Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Toyger Cat Health Problems: 7 Vet-Reviewed Issues

Catster_Health Problems of Toyger Cats

It’s not uncommon for purebred cats to have an inherited health condition, which is why it’s a good idea for potential owners to research the breed to understand the problems they can face.

The Toyger is a relatively new breed first introduced in the 1980s. With newer breeds, it can be hard to say for sure what kind of health conditions they show a predisposition to. While there is still much to be learned about these precious toy-sized tigers, here’s a list of some health problems the Toyger may experience.

divider-catclaw1

The 7 Toyger Cat Health Issues

1. Heart Murmur

A heart murmur has an abnormal sound. While Toygers are generally healthy, there have been observations of heart murmurs occurring within the breed, which is possibly indicative of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

A heart murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart. The root cause of a heart murmur cannot be determined by simply listening to the heart. Once a murmur is detected, further testing must be completed to find the root cause. Cats can have heart disease without displaying signs.

Symptoms:
  • Poor appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Pale gums
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness

Treatment

The treatment of a heart murmur depends solely on the root cause of the murmur. The heart murmur indicates another underlying health condition related to the heart. Unless the signs associated with heart murmurs have prompted a vet visit, the murmur may go undetected until the next routine checkup. Therefore, it is vital to keep up with regular checkups.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content for PangoVet2 save money


2. Heart Disease

Heart disease is not necessarily breed-specific; it can affect any cat and is such a common health problem among domesticated cats that it affects every 1 in 10 cats worldwide, according to the AVMA. Heart disease is a serious and deadly condition in which an abnormality in the heart is present. There are two categories of heart disease:

Congenital- Congenital heart disease begins during fetal development and is present at birth. It results from inherited disorders that can be passed down to an individual kitten or multiple kittens within the same litter.

Acquired- When the heart disease is acquired, it is an onset form of the condition. It’s more common in older cats and is usually caused by structural damage that has occurred over time. It can also be related to a hereditary health condition that develops later in life. Dietary or environmental factors can also cause it.

Symptoms:
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness or lack of activity
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sudden paralysis of the hindquarters
  • Fast breathing during resting
  • Fainting or collapse
  • Chronic cough
  • Regularly elevated heart rate

Treatment

Because heart disease is a blanket term for conditions related to the heart, the treatment will vary depending on the condition. The veterinarian will do the proper testing needed to diagnose the heart condition and treat it accordingly.


3. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline lower urinary tract disease, or FLUTD, is a blanket term that covers a variety of disorders of the urinary system. The disorders can range from mild to severe, and several issues can cause them. The most common causes of feline urinary tract disease are inflammation, infections, urinary obstruction, and an improper diet.

Feline lower urinary tract disease is relatively common in domesticated cats and is not considered an inherited health disorder for the Toyger.

Symptoms:
  • Straining to urinate
  • Urinating small amounts
  • Frequent or prolonged urination
  • Crying or bellowing while urinating
  • Excessive licking of the genital area
  • Urinating outside the litter box
  • Blood in the urine

Treatment

Since feline lower urinary tract disease is another blanket term involving various conditions, the treatment will vary depending on the underlying condition. The veterinarian will do laboratory testing and possibly imaging to diagnose the cat. Once the condition has been identified, the treatment can begin.

Toyger Cat
Image Credit: stockelements, Shutterstock

4. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a disease of the endocrine system that is common in domesticated cats. It’s mainly observed in middle-aged and senior cats. It results from an increased production of thyroid hormones, which are very important. Hyperthyroidism can eventually lead to secondary health conditions, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Symptoms:
  • Weight loss
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased appetite
  • Increased urination
  • Restlessness
  • Crankiness or aggressive behavior
  • Unkempt coat
  • Increase in vocalization

Treatment

Testing will need to be completed by a veterinarian to determine whether a cat has hyperthyroidism. Various treatment options depend on individual circumstances, including medication, dietary changes, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery. The prognosis of hyperthyroidism is typically good with proper treatment.


5. Diabetes

When cats have diabetes, their blood sugar cannot be effectively regulated by the body. This is another endocrine disease that is much more common in adults and seniors but also more in males than in females. Diabetes can result from obesity and is on the rise among domesticated pets.

Diabetes has the potential to reduce the quality of life and shorten a cat’s lifespan. The disease can be broken down into two types, which must be managed by a veterinarian.

Type I – With type 1 diabetes, the cat is fully dependent on insulin, and their body can no longer produce or release enough insulin into the body. Type I is rarer in cats than Type II.

Type II – With type II diabetes, the cat’s body can produce insulin, but the organs and other tissues have developed a resistance to it and do not respond to the insulin correctly. Type II diabetes is common in cats that suffer from obesity and older cats that have had diets rich in carbohydrates.

Symptoms:
  • Increased urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased appetite
  • Lethargy/weakness
  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea or vomiting

Treatment

The diabetes treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and which type the cat suffers from. The treatment can include insulin therapy and dietary therapy. Your cat’s health must be monitored closely by the veterinarian if they have been diagnosed with diabetes.


6. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD,  is a health condition related to kidney damage. Chronic kidney disease is much more common in older cats since the kidneys tend to show damage over time. The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste from the bloodstream, which is why the condition has the potential to be life-threatening. Toyger cats have yet to show any predisposition for this CKD, but it is common in breeds like the Persian and is a concern for all domesticated cats.

Symptoms:
  • Weight loss
  • Brittle coat
  • Bad breath
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Changes in appetite
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Anemia

Treatment

There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but available treatment options can help with longevity and the cat’s quality of life. The veterinarian will complete laboratory testing, typically in the form of urinalysis and blood tests. The prognosis depends on the individual’s situation, how damaged the kidneys are, and how well the cat responds to treatment.


7. Dental Disease

Dental disease is a very common health condition in domesticated cats. It is most common in older cats and can affect teeth and gums. Studies have shown that between 50 and 90 percent of cats 4 years old or older will suffer from some form of dental disease.

The most common types of dental diseases that cats suffer from are gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. All of these conditions can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and, if left untreated, can cause problems with chewing, swallowing, and eating.

Symptoms:
  • Head shaking
  • Pawing at the mask
  • Dropping food from the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Excessive drooling

Treatment

All cats are at risk for dental disease, but it is preventable with proper oral hygiene practices. It’s best to keep up preventative measures to avoid the condition entirely. If your cat is suffering from dental disease, your veterinarian will do an examination and most likely take X-rays of the mouth. The treatment includes a teeth cleaning and the extraction of any teeth if required.

cat + line divider

Conclusion

Overall, the Toyger cat is a healthy breed, but there is some concern for heart murmurs, which could indicate heart disease. Since they are a newer breed, much more research needs to be done regarding their predisposition to inherited health conditions. However, they are still at risk for the common ailments that affect all domesticated cats.

Always ensure you purchase your pedigree kitten from a reputable breeder that does genetic testing and offers health guarantees.  If you notice your cat displaying unusual signs, contact your veterinarian for an examination.


Featured Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Bengal Cat Health Problems: 9 Common Issues

Bengal cats are outgoing, social, and love to talk and interact with their owners. This breed is also incredibly intelligent and can easily...

Catster_Health Problems of Bengal Cats

6 Egyptian Mau Health Problems to Watch Out For

Egyptian Maus share a long history with humans, as their name would suggest, but their connection to ancient Egyptian cats has not been...

Catster_Health Problems of Egyptian Mau

Birman Cat Health Problems: 14 Common Issues

If you’re a Birman parent—lucky you! These gorgeous purr-machines always win hearts with their beauty and affectionate natures. Cat parenting does come with...

Catster_Health Problems of Birman Cats

Abyssinian Cat Health Problems: Our Vet Discusses 5 Common Issues

With an ancestry possibly dating back to ancient Egypt, we can say with some confidence that the Abyssinian breed has been around for...

Catster_Health Problems of Abyssinian Cat

More related

fat-cat-with-mustaches

9 Health Risks for Overweight Cats (Vet Answer)

“Chonky” cats, though rather adorable, may be prone to serious health risks due to being overweight. Nearly 60% of cats in North America...

cat with inhaler

Fluid in a Cat’s Lungs: Symptoms, Care, & Treatment (Vet Answer)

Fluid in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema, is a serious condition that affects felines. If your cat receives this diagnosis from...

vet doctor checking up the cat

Is Feline Heart Disease (Saddle Thrombus) Hereditary? Our Vet Explains

Heart disease in cats is worryingly common in cats, with more than 15% affected worldwide. That’s an alarming 8.8 million cats in the...

Sick cat in animal hospital

Blood Clots in Cats (Aortic Thromboembolism) – Vet Answer on Causes, Symptoms & Care

Feline Aortic Thromboembolism (abbreviated FATE) is a highly fatal disease caused by a blood clot becoming stuck at the aortic trifurcation—the area where...

Keep reading

10 Best Brushes for Maine Coon Cats in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

While the Maine Coon is one of the largest domesticated cat breeds out there, it is also one of the most difficult to groom. These cats have beautiful, flowing locks that any pet parent can be proud of. Unfortunately, these...

silver-tabby-turtle-maine-coon-female-lies-on-a-light-background

Do All Cats Have Thumbs? Vet-Reviewed Explanation of Polydactyl Cats

Cats are agile animals that can run, jump, and scratch with ease. All cats have the same general physical features—four legs, two ears, a tail, and a stout body—that help them maintain their agility and sprightliness. However, not all cats...

tabby cat paws on backrest of couch

Kittens Meowing: When, How, & Why Baby Cat’s Meow (Vet-Approved)

Kittens rely on meowing to communicate their wants, needs, and feelings. Most kittens meow at their siblings and mothers for the first few weeks of their lives but they primarily meow at humans as adults. A kitten’s meows can have...

cat-meowing-or-trilling-by-the-door

Can Feral Cats Spread Diseases to Dogs? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

If you have a feral cat population in your neighborhood (which is quite likely, as feral cats are prevalent in many areas) and own a dog, you may have wondered how safe it is for your dog to be around...

cat and dog fighting

Socializing Adult Cats: Vet-Approved Guide & What to Avoid

Socializing adult cats can be a challenging but rewarding process. It’s important to remember that every cat is different, and what works for one might not work for another. With patience, understanding, and the right approach, it’s possible to help...

male cat smelling female cat

5 Health Benefits of Grain-Free Cat Food: Vet-Approved Facts

These days, you can find all kinds of diets and meals for cats. While not all cats need to eat a grain-free diet, some cats may benefit from making the switch. Cats with certain health issues, such as food allergies...

brown white cat eating from feeding table

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Recommendations

There’s quite a bit of controversy today concerning whether or not cats should eat raw meat. In the wild, cats of old would capture their prey and eat them on the spot. What about after thousands of years of domestication?...

Can Cats Eat Raw Chicken

Can Cats Eat Frogs? Vet-Reviewed Safety Facts

If you have a rambunctious feline with a strong prey drive, you have likely come across them playing with something strange or unsavory. Cats are incredible hunters, and they will hunt almost anything smaller than themselves. In many climates, that...

Can Cats Eat Frogs