Toyger.

1. hannah
   February 23rd, 2007 at 3:04 pm

   they’re so cute! i want one!

2. burt
   February 23rd, 2007 at 6:31 pm

   i have seen one of these is person. someone was selling it at the local pet food supply place one weekend. they are exremely adorable. but way pricey. it was selling for about $400.

3. Eriic
   February 23rd, 2007 at 7:37 pm

   This sort of thing really bothers me. I had two pure-bred Abyssinians at one time. They were great cats, but were to inbred and had lots of medical problems. I realize this was more a problem with the breeder than the breed.

   The article talks about the breeder crossing cats with Bengal cats trying to isolate the traits she’s looking for. It doesn’t mention anything about what she does with the cats that don’t meet her criteria nor the kittens born with genetic problems.

4. astanhope
   February 23rd, 2007 at 11:21 pm

   How neat!

   I’m not a cat lover, but I think these are terrific.

5. Hoot
   February 23rd, 2007 at 11:26 pm

   Didn’t they just euthanize 1,000 unclaimed animals in Las Vegas? These kittens are cute, but . . .

6. Black--Tiger
   February 24th, 2007 at 3:15 pm

   I think that anyone who wants a designer cat ought to get at least one rescue kitty. I am too much of a Tiger Fan not to like this idea… But, I also prefer rescues.

   I honestly doubt that they do anything unethical with the kittens that don’t fit the ideal, aside from keeping them from passing on their genes in the purebred line.

   In fact, ideal for the new breed or not, I’m sure there are some VASTLY pretty Toyger ‘rejects’…

7. Tiger Chris
   February 26th, 2007 at 1:29 pm

   Yaaaa for kitties
   i just love kitties
   kitties are very cute
   I LOVE KITTIES!!!!!

8. d20chick
   March 3rd, 2007 at 3:52 am

   These things are really cool. For the most complete info I’ve seen on them check out http://toygers.org/

   The ones unfit for development of the breed are neutred and sold at a dicount. For genetic strength of the line and for diversity, “outcrosses” are done, where a toyger is bred to a regular cat, possibly one with traits they are interested in to perfect the breed. Once again, the undesireables are neutered and sold (even more cheaply than the pure toyger rejects).

   Genetic knowledge has been improving animal husbandry and it’s only getting better. Ever toyger’s lineage is probably well documented (the unspayed breeders, anyway). Also, record all instances of genetic illnesses in toygers. Belive me, these people have ambitious breeding goals for their new breed, and I don’t think they want something as unsavory as a genetic flaw in their “creation”.

9. Anne
   March 7th, 2007 at 4:40 pm

   I think it is sick sick sick!

   Let me just say that I saw a news article about toygers and fell in love with them, and then I did my research.

   I have read many articles, opinions, etc. on the internet about them and I think that the reasons that the breed was started is just plain stupid. I just think it is utterly obsurd to have a cat that is going to look like a mini-tiger. They are pretty cats NOW, but they are going to be stupid looking 2 years from now. Man.. The dumb stuff people do.

10. Michelle
    March 9th, 2007 at 11:00 pm

    Regarding Toygers. I am appalled and disgusted that GMA would support the breeding of “designer” cats when millions of beautiful, healthy, loving cats and kittens are euthanized every year in shelters across America. That woman should be ashamed of herself. She’s unfeeling and mercenary and adding to the problem of homeless cats. I run a cat rescue program and I can assure you, I am tearfully cleaning up after people like her every day. We need a story on euthanization of unwanted cats, please. Spay and neuter ALL companion animals.

11. Jill
    March 14th, 2007 at 1:45 pm

    While I wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments about spaying and neutering your pets, and understand the plight of feral cats and animal homelessness, there is a flip side to it. There are just some poeple in the world who will never adopt or rescue an animal. These are the people who buy their purebred dogs and cats from pet stores and breeders.

    So these people that would pay $4000 for a toyger are not people that would set foot in an animal shelter. I’ve had many an argument with people like this but their response is why would they take on someone else’s problem. Its similar to the sentiment that these same people would never buy a used car because its someone else’s headache. These people really believe (and yes they are stupid for believing it) that non pure-bred animals have behavioral problems, and that purebred animals are somehow superior.

    It’s something we all just need to get used to. And look at the bright side, that’s more rescue and adopted pets for those of us with a little compassion!

12. ~no name~
    March 17th, 2007 at 8:48 pm

    MAYBE there should be an article about THESE cats and adopted cats/dogs/animals in general. that will make everyone happy.
    OR
    if your to cheap to buy one these cute kittys consider going to your local pound and pick up an animal.

    I like ‘em. myself? to the pound! im a cheapy.=)

13. bob
    March 19th, 2007 at 6:15 pm

    wat a bunch of losers

14. Melissa
    March 20th, 2007 at 5:03 pm

    In response to michelle and no name. This argument is completely stupid. Do any of you have children? Did you adopt them or are they biologically yours? There are some people who will adopt and some that wont. I personally did’t even think of adopting when my husband and I decided to have children. I wanted a child that was part me and part my husband. I guess I am selfish and I have no compassion according to you guys, by the way it is cheaper to have your own child than adopt, so I guess I am cheap too. Now you may be saying that that is not the same thing, but I don’t see much difference we all need love and attention.
    Ok back to cats. Quit complaining about what YOU think is “right” and just love them. The point that really needs to get across to the public and breeders is to be responsible, not where to spend your money. If you are not a breeder then your pets should be fixed and if you are a breeder you should have the animals fixed if they are not being sold for breeding. I believe you cheapy people are part of the problem because you are too cheap to have your animals fixed! Be responsible and spread the word about being responsible that is really the root of the whole problem isn’t it?
    I personally am planning on purchasing a Toyger outcross kitten if I can. These kittens need just as much love as any other. I agree with D20chick. And if any of you would do your OWN homework you would know that these breeders want to be sure they are creating this new breed according to the standards they have set, so all the kittens for sale are almost always spayed or neutered. The only way you can get one that is not spayed or neutered is by paying $$$ and convincing the breeder that your goal is the same as theirs for the breed.
    I believe this new breed is great for those people who want an exotic looking animal, a much better choice than buying a real wild cat or a hybrid of a wild cat that could potentially be dangerous to you, your home, or your neighbors. Look up Safari and Savannah cats those are half wild cat and half domestic cat!
    The Toyger was started by breeding domestic Shorthairs and Bengals together. The Bengal has an interesting history it is believed to have some Asian Leopard Cat in its beginnings, but the modern Bengal gene pool contains genes sourced from many varieties of domestic cats - mainly Egyptian Maus, American Shorthair, Abyssinian, Ocicat, and domestic Shorthaired cats. I see the Toyger progressing along a similar route as the Bengals, basically the gene pool is being widened to acquire the particular look of a Toyger and this will also help with health, then eventually the Toyger will breed with only other Toygers just like the Bengals of today. Go to http://www.toygers.org and do your own research into the new breed.
    By the way, why aren’t you guys attacking ALL of the people who breed for show? How do you think they get their beautiful specimens? Forget it!! Let’s just talk about how darn cute they all are.

15. Gaynor
    July 2nd, 2007 at 7:31 pm

    I am lucky enough to breed these gorgeous Toygers in the UK. They are the most amazing creatures. Intelligent, full of character and so very affectionate. We love our cats and can assure all they aRe healthy and happy.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT