How much exactly would a Toyger cat cost you? Are they high-maintenance pets? Aside from the initial expenses, would their monthly and yearly upkeep break the bank?
Looking very similar to wild tigers, these beautiful felines are easily one of the most expensive cat breeds in the world. Their exotic appearance and rarity make them a greatly sought-after designer cat.
Do you want to know the nitty-gritty details of the cost of Toyger cat ownership? Keep on reading until the end of this guide as we tackle and break down the costs for you. Let’s get started!
The Average Cost of a Toyger Kitten
The price of a pet quality Toyger kitten ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 from reputable breeders. However, as they are relatively rare cats, you can expect the price to go up as much as $10,000 depending on their markings and bloodline.
Toyger cats are definitely one of the most expensive cats on the block. Specifically bred to look like miniature wild tigers, these felines are only slightly less costly than their ancestor, the Bengal cat.
Originally a result of selective breeding between a striped Domestic Shorthair and Bengal cat, it is still an ongoing effort for catteries to produce quality Toygers with more tiger-like markings that meet the breed standard.
That said, there are currently only a handful of approved Toyger breeders in the United States and even worldwide. This is one of the main reasons why this domestic cat is not expected to come cheap anytime soon.
If you want to know what a typical day with a Toyger cat is like, check out this video:
TOYGER CATS ARE PERFECTION<a href="https://youtu.be/_F5HWGSzNlI" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F_F5HWGSzNlI%2F0.jpg" alt="TOYGER CATS ARE PERFECTION" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Toyger Kitten
Toyger cats are already expensive felines to start with; however, some factors could still affect how much you can expect to pay for this domestic cat breed.
Needless to say, having a good grasp of what makes the price higher or lower for a particular Toyger cat will help you decide on what works better for you and your budget.
We have compiled a list of the most common factors that could affect the price of a Toyger cat below:
Breeder’s Reputation: It is generally more expensive to buy from an approved TICA breeder with a proven track record in producing pet-quality Toyger kittens. Though costly, this is the best option if you want to be sure to get your money’s worth, considering that Toyger cats are still a new breed.
Location: Given the limited number of reputable catteries, you might not have a choice but to have your furry friend shipped to its new home. Most Toyger breeders do have this option but expect the additional fees to be charged on your tab as well.
Markings, Coloring, and Appearance: In keeping with breed quality standards, toy tigers should have circular facial markings and dark, long, vertical stripes in vivid contrast to their orange or reddish-brown background fur. The more it conforms to the breed standard, the higher the kittens’ market value.
Age: As with other cat breeds, Toygers bought at a young age are generally more expensive than adults. You could save a few hundred dollars by buying an older feline, but one downside to this option is that it would already have learned and fixed behaviors that might prove difficult to correct.
Pedigree: This factor alone could probably tip the scales on the price of a Toyger cat. Pet quality Toyger cats are cheaper compared to their show quality and breeding quality counterparts. Expect a kitten bred from champion bloodlines to come with a steeper price tag as well.
These are the top factors that could affect a Toyger cat price but take note that this list is far from exhaustive as other things could also weigh in on the cost of a kitten.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Toyger Cat From a Rescue?
Since Toygers usually come with a hefty price, you should expect that even the adoption fee won’t be as cheap as that of other domestic cats. For a senior or older Toyger, it might still cost you around $500 to $1,000 to adopt.
Usually, animals from rescue and adoption centers have already been spayed or neutered. They are also given at least the initial round of vaccinations and
have been thoroughly checked for any health condition or illness.
Toyger cats are a rare and very expensive domestic cat breed, so it’s highly unlikely that you would find breed-quality Toygers in a rescue.
If you do stumble upon one, then better take it home right away before someone else does!
Initial Cost of Toyger Cat Ownership
The following expenses to keep in mind upon owning a Toyer cat are the initial supplies that need to be bought to make your kitty feel right at home.
Below is a list of the common and basic necessities that you need to prepare for your adorable furball:
Food and Treats: Invest in a pack of healthy and high-quality cat food as this is important for your Toyger cat’s overall growth and nourishment. Compared to dog food, adult dry cat food is actually cheaper, and buying it in bulk will help you save even more. All in all, you would initially spend around $20 to $50 for this.
Food and Water Bowls: It is wiser to choose stainless steel food and water bowls for your Toyger cat since they are more sturdy and hygienic than plastic ones. They are not easily damaged, so there is no need for you to keep replacing them as well. This is usually priced at $10 to $25.
Litter Box: Go for a high-quality litter box to ensure it lasts for a long time. Depending on the quality, this would cost you $20 to $160.
Litter Sand: To avoid the build-up of bacteria and any foul smell, you should make a habit of regularly changing the litter sand and properly disposing of any clumps. Expect to spend $15 to $25 for a few bags to start you out.
Collar and ID Tag: Invest in a collar and a name tag for your Toyger cat in case it accidentally wanders and gets lost. This would only cost you around $5 to $20.
Cat Bed: As with any domestic cat, Toyger kittens are no exception when it comes to loafing and sleeping for hours. Spend around $15 to $30 for a cozy and comfortable bed for your new feline friend.
Cat Carrier: If you are the traveling type and plan on bringing your Toyger cat along with you, then better invest in a safe and quality cat carrier. Be prepared to shell out an average of $20 to $60.
Toys and Scratching Post: Toyger cats are a highly intelligent and playful cat breed that is also known to play fetch with their owners and get along great with other pets. Spending $15 to $70 would be enough to get you started on a good set of toys for you and your new kitten to bond over.
Grooming Essentials: Despite being a very expensive cat breed, Toygers are surprisingly low maintenance and would only require you to brush them every one or two weeks for a healthier and shinier coat. Prepare a budget of $25 to $35 for this.
Initial Vet Visits: As of now, not much is known if Toyger cats are predisposed to common illnesses such as a rolled rib, flat chest cage, or any other genetic defect, so it’s better not to skip any trips to the vet. Checkups would usually cost you around $100 to $250.
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Medications: These medications go a long way in preventing health problems such as parasite-borne illnesses from developing and are a necessary expense for your Toyger cats’ health and upkeep. Expect to pay around $30 to $100 for these.
Initial Vaccine Shots: As with vet visits, completing vaccine shots are just as important. Most breeders provide the initial shots, but once your Toyger cat is home, you must make sure to finish all vaccinations at their given schedule. This would run you between $25 and $50.
Neutering or Spaying: These procedures are usually done when a kitten is at six weeks of age. If your Toyger cat has not yet been neutered or spayed when you receive it from the breeder, then it is your responsibility as the owner to get it done. Both are fairly common and safe procedures that cost around $200 to $500.
Microchip: Invest in getting a microchip implanted in your Toyger as a Plan B in case your pet gets lost and you need to prove your ownership. This would cost between $40 and $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: In addition to the ones listed above, your Toyger cat will still require other nifty supplies such as vitamins, cleaning supplies, and other things your feline might need. Set aside $15 to $30 for this.
Here’s a list summarizing the initial expenses of owning a Toyger cat:
If you’re not a first-time cat owner, then you might already have some of these supplies available, but if not, then this list is definitely necessary when starting out with your new kitten.
Annual Cost of Owning a Toyger Cat
You would most likely realize after procuring all of the necessary items for your kitten that Toyger cats are not actually high-maintenance pets.
Buying the kitten itself will prove to be the biggest expense of all, but the cost of caring for one is very similar to that of other short-haired cat breeds.
Here is a breakdown of the annual cost of owning a Toyger cat:
As you can see from the table, the average monthly expense is around $106 to $217, which is not too pricey considering that some of the items are more or less one-time expenses only, such as the litter box and food bowls.
All in all, you would only need to spend on recurring expenses such as cat food, litter sand, medications, pet insurance, and regular trips to the vet.
Some pet owners might think twice about getting pet insurance but keep in mind that this would help cover the majority, if not all, of your vet bills if ever your Toyger cat will have any health emergency or injury.
As with pet insurance, you might be tempted to skip regular vet visits, but these routine checkups can detect health issues while still early and be a lifesaver for our feline friends.
The above numbers are just a rough estimate to give you an idea of how much your working budget should be. However, factors such as your location or preference can still have an impact on the overall costs.
Other Potential Expenses
Aside from the ones listed above, there are other potential expenses that you need to take note of as well. They are not necessarily high-priority items but just something for you to keep in mind so you can prepare a budget later on.
Below is a list of other things your Toyger cat may need:
Pet Boarding Services: Like other cats, Toygers don’t seem to mind too much if they’re left alone during the day. However, if you’ll be out for a few days and can’t bring your kitty with you, then there are pet boarding services that can look after your pet. They usually charge from $20 to $50 per day.
Pet Sitter: If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to a pet boarding house, you could consider hiring a pet sitter instead. These are individuals who can take care of your Toyger cat for you while you’re away. A pet sitter would cost you around $15 to $30 per day.
Medical Emergencies and Treatments: As much as we would like our pets to always remain healthy, we still have to prepare for worst-case scenarios. This means setting aside a budget for injuries or emergency trips to the vet. Prepare around $500 to $1,000 for this.
Accessories: Aside from the necessary grooming items, chances are you’d eventually want to buy more stuff for your Toyger cat. A nice cat tree would be a good way for your kitty to have a bird’s eye view of its home. This would cost between $80 and $150, depending on the quality.
Grooming Services: Though your Toyger won’t need much in the way of grooming, a trip to the pet salon would cost you around $50 to $100 for an entire pampering session.
It’s never a bad idea to have a budget for unexpected and spur-of-the-moment expenses for your Toyger cat.
Setting aside a few dollars every month for such instances would definitely help in the long-term costs of caring for this lovable feline.
Places to Find Toyger Kittens for Sale and Adoption
As Toyger cats are a rare and new breed, they are only officially recognized by the International Cat Association and have yet to receive this distinction from the Cat Fanciers Association.
This means that it is essential for you to do your homework when looking for a reputable and approved breeder to buy from.
At present, there are only very few Toyger catteries in existence, and they usually have long waiting lists for buyers lining up for a kitten of their own. Most often, they also require a deposit before confirming the reservation.
Daunting as it sounds, this is the best way to make sure that you are getting good quality kittens that adhere to the Toyger standard and have no genetic defect.
Here are some catteries approved by the International Cat Association where you may find quality Toyger cats for sale:
DesignerStripes – This Illinois-based breeder has been in the business of producing champion line Toyger cats for more than ten years. With their solid track record, you can’t go wrong with Designer Stripes Toygers if you’re looking for a pet or show-quality kitten.
SouthPaw Toygers – This home-based breeder is one of the first TICA-approved Toyger catteries in North Carolina. They are known to raise pet quality kittens and boasts of some best breeds and show line champions as well.
Stellar Exotics – Located in South Carolina, this family-owned Toyger breeder started because of the owners’ love of cats. They are a TICA-approved cattery and have been successfully breeding Toyger kittens over the years.
Urban Exotic Cats – They are currently the only Los Angeles-based Toyger breeder. This cattery produces pet-quality kittens and can even ship them internationally at an added cost to the buyer.
You can also check the International Cat Association’s website to see a more comprehensive list of approved TICA Breeders who are dedicated to raising both show quality and pet quality Toyger kittens.
If you’re planning to adopt, keep in mind that this expensive cat breed is very rare. In fact, their population is only up to a few hundred in the United States and even fewer internationally.
However, if you’ve already set your heart on adopting, check out this list of adoption and rescue websites below:
Petfinder – This website aims to raise awareness on the number of adoptable pets, so feel free to search its directory of over 11,000 shelters and adoption centers in the United States for an available Toyger listing.
Rescue Me! – This organization has an extensive list of rescue organizations all over the world that can help you find a Toyger kitten in need of a new home.
Bengal Rescue – Browse this website for any listing of a Toyger cat near you. This organization not only aims to rescue and find homes for Bengal cats but other mixed breeds as well including Toyger cats.
There is only a slim chance that you’d come upon quality Toyger cats that are up for adoption. But who knows? It might be your lucky day, so go ahead and check your local mix breed shelters as well as the sites above for listings.
Money-Saving Tips for Toyger Cat Owners
You’ve spent a lot of money buying your Toyger cat and providing for its immediate needs as you welcomed it to its new home. Now, you want to give your wallet a breather and are looking for ways to save on the daily costs.
Here are some money-saving tips that can help you cut back on your Toyger cat expenses:
Invest in good quality cat supplies. Buying high-quality pet supplies for your Toyger might be more expensive initially, but this will prove to be a good investment in the long run as they’re sure to last longer.
Buy in bulk. Buying essentials such as cat food and litter sand in bulk will save you a pretty penny as most pet stores offer great discounts on large orders.
Learn how to make treats at home. Following a good tutorial or recipe will not only help you save money, but it can also be a fun activity for the whole family!
Don’t forego pet insurance. You might be tempted to drop this expense, but being a forward thinker will help save you hundreds to thousands of dollars if ever your pet has any medical emergency or illness.
Caring for a Toyger cat doesn’t have to be an expensive task. As you gain more experience as an owner, you will eventually learn where it’s safe to cut corners and which expenses are non-negotiable.
Final Thoughts
The Toyger cat cost might be staggering, but if you believe you have the capacity to shoulder the initial and ongoing expenses, then this loving cat breed might be the perfect addition to your home.
This intelligent and playful kitty, with its distinctive appearance, may look just like a miniature wild tiger, but instead of striking fear, it will only seek to lie in your lap and smother you with affection.
If you have always dreamed of taking home a piece of the jungle, then being the proud owner of a Toyger cat and its rare and exotic stripes will definitely make this come true.
So, do you think you’re ready for a Toyger kitten? Leave us a comment below and share your thoughts with us!
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