NEWS: What the Hell is a Toyger?

CULTURE: What the Hell is a Toyger?

Love big cats, but lack the room in your one bedroom apartment for an actual tiger to cozy up on your lap? Well, you're in luck. Thanks to genetic pioneer Judy Sudgen, daugter of Jean Mill (who is credited with creating the Bengal breed of cats), you can now have your very own mini-Tiger or, as the new minx is more commonly referred to, a Toyger.

Initally bred in the early '80s from stripped Domestic Short Haired cats and the Standard Bengal Tabby, the not-so-ferocious felines' coats have patterns that resemble their wild African kin. And, while nearly 30 years later the evolution of the coat design is mostly complete, the Toyger is still a breed in development. Future generations will be attempting to create a more rounded and smaller ear, a more distinct white underbelly, and a longer and more angular nose to more closely resemble an actual Tiger.

I want one.

I want one too

it's so cute! I bet they are way expensive though, and too bad my girl is allergic to cats... cuz we would both totally love one.

Dude! I want one! Every Villain needs a cat of awesomeness and a Toyger would strike fear into the hearts of many or lure them into a calm demeanor while I slowly reveal my diabolical plan to rule the world and kill the hero or something of that nature. Mainly I want one because tigers are cool and a Toyger is a funny name.

THAT is HOT. I'd be excited with a pair of my own tigers running about.

Neutered they run about $400, ones keep for breeding purposes go for $2000, and show quality kitties go for $3500.

I love my Bengal... maybe this will be my next cat

Those are fucking cute little beasts.

He looks like he's just dying to be named Tigger.

I want one! Im allergic to most cats though, bengals dont bother me much so maybe these guys wouldnt mess with my allergies either???

hmmm

man. i don't even know how to feel.

but they're soooo pretty. =]

sounds cool

but FYI tigers are from asia not africa.

Oh god, I want four!

A TOYGER?!
In Africa?

A tiger...in Africa?

This is one of those things that make you wonder why scientists haven't cured cancer or AIDS yet. It's weird to think that the big accomplishment in their life, instead of doing something to help mankind, was developing a cool house pet.

Also, reading this has left me with the mental picture of a scientist holding a housecat in front of the tiger while Barry White played in the background. Or hopefully, it was the other way around...

I wish it didn't take me so long to write a comment...I lost the Monty Python joke.

Yet another reason I wish I had a cat around the house.

-TM

Not that they aren't cute little guys, but do we really need another pure breed of house pet?

Millions of animals with the potential to be wonderful house pets are put down every year.

Also pure bred means less genetic diversity, which in turn makes the animal more prone to disease, birth defects, cancer, and a whole lot of other problems.

As much as I'd love to have one or a Savannah, I'll probably stick with adopting strays or humane society kitties.

i have to agree with Rudiecantfail.

It's all cool that they made another breed of cat to go with people's outfits. But i volunteer at a local shelter, and watch hundreds of house cats get put down in a month.

It's a sad thing, and i truly wish people would turn to a shelter prior to buying from a breeder.

im calling the name hobbes as of 12:09am....lol.
i can only imagine myself getting jumped after school by this cat....i wouldnt know if i should be happy or screaming.

it's now a toss up between this and a scottish fold as the cutest damn cat ever award...

now if only one of them would show up at an animal shelter.. i'd be all set.