Cats Worldwide Philippines Cat Show & Convention! Handling young Toygers during shows poses a challenge due to the Cats’ exceptionally high energy levels. However, with consistent training over time, even with their boundless energy, they can certainly be aided to become more accustomed to shows.
A helpful tip from Jaime is to always carry a toy to divert their attention towards it and away from other distractions.
CATS OF THE SAME STRIPES
Cats truly boast a spectrum of personalities, making the journey of caring for them incredibly enjoyable. Discovering and understanding their unique traits is undeniably one of the most delightful aspects of Cat companionship.
Mia and Bruno, two kindred spirits of the same breed, share a common temperament yet boasting distinctly unique personalities. Much like their stripes, their individual charm and captivating personalities will surely enchant you.
Toyger Cats stand as a striking testament to the beauty of Feline diversity and companionship. Their unique Tiger-like appearance, combined with their affectionate and playful nature, makes them not just good Feline companions, but also beloved members of the family.
As these captivating Cats continue to garner attention and admiration, their distinctive charm and endearing personalities continue to leave a lasting paw print on the hearts of Cat parents worldwide.
URBAN WILDCATS
Curious about the Toygers? WCF-registered Urban Wildcats, located in Batangas, houses them, among other Cats!
