The Tonkinese breed are sleek and graceful – similar to the Siamese but with a rounder face and darker markings around the tail, paws, and face. Their fur is short while still managing to be soft and silky to the touch. Plenty of color variations abound with about 12 colors and patterns – with four attractive base colors of natural, platinum, blue, and champagne point.
Image: Preconscious Eye via Flickr
Personality
Tonkinese demand a lot of love and affection, and enjoy playing games of tag and hide and seek with either their human companions, or other willing pets in the household. Kittens are especially playful but these cats retain some of that playfulness well into adult hood.
They love to play so scratching posts and a variety of toys are essential to keep your fun-loving Tonkinese companions entertained. Most Tonkinese owners will opt to have two cats so they are never lonely or bored.
All visitors will be enthusiastically greeted at the door but children are sure to receive the majority of attention. Tonkinese appreciate all company however, so dogs and other cats will also become firm friends.
Tonkinese will only speak when they have something to say and owners would be wise to listen. Not paying attention may cause the cat to find alternative, often mischievous ways of making itself heard.
Did You Know?
Tonkinese are the result of a crossbreeding program between Siamese and Burmese cats. Originally the name was spelt Tonkanese and is not a reference to the Tonkin region of Indochina. The name is actually linked to the musical ‘South Pacific’ where half breeds were not discriminated against.
Caring for Your Tonkinese Cat
Tonkinese have an easy care coat which should only require grooming once a week. Other than that you will only need to keep their nails nicely trimmed and ears clean.
They can be prone to periodontal disease which is easily remedied by brushing when needed with a vet approved toothpaste.
Tonkinese cats are best suited to an indoor life, as their friendly trusting nature means they are unlikely to defend themselves against predators.
If you have a Tonkinese cat in your life, please share your experiences below.
What a great profile of this wonderful breed. We have some Tonkinese pals, and they are just as you say! 🙂