Tonkinese Cat Breed

Body Size - Medium
Coat Length - Short
Life Span - 15 Years

Tonkinese Description

The Tonkinese is a medium between the svelte Siamese and the cobby Burmese. It comes in both the Siamese and Burmese coat patterns as well as the "mink" or "Tonkinese" pattern, which is the medium between the two. Tonkinese minks also have the distinctive aquamarine eyes. This is a breed with a slightly heavier body type than that associated with the Siamese, and with a wider head and muzzle. The muzzle is square and the nose is indented. Eyes are aquamarine blue with all coat colors. The coat is short and glossy. Accepted colors and markings are as for the Siamese and Burmese.

Tonkinese History

History shows that the Tonkinese have occurred naturally in South East Asia for hundreds, if not thousands, of years , and that the first Burmese was actually a Tonkinese. Tonkinese were shown in England in the late 1800s as Chocolate Siamese, and today's Tonkinese have been recreated by breeding Siamese and Burmese together.

Tonkinese Traits

Tonkinese are an intelligent, active cat that can be described as the "dogs of the cat world". They can be walked on leashes, have been known to retrieve and wait for your arrival home at the front door. Tonkinese are very active, inquisitive cats. They are playful and acrobatic, and the house where they live should be cat-proofed carefully. Tonkinese cats should be maintained indoors, as they may be inclined to wander if allowed outdoors.

Tonkinese Good Aspects

Many Tonkinese enthusiasts look to the breed as it reminds them on the old fashioned Siamese they had as a child. It comes in 3 coat patterns, as well as a host of colors (brown, chocolate, blue and lilac, as well as reds and creams). It is a robust and active cat, while being loyal and loving.

Tonkinese Health

Being derived from both the Siamese and Burmese breeds, the Tonkinese is normally free from any health problems.

Tonkinese Beware

Tonkinese are affectionate, gregarious cats, so if you are at work all day, they do require some sort of animal companionship. Two Tonks are Terrific!

Tonkinese Summary

Coat color is not temperature dependent, as it is in the Siamese. The Tonkinese cat was originally the result of a Siamese to Burmese breeding. The ideal Tonkinese is intermediate in type, being neither cobby nor svelte. The Tonkinese should give the overall impression of an alert, active cat with good muscular development. The cat should be surprisingly heavy. While the breed is to be considered medium in size, balance and proportion are of greater importance. When you put all these factors together, you end up with a stunning cat, with a fantastic personality that stands above all others. Why wouldn't they be popular?