Cat health

Toyger health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Toyger, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 11 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe vet-reviewed breed guide points to 3 health issues to plan for: progressive retinal atrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pyruvate Kinase Deficiency.

Health problems linked to the Toyger

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The cells at the back of the eye slowly wear out, starting with night vision. It isn't painful, but it can lead to blindness. [2]Cat vet visit (owner bills): $190–$525 [3]
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]The heart muscle thickens and stiffens. It is the most common heart disease in cats and can cause heart failure or blood clots. [4]Cat heart ultrasound (owner bills): $90–$400 [5]
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD)Named by: PetMD vet-reviewed guide [1]Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK deficiency) is an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by insufficient activity of its namesake regulatory enzyme. [6]DNA test: $47 [7]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

PetMD's vet-reviewed guide to the Toyger lists these conditions to know about: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD). [1]

Health screening

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 4 DNA health tests for the Toyger, including Dilute; Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency); Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-b) (Bengal); AB Blood Group in Domestic Cat Breeds. [8] One health test costs $47 there. [7]

What to budget

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published, but a routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525. [3]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Toyger at US-average prices, before insurance, is $800–$1,300. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 9–13 years and you get roughly $7,200–$17,200 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [3][9] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $435 a year for a cat in the US in 2025. [10] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [11]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Toyger?

Based on PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide, the conditions to know about are progressive retinal atrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. That doesn't mean every Toyger will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Toyger?

Breed-specific cat bills aren't published. A routine vet visit for any cat typically runs $190–$525 (VetReceipt owner bills).

Should I get pet insurance for a Toyger?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $435 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

How long does a Toyger live?

PetMD gives a life expectancy of 9–13 years.

Toyger breed guideProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogsDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogsAtenololVet visit costMRI, CT and ultrasound cost

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (11) — tap to show
  1. PetMD – Toyger cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
  2. OFA – Eye certification
  3. VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. Cornell Feline Health Center – Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  5. VetReceipt – Cat Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  6. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency)
  7. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Cat DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  8. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Toyger DNA tests
  9. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  10. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  11. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost