Your guide to finding and caring for a Toyger in Waverly
Meet your next Toyger
While we don't have enough cats near Waverly, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
F, 3 mo., 826 miles
Tabby, Bengal
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 945 miles
Tabby, Bengal
M, 8 y. +, 952 miles
Bengal
M, 8 y. +, 963 miles
Domestic Short Hair, Bengal
F, 5 y., 972 miles
Bengal, Turkish Van
M, 2 y., 972 miles
Bengal
F, 1 y., 972 miles
Bengal
F, 2 y., 972 miles
Bengal
F, 1 y., 995 miles
Persian, Egyptian Mau, Norwegian Forest Cat
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 996 miles
Egyptian Mau, Bengal
Toygers were created by Judy Sugden in the late 1980s and 1990s with an unusual goal: a domestic cat whose look would remind people of wild tigers and their conservation. Starting from striped domestic tabbies and Bengals, she selected for bold, vertical mackerel stripes on a bright orange ground, circular facial markings, small rounded ears and a long, low, muscular body. The International Cat Association granted the breed full championship status in 2007.
Many Toygers are friendly, people-oriented and easy to handle, with a playful, kitten-like streak that lasts into adulthood. They tend to be more laid-back than Bengals while still enjoying interactive toys, climbing and learning tricks or leash walks. The breed remains very rare, so Toygers seldom appear in shelters, and many striped orange cats that resemble them are domestic shorthair tabbies with similar needs.
Having a Toyger in Waverly
A Toyger pairs a striking tiger-striped coat with a sociable, adaptable personality and a playful mind. Its interaction needs, easy grooming, possible inherited health concerns and rarity all matter for adopters weighing whether one fits their home.
Toygers tend to be affectionate, sociable and confident, often following their people from room to room and greeting visitors. Many are calmer than Bengals but still curious and playful. They usually adapt well to families, other cats and cat-friendly dogs. Personality varies by individual, so a foster's notes on handling and play help predict fit.
Most Toygers need daily interactive play, such as wand toys, chase games and puzzle feeders, to keep their muscular bodies and busy minds satisfied. Many enjoy cat trees, window perches and learning tricks with treats. Some can be trained to walk on a harness. Bored Toygers may invent their own games with household items.
Breed-specific health data for Toygers is limited. Conditions reported in the breed or its Bengal ancestors include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, progressive retinal atrophy and pyruvate kinase deficiency, and some lines have reported heart murmurs. Have a veterinarian check the heart, and keep routine veterinary care and dental checks.
A Toyger adapts well to apartments or houses as long as it has vertical space, toys and regular attention. Cat trees, shelves and window perches matter more than square footage. Most Toygers do best as indoor cats or with safe outdoor access such as a catio or harness walks. They tend to dislike being alone for long periods.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption fee | $95, one time | $95 in year one |
| Food | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Pet insurance | $25 to $50 per month | $300 to $600 |
| Routine vet care | $150 to $350 per year | $150 to $350 |
| Other* | $450 to $1,150 per year | $450 to $1,150 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,200 to $2,700 | |
| First-year total (with adoption fee) | $1,295 to $2,795 | |
Adoption fee is the fee on Toyger listings in Waverly on GetBuddy today. Other costs are national averages for Toygers; we don't have costs specific to Waverly yet.
* Litter, flea prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, toys, scratchers and cat furniture, and minimal grooming for a short coat.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Toygers available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Waverly area where you can find Toygers and other cats available for adoption.
A Toyger is a domestic cat breed developed in the United States to resemble a miniature tiger. It has a short, glittery coat with bold vertical mackerel stripes on an orange ground, circular facial markings and a long, muscular body. Toygers are recognized by The International Cat Association and are known for friendly, playful and easygoing personalities.
Toygers are very rare in shelters, but breed-specific rescues, Bengal and exotic cat rescues and general shelters occasionally list them or similar-looking cats. Adoption fees are usually around $50 to a few hundred dollars. Save a search on GetBuddy to hear about new listings. Many orange striped tabbies in shelters share the Toyger's look and friendly nature.
Yes, Toyger cats are real. They are a recognized domestic breed, developed by Judy Sugden beginning in the 1980s from striped domestic tabbies and Bengals. The International Cat Association accepted Toygers for registration in 1993 and granted full championship status in 2007. They are simply rare, so many people have never seen one in person.
Toyger cats are medium-sized, typically weighing about 7 to 15 pounds, with males larger than females. They stand roughly 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder. Their long, low, muscular build makes them look powerful for their size. Most reach full adult size around 18 months to two years, filling out with muscle as they mature.
Toyger cats can make excellent pets for people who want a friendly, playful and sociable cat. Many are affectionate, easy to handle and adaptable to families, other cats and cat-friendly dogs. They need daily interactive play and dislike long periods alone. Their rarity means adopters may wait, and any similar-looking tabby may suit just as well.
No, Toyger cats are not hypoallergenic. Like all cats, they produce the Fel d 1 protein found in saliva and skin that causes most cat allergies. Their short coat sheds moderately, spreading allergens. Some allergic people react less to certain cats, so spending time with a specific Toyger before adopting is the best way to judge.
Yes, Toyger cats are rare. Only a few hundred are registered in some international pedigree databases, and the breed remains small worldwide. That means Toygers seldom appear in shelters or rescues. Many cats described as Toyger-like are actually domestic shorthair tabbies or Bengal mixes, which can be just as rewarding to adopt.
Toyger cats eat the same balanced diet as other cats: a complete commercial cat food, wet, dry or a mix, formulated for their life stage. As active, muscular cats, they benefit from high-quality protein. Portion control prevents weight gain, and fresh water should always be available. Ask a veterinarian about calories and any special dietary needs.
A Toyger cat looks like a small tiger. It has a short, plush, glittery coat with bold, dark vertical stripes on a bright orange ground, circular markings around the face, small rounded ears and a long, muscular body. Its tail is long and ringed, and its head has a slightly long nose and medium, round eyes.
We have 1 rescue with Toygers available: Waverly Pet Rescue. You can see every rescue with Toygers available in the list above these questions.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other cats available for adoption in Waverly.
