Young tigers are beautiful yet sleepy little creatures, getting anywhere between 16 to 20 hours of rest a day. All this sleep is needed for growth and development. It also ensures they have a lot of energy when they are awake. The question is - how do young tigers entertain themselves when they’re not snoozing? Let’s take a closer look. 

Play fighting with siblings 

Female tigers typically have two to four cubs per litter, but this number can climb up to six. Cubs therefore always have siblings to wrestle, chase and bite in mock fights. While this might just look like fun and games, fighting actually strengthens a tiger cub’s muscles and helps them to develop an array of skills needed for hunting when they get a bit older. 

Pounce practice 

On a similar note, tiger cubs love to sneak, stalk and pounce on almost anything they can find - including siblings, their own shadow or even little birds and lizards. As with play fighting, pounce practice helps to prepare them for a solo life as a predator as it mimics their future hunting behaviour. 

Chasing moving objects 

Tiger cubs are surprisingly similar to domestic cats in that they love chasing almost anything that moves. This could be falling leaves, insects or anything else they find in their territory. Tiger cubs chase things for fun but these games all help them to develop good coordination and precision, both of which are needed when hunting. 

Climbing and exploring 

Tigers are curious creatures. This is what makes them highly successful at surviving alone in the wild. Young tigers are particularly nosy and will explore their surroundings by climbing rocks, trees, or logs, depending on their confidence. As tigers age, they get more and more adventurous, venturing further away from their mother a bit at a time.

Swimming and splashing 

Unlike most big cats, tiger cubs love water and can often be seen swimming or splashing around in ponds and rivers. These natural playgrounds help to keep tiger cubs cool in hot temperatures and enable them to practise swimming. 

Playing with toys 

Tiger cubs will play with just about anything from sticks and bones to fruit and even animal dung. They like to chew, toss and roll things around for fun. Tiger cubs in captivity are often provided with toys that are designed to encourage this playful behaviour. 

Copying adults 

As with most young animals - including human children - tiger cubs learn by copying the adults around them. They mimic behaviours that their mother displays, such as stalking, grooming and marketing their territory. By doing this, learning becomes an experimental and playful process.

If you and your family love tigers and are looking for theatre for preschoolers this summer, don’t miss The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, the show is full of clumsy chaos and plenty of laughter, making it great for children aged three and above who love the theatre. Family entertainment doesn’t get much better, so book your family theatre tickets today.