The breed began development in the 1980s in the U.S. when Judy Sugden a breeder looking to find the difference between the mackerel markings in tabbies, noticed distinctive markings in one of her cats.. These tiny spots occurring on the temples of the face (an area normally devoid of distinct pattern) proved genetically that the circular tiger face pattern could be possible in a domestic cat. After importing a tom from the streets of India with noticeable spotting breaking up the usual tabby lines on the top of the head, the quest to develop a toy-tiger began in earnest. About forty domestic cats from various countries were selected over several years as foundation stock, including Bengals, unpedigreed domestic short-haired cats with stripes, and at least one cat imported from India for its ear markings; each provided a specific desired trait or reinforcing ones already chosen (especially the striped appearance).

Judy Sugden was the daughter of  Jean Mills Who succeeded in creating the Domestic Bengal cat.Judy Sudgen in French TICA show 2007

In 1993, TICA accepted the Toyger for Registration and in 2000 advanced them to new breed exhibition classes, finally granting them full recognition as a championship cat in February 2007.(Wikipedia)

We are new to the Cat world.  We were lucky enough to be able to obtain our first Toyger Bella in 2022.  Followed up by the boys Bali(as a Kitten) and Ringo.  My Husband and I both graduated from Kansas State University in Animal Science 

We have come from a Agriculture world living on a Ranch most of our adult life raising cattle, horses and dogs and yes the best mouser's around our barn cats since 1984.  After selling the ranch we continued to raise Labradors but eventually down sized to Portuguese Water Dogs.  BUT as we have gotten older I am choosing to downsize once more to cats.  What a transition......it has been great.  I have been showing and been able to meet peopole from all over.  The knowledge and experience they have is wonderful.  I can't wait to see where we go from here as we get kittens and develop our own lines.