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Toyger

Toyger Cat Photo: © Helmi Flick

Links to more large format Helmi Flick images

Click on these thumbnail links to see rare and fine large format images of these superb cats, presented beautifully

Introduction

The Toyger is a fabulous looking cat. Particularly as seen through the lens of Helmi Flick. As could be expected, I don't live with a one of these superb cats. They are rare and special. What I know about them I have researched. What immediately comes to mind in this. There has been a very particular and precise breeding of this cat with clear goals. In my opinion, this is because the founder of the breed had very clear and precise idea as to (a) the look of the breed and (b) the kind of person interested in adopting this cat, before embarking on the project of development. She also had the stated intention of inspiring people to think more about the conservation of tigers in the wild. They allow you to have the "look of the wild" in your home. The intention is to breed a domestic cat that looks like a tiger.

The Founder - Beginning

The person who had the idea of developing this cat breed is Judy Sugden of EETAAS Cattery (USA). I think that a description of the origin of the cat should begin with a short discussion about the kind of market the cat is designed for. I think that it was uppermost in the mind when this breed was developed.

It seems that it was decided that there was (and still is) a strong interest in exotic wild cats (and indeed wild animals generally). Some people like to be near and/or involved in such animals. This is difficult because they are dangerous and in any case mankind's activities are gradually wiping them out. There is also a desire by some to possess great looking things, whatever it is. This is human nature. I am not being critical of it.

Bring these two factors together and you have a clear market for a wild tiger that is fully domesticated and is small enough to take home and fit in with modern living. And that includes apartment living. This cat would also be a constant reminder of the plight of the wild tiger. We have then the Toyger or toy tiger. The word "toy" I presume to stand for "small". The market clearly in mind; how to meet it?

Photograph of Toyger Cat - Ishah -  copyright Helmi Flick

The breed was originally developed by refining and clarifying the mackerel tabby pattern on Domestic Shorthair cats in 1980. "Tabby" refers to the coat type found on mixed breed cats and on some pure bred cats (if the breed standard allows). A tabby coat has distinctive markings, in this case, stripes. These stripes resembled the look of a certain type silk made in Baghdad many centuries ago. This type of silk came from the Attabiyah section of Baghdad. I have highlighted the part of this place name that has evolved to become the word "tabby".

The tabby stripe had the potential of being developed through careful breeding to appear like tiger markings (clarified, more distinct and greater contrast). By importing and introducing a male cat from India which had suitable head markings and breeding from him the appearance of the tiger head was developed. Note: Jean Mills the founder of the Bengal did almost the same thing so perhaps the idea came from her.

Thereafter and currently (as I understand it) the breed is being crossed with Bengal cats with a tabby coat (hence this is a hybrid cat) to reflect the big wild cats' coat (and conformation).

Registration

Appearance

This section is intended to summarize the appearance of the Toyger. You can see the appearance in more detail if you click on the thumbnail photographs. You can also read and see more about the appearance by clicking on these links:

Appearance 1
Appearance 2

The appearance of this cat is very important to the breeders as the objective of the breeding program is about appearance. Of course temperament is also always foremost in the minds of good breeders. It would seem that emphasis is put on markings and head conformation. This cat is medium sized and short haired.

These words describe the appearance: Glitter - dramatic - patterned - high-tech - glamor - nature-loving - dreams. Do you get the message? These words give a clear "feel" for the underlying "modus operandi" of the breeding program.

In order to achieve their objectives breeders of this cat work with the assistance of computer imaging software to allow breeders to have a target to aim for over the next 3 years (from 2007). The coat should have orange/tan background with dark stripes (modified mackerel pattern ). The head is important. There should be "headlights" (not like lights!) meaning light areas (white fur) above the eyes. The program is well advanced but they say there is a long way to go. The strong markings and coat color are in place........Read more by clicking on the 2 links above or on the thumbnail photographs.

Breeders

Sources:

• http://www.toygers.org/
• http://www.toygers.org/eeyaa/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyger
• http://www.toygerbreed.com/
• Link (new window) to Helmi's great photograph of Jaylin Art