Baby tigers look so fluffy and cute when they’re born that it’s hard to imagine that they grow up to be such powerful beasts with exceptional hunting capabilities. They learn to be independent as cubs, with play fighting and pouncing all being part of their development. So let’s take a look at 10 interesting facts about baby tigers.
 

1. Baby tigers are born blind 

Baby tigers are born completely blind and rely on their mum for survival. Their eyes open within a week or two but their vision is fuzzy for the first couple of days afterwards.

1. They learn to hunt through play

Tigers develop essential hunting skills and muscle strength by playing with other tiger cubs. From stalking to pouncing, it’s all good practice.
 

1. They hunt with their mother between 8 and 10 months 

When tigers are about 8-10 months old, they’ll begin to go out with their mother to hunt. She’ll teach them how to stay safe while looking for a good meal. The first animals tiger cubs might learn to hunt include deer, pigs and cattle.

1. Tiger cubs drink milk for the first six months 

Like human babies, tiger cubs survive by drinking their mother’s milk. This is all they need for the first six to eight months of their lives, before starting on a carnivorous diet and switching to water. Perhaps that’s why, in like The Tiger Who Came To Tea, the tiger needs to drink all the water from the taps! 

1. Tiger cubs can’t survive without their mother for 18-24 months 

Tigers need to stay with their mothers for 18-24 months before finding new territories. This ensures they have enough to eat and keeps them safe from predators. After that, they head off to establish their own territories. 
 

1. Tiger cub survival rate in the wild in surprisingly low

Sadly, many tiger cubs do not survive in the wild. In fact, they only have a 50-70% chance of reaching adulthood. They’re vulnerable to all sorts of risks such as hypothermia, dehydration and starvation if left alone too long, or they can fall victim to predators. 
 

1. Tiger cub stripes are unique 

Like human fingerprints, tiger stripes are unique and help provide camouflage in the wild. Their fur starts off fluffy and becomes more dense and vibrant in colour as they get older. 
 

1. A litter can include up to seven cubs 

The largest tiger litters have around seven cubs, but mothers tend to give birth to three on average. 
 

1. Newborns are tiny

Tiger cubs are born weighing anywhere between 0.8-1.6kg. That’s about the weight of a bag of flour or a large bottle of water. 

1. Baby tigers are born with blue eyes 

Did you know that all baby tigers are born with blue eyes? These tend to change colour as they grow up, becoming more golden in hue.

If you’re searching for ‘children’s theatre near me,’ don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Currently touring the UK before enjoying a West End summer season, it’s one of the most popular family shows this year. Search ‘family theatre near me’ for a performance in your area, or head to London for an epic theatre experience.