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Tiger cats, classically known as tabby cats, are quite popular in the feline world. This is not a singular breed but rather a color pattern variation. There are a total of four recognized patterns: classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked.
Breed Overview
Height:
12–18 inches
Weight:
15–35 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Black, gray, white
Suitable for:
Any cat-friendly indoor home
Temperament:
Playful, affectionate, talkative
The likelihood of finding a tiger cat is super high if you look in shelters, online ads, and social media platforms. You can find ones with short, medium, and long coats. Read on to learn all the fascinating facts about this cat with the beautiful, wild-like pattern.
Tiger Cat Characteristics
Tiger Kittens
If you were looking to purchase a tiger kitten, chances are that you can find one for free. However, if you want to get a purebred cat, several can carry the tiger pattern in their DNA.
You can find many tiger cats to choose from at local rescues, on ad sites, and on social media platforms. If you are purchasing a kitten from a private seller, costs can vary. Just make sure you aren’t encouraging people who are breeding common house cats for profit. There are so many homeless kitties in the world, and most cats in those situations have not been cared for properly.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Tiger Cat
Tiger cats vary in intelligence based on their personality traits. It’s hard to measure just how intelligent one of these cats will be on a coat pattern alone. However, many describe tabby cats as having sweet, curious demeanors. They have a strong sense of independence and love to chase their newest toys around the house.
Tiger cats have a natural knack for hunting. So, don’t be surprised if you wake up to find a surprise mouse that was just harvested for you, since you’re a silly human who can’t hunt for themselves!
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Like almost any kitty, a tiger cat makes a charming addition to any home. Due to their adventurous spirit, however, they need to be indoors to prevent them from running away or getting lost.
Since they tend to be outgoing, this may be a feline pal that loves cuddling up next to a complete stranger the first time they visit your home. They aren’t very shy either. So, the new guest will likely get sniffs, bunts, and meows as a formal greeting.
There is no age group limitation. Tiger cats do well with children if they are raised together. Also, these cats make perfect companion animals for seniors.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Tiger cats will love having a friend to hang out with, so other cats are a must-have. They will love nothing more than spending their days cuddled up or pouncing on another cat. They can get along well with canine companions too—permitting that they are raised alongside one another.
However, due to their high prey drive potential, they can’t be trusted around smaller pets and caged animals. You should always warrant caution and offer supervision, even when your other pet is in a cage.
Cats can wind their paws easily to fit through bars and could seriously hurt another animal without understanding the repercussions of their actions.
Things to Know When Owning a Tiger Cat
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
As with any other feline, tiger cats need a high-quality, high-protein diet with plenty of nutrients to nourish muscles, organs, and skin. Even though dry kibble is perfectly designed to meet all nutritional profiles, some cats prefer a more savory selection.
You can add wet food as a topper to stimulate the tastebuds. Lots of owners are also trying homemade and raw food diets. This holistic approach gives you full control over what goes into your cat’s mouth to ensure only the best for your pets.
If you do choose a handmade diet, you should always clear recipes with your vet. They will guide you on portioning these meals based on your cat’s age, weight, and overall health.
Exercise 🐈
Tiger-patterned cats are usually pretty high energy until after they are spayed or neutered. They typically have playful spirits and make terrific hunters. Luckily, your cat doesn’t need a great deal of exercise to be fit.
On average, cats require 15 minutes of continuous exercise per day. You can get them self-play toys like scratching posts, activity stations, and catnip toys. You can also get interactive games to play with your cat if you want to join in on the fun.
Training 🧶
Litter training should be a cinch for your tiger cat. Usually, kittens are potty trained before they’re even ready to come home with you at 8 weeks. It’s luckily a natural impulse for cats to want to cover up their waste, so they appreciate the litter box.
But there are cats that need a little more time and patience. Most tiger cats will catch on fast, but some need a few extra introductions to their potty area. Sometimes, you might have to restrict free-roaming until your cat catches on.
When it comes to other concepts, your cat can absolutely pick up on trick training. It might be a bit more challenging if you’re trying to avoid certain behaviors, like scratching and marking, but there are sprays, tapes, and other deterrents to channel behavior.
Grooming ✂️
Grooming your cat depends a lot on their coat type. Tiger cats can have short, medium, and long fur. Short-haired cats do most of the hard work for you by self-grooming, but long-haired cats need a little extra help.
To prevent hairballs and excess shedding, you can brush your cat a few times a week with a slicker or synthetic brush. Clipping nails are optional, and you should really only perform this action if you’re familiar with the process. If you clip nails too short, it can cause bleeding. So, if you don’t feel confident, trust a professional.
Since dental issues are so prevalent in cats, it’s best to brush their teeth regularly to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Cats are overall pretty healthy animals, though some breeds are more prone to specific health issues than others. Since this is a pattern variation, it’s a little hard to say what your cat might be susceptible to.
The best way to prevent developing issues is with annual health checks. Always keep your cat up to date with vaccines, and schedule them as soon as possible for spay or neuter surgery to avoid marking and unwanted pregnancy.
Here are common health concerns that might pop up in any cat, regardless of the breed.
- Obesity
- Ringworm
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Feline Leukemia Virus
- Heartworm
Male vs. Female
Males and females will each have their own personalities, but certain characteristics fall to one side or the other. For instance, males are notoriously more lovable and needy than their female counterparts, and females might be a bit more selective about who wins their affections.
Tomcats are pretty noticeable, with large, broader heads, slender bodies, and a large scrotum in the back. Neutered males will still have a scrotum, but it is deflated and a little harder to detect. Females might have more prominent nipples, especially if they have had a litter of kittens.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Tiger Cat
1. Tortoiseshell cats are considered “patched” tabbies.
If you ever met a tortie, you surely won’t soon forget it. The colors on these cats are absolutely gorgeous, and their attitudes are feisty as all get out. Torties are actually considered a “patched” tabby since they can have the print on various parts of their bodies.
2. The pattern of tiger cats helps them blend in.
Tiger markings are terrific for lurking around undetected in nature. Of course, your housecat probably won’t utilize this natural camouflage much, but they might think they do.
3. Tiger cats are excellent hunters (especially the females).
If you leave a cat to hunt, they will impress you with their swiftness and agility. Female cats tend to be better hunters than males, especially after a spay or neuter surgery.
Final Thoughts
Even though tiger cats are just a pattern variation of various breeds, they do carry certain traits. Anyone who has ever loved a kitty with this coat type could tell you stories for days about their unique personality quirks. These playful balls of joy might look different from cat to cat, but the pattern is still beautiful.
Luckily, you can find a tiger cat in virtually any litter, so you won’t have trouble seeking one out. Always look at local shelters for homeless kitties that could use forever homes; otherwise, we wish you the best of luck in your search for a purebred tiger-coated kitty!
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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
