Following mating, the gestation averages 104 to 106 days and the usual number of cubs is 2 or 3 and typically varies from 1 to 4. The young are born in a shelter situated in tall grass, in thick bush, under fallen trees, among rocks, or in caves. The new-born tiger cubs weigh from 780 to 1600g. The eyes and ears of new-born cubs are closed; they open 6 to 14 days after birth. The fur is thick and woolly and of the same colour pattern as in adults. This fur is shed at about 3.5 to 5 months of age.

The suckling time lasts 3 to 6 months; the young begin eating small amounts of solid food at about month 2. At about month 2, the young are able to follow their mother on her hunting expeditions; at month 5 or they begin to take part in actual hunting. The tigress teaches them to stalk, attack, and finally to kill the prey. One-year-old tigers weigh from about 90 to 130 kg. At the age of 2 to 3 years, young tigers attain the general colour of adults. The young usually separate from their mother at about year 2.