Toygers thrive on high-quality commercial cat food that meets Australian pet food standards, with no special dietary requirements beyond what any active domestic cat needs. However, their high energy levels and muscular build mean they benefit from protein-rich diets that support their active lifestyle.

Avoid free-feeding with Toygers, as they can be prone to weight gain if left to graze all day - particularly problematic during Melbourne's lockdown periods when everyone's spending more time at home! Instead, establish regular meal times with two to three smaller portions throughout the day. This routine also helps reduce their tendency to vocalise for food between meals.

The key is finding the right balance for your individual cat's needs. A Toyger living in a spacious Perth home with garden access will have different caloric needs than one in a Sydney apartment. Work with your local veterinarian to determine appropriate portion sizes based on your cat's age, weight, activity level, and body condition.

Fresh water should always be available, especially important during Australia's hot summers. Some Toygers enjoy playing in water, so don't be surprised if yours shows interest in dripping taps or even joins you near the pool area (always supervised, of course).

Quality wet food can help with hydration, particularly beneficial in Australia's drier climates. If you're considering raw feeding, which has gained popularity among Australian pet owners, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balanced nutrition. Remember that any dietary changes should be gradual to avoid digestive upset, and premium commercial foods designed for active cats are perfectly adequate for keeping your Toyger healthy and energetic.

Despite their wild appearance, Toygers are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, silky coat requires only weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or quality slicker brush to keep it healthy and reduce shedding around your home.

However, don't underestimate their shedding capacity - Toygers are prolific shedders year-round, with seasonal peaks during spring and autumn when they adjust to changing temperatures. If you're living in a rental property on the Sunshine Coast or planning to move frequently, invest in a good vacuum cleaner and lint rollers for your work clothes. Regular brushing becomes even more critical during Australian spring (September-November) when many cats shed their winter coats.

Many Toygers actually enjoy water, which can be a blessing for occasional baths if they get into something messy during outdoor supervised time or catio adventures. Their glittery coat has a unique shimmer that becomes more pronounced with proper care - gentle brushing helps distribute natural oils and enhances that distinctive sparkle.

Coat Specifications:

- Coat Length: Short, dense, and silky with a plush texture

- Coat Colours: Orange base with black stripes, white undersides, and distinctive gold glitter effect

- Coat Patterns: Random broken vertical stripes (not typical tabby patterns), with circular markings on the head

- Hypoallergenic: No - they shed considerably and produce normal levels of allergens

Beyond coat care, maintain regular nail trimming every 2-3 weeks, weekly ear cleaning (especially important in humid conditions along Australia's eastern coast), and daily teeth brushing to prevent dental issues. Most Toygers are quite tolerant of grooming routines, especially if started young, making these maintenance tasks relatively stress-free for both cat and owner.

Toygers are exceptionally intelligent cats that genuinely enjoy learning, making them one of the most trainable domestic breeds available in Australia. Their high intelligence combined with their desire to please their humans creates perfect conditions for teaching everything from basic commands to impressive tricks.

Start with basics like teaching your Toyger to come when called - incredibly useful in Australian homes with large backyards or for those living near busy roads in suburban Brisbane or Adelaide. Many Toygers can learn to fetch, walk on a harness and leash (perfect for exploring Melbourne's cat-friendly parks), and even perform tricks like sitting, staying, or high-fiving.

Mental stimulation is crucial for preventing boredom-related behaviours. Puzzle feeders work wonderfully for Toygers, especially during those long summer afternoons when it's too hot for active play in places like Darwin or Perth. Rotate toys regularly, provide climbing trees or cat shelves, and consider interactive electronic toys for when you're working from home and can't provide constant attention.

Socialisation remains important throughout their lives. Toygers are naturally social but benefit from controlled introductions to new people, pets, and experiences. This is particularly valuable for Australian families who enjoy entertaining on weekends or have children's friends visiting regularly.

Their high energy levels mean they need at least 30 minutes of dedicated interactive play daily - think feather wands, laser pointers, and chase games. This becomes even more important for apartment-dwelling Toygers in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, where outdoor access might be limited. Consider setting up a secure balcony catio where they can safely observe birds and enjoy fresh air while getting mental stimulation from outdoor sights and sounds.