With their striking stripes and bright colors, tiger-striped kittens stand out from the crowd. These exotic-looking felines have coats marked by vivid orange, black, and white fur arranged in unique patterns reminiscent of their big cat cousins. Several pedigreed breeds as well as mixed breed domestic cats can have the tiger look. If you are searching for a kitten with wild cat appeal, read on to learn about breeds that resemble tiny tigers.
Toyger
The Toyger is a relatively new pedigreed cat breed developed starting in the 1980s to resemble a mini tiger. Breeder Judy Sugden crossed domestic shorthairs with Bengals, a hybrid of domestic cats and Asian leopard cats that have a spotted coat. After introducing other striped and spotted breeds like the tabby into the mix, the Toyger was created. This breed typically has a bright orange coat with thick black stripes and a white belly like a tiger. The markings are randomly arranged like on a tiger as opposed to the mackerel or classic tabby patterns. Toygers have muscular bodies, thick fur, and a bold, confident personality to match their fierce appearance. They enjoy interacting with their human families and other pets when properly socialized. Here’s an overview of the Toyger:
| Origin | United States |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Coat | Short, dense |
| Pattern | Tiger-striped tabby |
| Colors | Orange, black, white |
| Personality | Confident, social |
If you want a true tiger look in a domestic kitten, the Toyger is your best option since it was created for that very purpose.
Bengal
The Bengal was one of the foundational breeds used to develop the Toyger and also has a wild cat appearance. Bengals have the exotic genes of the Asian leopard cat in their heritage. Solid orange or white Bengals with dark striped markings are reminiscent of tigers. However, spotting is more common in the breed. Bengals are active, vocal cats that thrive when given plenty of playtime and stimulation. They tend to bond closely with their families. Here are some quick facts about Bengals:
| Origin | United States |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Coat | Short, soft, thick |
| Pattern | Spotted or marbled tabby |
| Colors | Orange, black, white |
| Personality | Active, social |
Though not all Bengals have true tiger stripes, those that do are stunning. Their bright orange coats and bold markings never fail to impress.
Tabby
While Toygers and Bengals are pedigreed breeds developed from mixing other breeds, good old domestic shorthair tabby cats can also have tiger-like stripes. Tabby refers to the classic “M” marking pattern on the forehead and stripes on the body, legs, and tail. Tabbies come in orange, brown, gray, and other colors. Orange tabbies with thick, black stripes have a tiger look. They can have various patterns including:
| Mackerel tabby | Narrow stripes along the body |
| Classic tabby | Whirled or bullseye patterns on the sides |
| Spotted tabby | Stripes broken into spots |
| Ticked tabby | No stripes, only ticking or banding on each hair |
Mackerel and classic tiger-striped tabbies have an eye-catching wild cat look. These cats make wonderful pets since they have the balanced personality of the domestic shorthair. Tabby kittens are also commonly found in shelters and rescues if you want the tiger pattern in an affordable mixed breed kitten.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large, rugged natural breed hailing from the U.S. state of Maine. They have a medium-long water-resistant coat and a robust build. Maine Coons can be any color or pattern. The classic brown tabby pattern is most associated with the breed. However, Maine Coons also come in orange and white tiger tabby patterns. Their shaggy fur and substantial size only enhance their resemblance to mini tigers. Maine Coons are gentle giants known for their playful personalities and devotion to their families. Here are the Maine Coon’s key characteristics:
| Origin | United States |
| Size | Large |
| Coat | Medium-long, thick |
| Pattern | Tabby (classic, mackerel), solid |
| Colors | Brown tabby, orange tabby, solid white |
| Personality | Friendly, playful |
A Maine Coon with tiger stripes truly resembles a mini tiger. The similarities are so striking that the breed is rumored to have bobcat or lynx ancestry.
Ocicat
The Ocicat has spotted markings that give it a wild look, though not quite like a tiger. This breed was developed in the 1960s from crossing Siamese and Abyssinians. Through careful breeding, their coats mutated to have the spots and markings of wild cats like ocelots. Ocicats have a tawny or light tan base coat with dark chocolate, cinnamon, or lavender spots. Each spot is shaped like a thumbprint. These cats are active and outgoing. Ocicat facts:
| Origin | United States |
| Size | Medium |
| Coat | Short, silky |
| Pattern | Spotted tabby |
| Colors | Tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, lavender spots |
| Personality | Smart, active |
Ocicats don’t have true tiger markings but their wild appearance and athletic build make them resemble mini ocelots or another small wild cat.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a rare naturally spotted domestic breed. They originated in Egypt and are the fastest of the domestic cat breeds. Egyptian Maus have striking markings that give them a wild look. Most are silvery gray with black spots, but they can also come in bronze with brown spots. Their eyes are gooseberry green. Though not exactly like a tiger, their contrasting coloration and alert expression call to mind leopards and other exotic felines. Egyptian Maus bond closely with their human families. Some quick facts:
| Origin | Egypt |
| Size | Medium |
| Coat | Short, silky |
| Pattern | Spotted |
| Colors | Silver, bronze spots |
| Personality | Active, loyal |
With their dazzling spotted coats and wildcat origins, Egyptian Maus have an exotic, untamed look. They resemble mini leopards prowling your home.
Serengeti
Derived from crossing Siamese and Bengal cats, Serengetis have a vivid spotted coat reminiscent of their African habitat namesake. The breed was started in the 1990s and gained recognition in the 2000s. Serengetis come in a range of colors including black, brown, and golden. Their short coat has elongate oval spots randomly scattered like on a leopard or jaguar. Serengetis are active cats that get along well with other pets and children. They are devoted and playful pets. Here are some basics about this breed:
| Origin | United States |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Coat | Short, dense |
| Pattern | Spotted |
| Colors | Black, brown, golden spots |
| Personality | Active, social |
With their vivid spotted coats, Serengetis definitely have the look of an African wildcat like a caracal or serval. They make exotic-looking but docile pets.
Savannah
The Savannah is a hybrid between a domestic cat and a Serval, an African wild cat with large ears. Savannahs come in different generations, with F1 generations being 50% Serval. Later generations have more domestic cat genetics. Savannahs have long legs and a lanky build like their Serval parent. Their exotic spotted and striped coats further resemble a mini Serval. Savannah personality depends on the generation. Early generations tend to be more aloof. Savannah facts:
| Origin | United States |
| Size | Large |
| Coat | Short, dense |
| Pattern | Spotted tabby |
| Colors | Brown, black, silver spots |
| Personality | Active, aloof or social |
With their wildcat look and athletic build, Savannahs definitely resemble miniature versions of exotic spotted cats like leopards or cheetahs. They are legal hybrids in most areas.
Conclusion
Kittens with tiger-like patterns and colors are striking. Breeds like Toygers, Bengals, orange tabbies, and Maine Coons have the classic orange and black tiger coat. Spotted breeds including Serengetis, Egyptian Maus, and Ocicats resemble smaller wild cats like leopards or ocelots. For the most tiger-like kitten, look for pedigreed breeds like the Toyger that were developed specifically for that look. But a beautifully striped orange tabby also fits the bill splendidly. Whatever their breed, tiger-striped kittens make exotic and eye-catching pets. Just be prepared for them to draw plenty of attention!
