As one of the world’s most endangered animals, tigers are protected by a variety of measures - and every cub that’s born is precious. Despite conservation efforts, cubs face significant challenges to their survival - it’s estimated that only around half survive past their first two years. With that in mind, when a tiger comes of age it’s a great milestone for the species. Let’s look at the development of tiger cubs and when they come of age. 

Born defenceless

Tiger cubs are born in litters of up to seven, but usually there are around three. At birth they are blind and deaf, weighing between 785g and 1.6kg - that’s about the weight of a pineapple! To begin with they’re completely dependent on their mother, with their vision and hearing only becoming clearer after the first few weeks of life. 

For the first 8-10 days after birth, a tigress will not leave her cubs at all, caring for them continuously. Once the cubs’ eyes and ears have opened, she will leave only to find water and hunt. She spends much of her time nursing and licking the cubs to stimulate circulation and digestion. 

Play time

At 6-8 weeks old, tiger cubs have their first taste of solid food, but continue to mostly drink milk until six months old. Around two months old they start to accompany their mum on hunting trips, but do not participate. Instead they wait in a safe place until she brings food back to them. 

When they reach around four months, cubs spend lots of time playing. By pouncing, chasing and wrestling with their siblings, they learn some of the vital skills they need to survive such as coordination, stalking and social cues. As the weeks pass, their muscles grow stronger and their senses sharpen, and by 8-10 months old they’re making their first clumsy attempts at hunting. It’s a long process, but each time the cubs get a little better. 

Coming of age

By the time the tiger cubs are 15-16 months old there’s a hierarchy among them, with the dominant cub feeding first and claiming the most resources. The cubs are still playing to hone their skills, but they also take a more active role in hunts. Their mum will injure prey and allow them to make the kill, or bring them small or weak animals to practice on. 

Between 18-24 months of age, young tigers become fully independent of their mothers. The dominant cub is usually the first to leave, with males finding temporary, marginal habitats at first until they have grown strong enough to take over a permanent territory. Female cubs stay closer to their mother’s territory and may even share or take it over as she ages. 

Every tiger that survives to breeding age (3-5 years old) is important in the fight to save this beautiful cat from extinction. 

Catch a tiger in London

A much less endangered tiger is coming to London this summer - one that eats all the food in Sophie’s house and drinks all her tea! Don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea, one of the most successful family shows around. Playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 14 July - 7 September 2025, it’s a family theatre show that’s packed with fun, and perfect for kids aged three and up. Get your family theatre tickets today and join in.