The Toyger is one of the relatively new breeds of shorthaired cats to the NZCF, being accepted in 2014. The Toyger was created to achieve the look of a tiger with a completely domesticated nature. Appropriately the name stems from a blending of 'toy' and 'tiger'.

Its development started in the United States in the late 1980s with Judy Sugden, the daughter of Jean Mill who developed the Bengal. Judy was working with striped patterns and discovered one of her cats had spotted temple markings rather than the usual tabby 'M' pattern. She decided to develop a new coat pattern using this cat, a well-striped domestic, and in 1993, a street cat from India, also with temple spots. A variety of domestic cats were used along the way to produce this very loving homebody family member.

The programme produced cats with a somewhat larger and longer body which enhanced the bold vertical striping; with rich colours and a very distinctive coat, often referred to as a pelt. This is dense, luxurious and silky to the touch, and sprinkled with a dusting of gold glitter produced by reflection of light from the tips of each hair shaft. The cat is still perhaps a breed in progress, but the foundation is well made. TICA Championship status was awarded in 2012.

The Toyger has been described as the perfect blend of big cat looks with a pet cat body and personality. His heavily muscled, long, low-slung torso, together with big-boned, high set shoulders gives him a prowling gait resembling his jungle counterpart. The striped pattern is also distinctive, with variations including braids and stretched rosettes set against a lighter background, often red but can be orange, buff, or even mouse-coloured. Just like the tiger, every cat's markings are unique.

Toygers are generally laid-back, outgoing, and friendly with both humans and other cats, and even dogs. Being active and intelligent they need a stimulating environment. Adults are average in size. Because of their high energy levels they usually maintain a healthy weight. They do shed fur so occasional grooming is recommended.