What is the name of the tiger cat? - briefly
The tiger cat is commonly known as the Bengal cat. This breed is distinguished by its spotted or marbled coat, reminiscent of a wild tiger.
What is the name of the tiger cat? - in detail
The "tiger cat" is not a formal or widely recognized term in the scientific community, but it is often used colloquially to describe cats with striped coats that resemble those of tigers. There are several breeds and types of domestic cats that are known for their striking stripes, which can lead to them being referred to as "tiger cats."
One of the most well-known breeds that fits this description is the Bengal cat. Developed by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), Bengals are known for their wild, exotic appearance and distinctive coat patterns reminiscent of tigers. Their coats can vary from a spotted tabby pattern to more complex rosettes, which sometimes resemble the stripes of a tiger.
Another breed that might be called a "tiger cat" is the Toyger. The name Toyger is a portmanteau of "toy" and "tiger," reflecting its intentional breeding to mimic the appearance of a small tiger. Toygers have a distinctive coat pattern with dark stripes against a lighter background, similar to the markings on a tiger's fur.
Additionally, many domestic shorthair cats can exhibit striped coats that are sometimes referred to as "tiger-like." These patterns occur naturally in many mixed-breed cats and are not specific to any particular breed. The term "tabby" is often used to describe these coat patterns, which include mackerel tabbies (vertical stripes) and classic tabbies (swirling stripes).
In summary, the term "tiger cat" can apply to various breeds and domestic cats with striped coats that resemble those of tigers. The Bengal and Toyger are two well-known breeds that are often associated with this description, but many other cats may also be referred to as "tiger cats" due to their natural coat patterns.