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
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Affectionate
These cats are always on the hunt for human company and attention. They are generally considered an affectionate breed.
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Playful
Energetic, even athletic, these cats are in great need of both exercise and entertainment. Daily interaction and autonomous games are essential to their well-being.
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Calm
Once they’ve had their daily dose of exercise, Tonkinese will relax with their owners, peers or sometimes even alone.
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Intelligent
Due to their active nature, Tonkinese shows great interest in their environments. They are intelligent cats and therefore are good candidates for training which stimulates their intellectual abilities.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
Depending on how they were socialised at a young age, these cats are generally quite curious.
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Independent
Tonkinese can adapt to most living conditions and constraints, but they do prefer the presence of humans or other animals.
Behaviour of the Tonkinese
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Chatty
Although usually less chatty than Siamese cats, they are still considered a rather vocal breed.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
Tonkinese need regular exercise so regular play sessions are integral.
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Tendency to run away
Due to their curious and energetic nature, some members of this breed want to explore their living environment in detail.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Their high energy levels go hand in hand with their appetites. Feeding them in interactive bowls makes it possible to meet their nutritional needs while offering them autonomous activity.
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Is the Tonkinese right for you?
take the testCompatibility
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Tonkinese and cats
Generally, Tonkinese get on well with other cats. Sufficient socialisation as a kitten, gradual introduction in a controlled environment, and plenty of high points for the cats to escape, are all factors that will facilitate cohabitation between cats in the household.
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Tonkinese and dogs
Tonkinese can acclimatise to living with a dog as they generally love any social interactions. However, they must be gradually introduced in a controlled environment with high points for the cat to escape to. N.B. The way the cat has been socialised as a kitten will greatly influence their long term sociability with dogs.
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Tonkinese and children
The energetic nature of this cat and the creativity of children promises many surprises! However, it is important to educate children from an early age to fully understand the cat’s body language, in order to develop a healthy relationship between the cat and child.
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Tonkinese and the elderly
It goes without saying that there are many individual behavioural differences in cats of the same breed. However, it must be kept in mind that this breed is very energetic, and it may be difficult for elderly people to meet the needs of a Tonkinese.
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.