Toyger vs Lykoi - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

The Toyger is a domestic cat developed from breeding Shorthaired Tabbies to look like a small Tiger.

It has the striped coat of the Tiger. The person to develop the Toyger is Judy Sugden.

The unusual-looking cat has been recognized for registration by the International Cat Association in the 1990s. It was accepted as a full championship breed in 2007.

Today this designer cat is recognized by the ICA but not the Cat Fancier's Association.

These cats were first discovered in 2010 in Virginia. It was Patti Thomas who named the breed Lykoi.

It was in 2012 that the cat breed went before the International Cat Association and is now recognized as a Championship Breed.

There is also work being done to expand the cat’s breeding program. It’s a naturally occurring gene in the feral cat population. There are still Lykoi cats born to the feral cat population.

The Toyger is a medium to large-sized cat that can weigh between 5 and 9kg. As with any cat, with these newer kinds of cats, the size of the cat can vary.

It is a shorthair cat that is quite a bit bigger than your regular cat. The coat of this mixed breed cat has markings similar to that of a tiger - vertical orange striping with rosettes.

The coat of the cat is short and he is a brown mackerel tabby with stripes being a dark brown to black. The eyes of the cat can be a blue, aquamarine, green, or gold.

Temperament:

These cats have a laid back disposition, and will comfortably slot into a busy household.

They are playful and intelligent and can be taught tricks and to walk on the lead.

This cat enjoys the company of people and will get on well with other pets too. People who have owned them say they are the most affectionate and loving cats there are and will enjoy being petted and pampered by their human family.

They get on well in busy households where there are children and other pets. They’re super smart and can be trained with ease.

Unlike many other cat breeds, he seems to also enjoy playing in water.

The Lykoi varies quite a bit in looks and you get some that are completely covered in hair and some that are actually partially hairless. Strangely, they are born with quite a lot of black fur.

The cat has a solid black roan coat with no undercoat. Even though the cat is partially hairless, it molts a couple of times each year.

People are inclined to think that the little bit of hair would be wiry, when in fact it is soft and silky. It's just that it looks like bristles, but is actually not. People are always surprised by the coat's softness.

The Lykoi has a lean muscular body with large ears and eyes. He is a medium-sized cat and can weigh between 4 to 6kg.

Temperament:

The Lykoi is a friendly, people-oriented cat that is affectionate towards its human owners. This is also a playful cat breed and he is also intelligent and inquisitive.

The Lykoi is fond of his human family and makes a wonderful companion.

Toygers are expensive cats and there aren’t many breeders in the world. If you do decide to invest in a Toyger, he will need careful looking after, after all, you've spent a lot of money on him.

Diet is of absolute importance to keep such a cat healthy. The right environment is also important as cats and dogs for that matter too, can become ill and depressed if they find themselves in homes where they are unloved and abused.

Don't get a cat if you aren't prepared to love and care for him. Because the question is then 'why get a cat?'

People who have owned the Lykoi say that they make a remarkable and devoted pet. They want a lot of attention and they’re willing to give attention as well.

They’re social cats and want to spend time with their human companions. A cat that doesn’t receive the love and care it needs can become heartbroken and sick.

If you have one of these cats and your life has changed so that you can’t give it the attention it craves, at least provide it with a feline companion.

Cats aren’t all the aloof creatures they’re made out to be and your Lykoi is capable of making you a splendid companion.

Just like in human beings, obesity can reduce the lifespan of your cat. Make sure you keep your Toyger’s weight under control.

These cats are considered to be fairly healthy. He can be predisposed to some of the same cat conditions that the Bengal and Domestic Shorthair face.

When your Toyger shows any signs of illness, get him to the vet. Some of the common health problems your Toygers might have to contend with include obesity and heart murmurs.

A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound, and is caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. When you vet examines your cat, a heart murmur is detected when the vet listens to your cat's heart with a stethoscope. The vet will discuss with you the way forward for your cat.

If you get a Toyger kitten, you will have to make sure he is up to date with his vaccinations. This is part of being a responsible cat owner.

The breeder will have a record of his vaccinations and will hand this over to you.

At 6 – 8 weeks kittens start with their first injections which include vaccinations for distemper, feline rhinotracheitis, and feline calici virus.

This cat is vulnerable to being cold and it should essentially be an indoor cat. If your Lykoi cat escapes, it can’t possibly keep warm on its own.

The Lykoi cat has not shown any specific health problems but being hairless, it is vulnerable to respiratory issues. Eye discharge as well as perpetual sneezing are characteristics of a cat with Feline Upper Respiratory Disease.

The cat’s mouth, sinuses, nasal passages, and upper airway are all affected. Your cat will need to get to the vet for a diagnosis and medical treatment. There are vaccines to prevent feline upper respiratory disease.

Any cat can develop this disease and your cat may have trouble breathing.

Toygers should be brushed weekly and have their nails trimmed regularly. As with all domesticated cats, you should check inside his ears to make sure they don’t become clogged with dirt and wax.

These are smart cats so they will need to be provided with attention in the form of clever games and toys that get him thinking.

Toygers need to be fed much like any other domestic cat. The most important thing to remember when feeding a cat is that they are carnivores and they require meaty food high in protein.

Speak to your vet about the absolute necessity of getting your cat’s diet right. For your convenience, cat food manufacturers have brought out many excellent cat foods that cater to the time of life your cat is in.

Make sure your Toyger has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

With the Lykoi’s lack of a coat, it isn’t going to require too much grooming. However, you have to keep a watch on this cat as without hair, he is vulnerable to sunburn and to getting cold.

The cat has oily skin and it’s one cat breed that will need a bath occasionally. Some people recommend it once a week. Use warm water and a special pet shampoo recommended by your vet. Every trace of shampoo will need to be washed off to avoid the skin becoming irritated.

Provide your cat with food and water bowls, bedding, litter box, collar, grooming accessories and toys.

The Lykoi will require his nails being clipped.

Your Lykoi will require a nice warm, soft bed to rest and sleep in.

Cat food is a huge, important decision for any cat, as their very health depends on it. Commercially manufactured cat foods are available as wet and dry. Make sure you always get your cat food from a reliable source.

Some people believe in offering their cat both wet and dry options. Whatever you decide for your cat, remember that it needs to be at least 70% protein as every cat is a carnivore and requires a diet rich in protein.

If in any doubt, rather speak to your veterinarian and ensure that your Lykoi is getting the best food there is to promote good health. Always make sure that your cat has access to fresh cool water night and day.