Tonkinese
Other names: Tibetan

Tonkinese are a domestic cat breed produced by crossbreeding a Siamese and a Burmese cat. As a result, they have the characteristics of both breeds. Tonkinese are elegant, muscular and energetic, which makes them excellent playmates. Their dense and lustrous coats exist in a diverse range of patterns and colors.
Key facts about the Tonkinese
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Origins and history
This breed originates from cross-breeding between a Siamese and a Burmese cat. They first appeared in North America in the thirties and were known as Golden Siamese. However, some people believe that cross-breeding would have unofficially occurred in the 19th century in Thailand. Unpopular during the first half of the 20th century, it was only during the sixties that the Tonkinese gained popularity and were given their current name! Tonkin is a region of Vietnam, which interestingly, is not directly related to the history of the breed.
Physical characteristics of the Tonkinese
Adult size
Female : Between 10 and 12 in
Male : Between 12 and 14 in
Reaches adult size around 12 months, however they can continue to grow beyond this point.
Weight
Female : Between 4 and 9 lb
Male : Between 11 and 13 lb
Coat colour
Black / seal, blue / grey-slate, chocolate, lilac / lilac, cinnamon / cinnamon, fawn / fawn, red, white.
Type of coat
Long, short.
Eye colour
Blue / aquamarine, gold / yellow, green
Description
Tonkinese have slender, muscular and athletic bodies. Their heads are triangular, they have medium length muzzles and broad, rounded ears. Their legs and tail are long, but powerful.
Their coat is renowned for their silky and shiny appearance. There are both short haired and long haired varieties of Tonkinese. Long-haired Tonkinese are known as a Tibetan cats.
Good to know
Kittens are generally born with paler coats than their adult counterparts. Their fur darkens around the age of 2.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Tonkinese
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Price
Their price ranges from £300 to £700. This price varies according to the individual’s lineage, breeding, age and sex. It will cost on average £25/month to provide for a Tonkinese, in order to offer them a good quality diet and to keep them in good health.
Grooming
Weekly brushing is usually sufficient due to their light undercoat.
Shedding
Insignificant hair loss.
Nutrition of the Tonkinese
Due to their high energy levels, Tonkinese need high quality diets, that are appropriate to their age and medical requirements.
Health of the Tonkinese
Life expectancy
Average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years, however on occasion Tonkinese have been know to reach 20 years of age.
Strong / robust
Due to their light undercoats, they are not very well prepared for cold weather conditions.
Tendency to put on weight
There are many risk factors for feline obesity, including age, environment, diet and activity. However, as the Tonkinese is an energetic cat, their likelihood of obesity is significantly reduced.
Common illnesses
Although this breed is generally considered healthy, annual medical checkups are recommended. Tonkinese can still develop the same illnesses as other domestic cats, such as oral diseases.
Also, Tonkinese cats are more likely to be diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy, which results in blindness (however a genetic screening test is possible).
Reproduction
Cross-breeding is permitted with other Tonkinese or with English Burmese cats. Additionally, cross-breeding with Asian Longhairs is also provisionally permitted (until 2020).
Average litters consist of 4 kittens.